By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 369) of Adam Gomez, Joanne M. Comerford, Vanna Howard, Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish the Whole Child Grant Program. Education.
By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 311) of Joanne M. Comerford, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., Adam Gomez, Jacob R. Oliveira and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish farm to school grants to promote healthy eating and strengthen the agricultural economy. Education.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 40) requires the state treasurer to reimburse school districts and vocational schools for transportation costs of students in special education programs. It directly affects school districts that provide transportation for these students, as it covers costs not normally provided to regular students and not eligible for other state reimbursements. The reimbursement includes the base cost per pupil in regular programs plus any excess costs for special education transportation, capped at 110% of the average excess cost across all districts. Funding will be phased in over four years, starting at 25% in 2026 and reaching 100% by 2029.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts housing accessibility laws to increase adaptable housing for people with disabilities and seniors. It requires that 5% of units in new residential buildings with 20+ units meet specific accessibility standards, including a 5-foot wheelchair turning radius in kitchens and bathrooms. The law expands requirements to include "areas not generally in public use" and updates terminology from "handicapped" to "persons with disabilities" throughout. It also allows local flexibility in setting accessibility percentages based on regional needs using data from the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission.
By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 328) of John J. Cronin, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., Joanne M. Comerford, Vanna Howard and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to full funding of regional school district transportation. Education.
By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 318) of Brendan P. Crighton and Michael J. Barrett for legislation to modernize school construction. Education.
By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 388) of Robyn K. Kennedy, Vanna Howard, Jacob R. Oliveira, Mike Connolly and other members of the General Court for legislation to fix the chapter 70 inflation adjustment. Education.
By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 345) of Sal N. DiDomenico and Colleen M. Garry for legislation to eliminate the education funding inflation cap. Education.
Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill prohibits discrimination against participants in the federal 340B drug discount program. It requires insurers, drug companies, and distributors to provide equal reimbursement and treatment to 340B-covered entities (like safety-net hospitals) and their contract pharmacies, banning lower payments, special restrictions, or interference with patient choices to access 340B drugs. The law explicitly forbids denying 340B drug access, disrupting contracts between pharmacies and 340B entities, or demanding extra data as a condition for supplying 340B drugs. Violations are treated as unfair trade practices under Massachusetts law. The bill directly affects healthcare providers and pharmacies participating in the 340B program within Massachusetts.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates September as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month in the state. It requires the governor to issue an annual proclamation during September to increase public awareness of PCOS, which is described as the most common endocrine disorder affecting women. The proclamation encourages appropriate observance to promote better education, earlier diagnosis, and improved care for those impacted. The bill does not create new programs or funding but focuses on raising awareness through official recognition.
