Sen. Nick Collins

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Board of Registration in Midwifery within the Department of Public Health to oversee and regulate the practice of midwifery in the state. The board will consist of nine appointed members, including licensed midwives, obstetricians, and a public representative, with a specific requirement to consider racial disparities in maternal health during appointments. Additionally, the legislation expands the definition of who can prescribe medication to include licensed midwives and establishes a program for postpartum depression screenings for state employees. It also updates various state laws to formally recognize and define the roles of certified nurse-midwives and licensed midwives across different departments.

By Representative Xiarhos of Barnstable, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2422) of Steven George Xiarhos and others relative to the security of exercise equipment and free weights in correctional institutions. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Representative Xiarhos of Barnstable, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2423) of Steven George Xiarhos and others relative to providing advanced life support to police dogs injured in the line of duty. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to help the tourism industry in Massachusetts recover economically by adjusting tax rules for specific years. It lowers the interest rate charged on unpaid taxes from 14% to 7% for hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and lodging houses during fiscal years 2022, 2023, and 2024. Additionally, the bill allows these same types of businesses to avoid losing tax abatement benefits if they owe more than $5,000 in taxes, provided they pay the full amount without incurring interest charges. These changes apply only to the specified three-year period and target properties subject to taxation under Chapter 64G of the General Laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state fund called the Fair Share Fund to hold money specifically for public education, affordable college tuition, and the repair of roads and bridges. It requires that all revenue designated for these purposes remains in this separate account and cannot be moved to the general state budget. Additionally, the bill exempts homeowners over age 65 who have lived in their primary residence for more than 30 years from a specific property tax surcharge on up to $750,000 of their home's value.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to exempt income from the one-time sale of small businesses and residential properties from a specific state surtax. The measure directly affects owners of small businesses and homeowners who sell their properties, aiming to reduce the tax burden on these transactions. By removing the surtax requirement for these sales, the legislation seeks to provide financial relief to individuals in these categories.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits licensed pet shops in Massachusetts from selling or offering dogs, cats, and rabbits for sale. It allows these businesses to display animals on behalf of rescue or shelter organizations, provided the shop does not own the animals. Local governments retain the authority to impose additional restrictions or bans on the sale of these pets. The law will take effect 90 days after it is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Board of Registration of Licensed Recovery Coaches within the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to oversee the professional licensing of recovery coaches. The board will consist of twelve appointed members representing diverse backgrounds, including recovery coaches, individuals with lived experience of substance use disorders, and healthcare professionals. It creates a formal definition for "Licensed Recovery Coach" and sets the stage for a structured licensure process, ensuring that those providing recovery support services meet specific state standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands health coverage for state employees and retirees by mandating that their insurance plans cover opioid antagonists and licensed recovery coach services without deductibles or prior authorization. It also requires all medical practitioners to complete training on non-opioid pain management alternatives and the risks of opioid misuse before renewing their licenses. Additionally, the legislation directs pharmacies in high-overdose areas to maintain a continuous supply of over-the-counter opioid antagonists and requires substance use disorder treatment facilities to educate patients and provide at least two doses of these medications upon discharge.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to prohibit the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in new pet shops in Massachusetts. It achieves this by amending state laws to ban licensed pet shops from selling or offering these specific animals for adoption. The legislation directly affects businesses that operate as new pet shops and would prevent them from acting as sources for these pets. By restricting sales in this manner, the bill aims to reduce the number of animals sold in commercial settings.