Sen. Jo Comerford

Maddy summaryThis bill amends burial assistance rules to clarify that the $3,500 state payment to qualifying families does not cover cash advances paid to third parties (like crematories or cemeteries) for services not directly provided by the funeral home. It requires the state department to quickly review and process these applications, issuing payments promptly upon approval. The change directly affects low-income or indigent families seeking state burial assistance, ensuring funds are used only for direct funeral home services. The policy focuses on streamlining payment processing and clarifying eligible expenses.

Maddy summaryHD 3015, "An Act relative to health insurance coverage for hearing aids," requires Massachusetts health insurance plans to cover hearing aids for insured residents with hearing loss. The bill mandates coverage for one hearing aid per hearing-impaired ear every 36 months, based on a physician's written statement, with earlier coverage allowed if hearing changes. It includes the hearing aid deemed best by the patient and audiologist (regardless of brand), all related services (evaluation, fitting, adjustments), supplies (ear molds, batteries), and repairs/replacements if the device fails. Insurance plans must limit copayments to $200 max, apply the same terms as other durable medical equipment, and cover both group and non-group policies. This directly affects Massachusetts residents with hearing loss who have health insurance.

Senate, January 22, 2026 -- The committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1720) of Liz Miranda, Joanne M. Comerford, Mike Connolly, James B. Eldridge and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to regulating visits in state prisons and correctional facilities, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2858).

By Mr. Driscoll, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1668) of William J. Driscoll, Jr., Steven George Xiarhos, Sal N. DiDomenico, John F. Keenan and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish the Massachusetts emergency management agency. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1720) of Liz Miranda, Joanne M. Comerford, Mike Connolly, James B. Eldridge and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to regulating visits in state prisons and correctional facilities. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1722) of Liz Miranda, Joanne M. Comerford, Adam Gomez and Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation to grant elder and medical parole. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2146) of Paul R. Feeney, Joanne M. Comerford, Sal N. DiDomenico and Manny Cruz for legislation to address the racial wealth gap. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the city of Greenfield to amend its municipal charter. It requires approval from both the mayor and city council, as specified in the petition submitted by Representatives Blais and Comerford. The bill itself does not change local laws but provides the procedural mechanism for Greenfield to modify its own governing document.

By Representative Sabadosa of Northampton and Senator Comerford, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Lindsay N. Sabadosa and Joanne M. Comerford relative to the operation of golf carts in certain rural communities. Transportation.

Senate, January 15, 2026 -- The committee on Election Laws to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 531) of Rebecca L. Rausch, Michael J. Barrett, Joanne M. Comerford, Erika Uyterhoeven and others for legislation to provide a local option for ranked choice voting in municipal elections, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2911).