Sen. Jo Comerford

Senate, January 8, 2025 -- The committee on Agriculture and Fisheries to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 54) of Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to regulate the sale of hemp products and establish the Hemp Product Education Fund, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2800).

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 54) of Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to regulate the sale of hemp products and establish the Hemp Product Education Fund. Agriculture.

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1571) of Jason M. Lewis and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to prohibit the marketing of sugary drinks in schools. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands loan repayment assistance for primary care physicians in Massachusetts. It adds family physicians, internal medicine doctors, pediatricians, and obstetricians/gynecologists to the existing program, making them eligible for loan repayment. To qualify, physicians must work with significant public payor patient populations (as defined by the Department of Public Health), have outstanding education debt, not use other loan programs, and sign a 4-year contract with the state. The program also specifies that part-time workers receive pro-rated assistance. The Executive Office of Health and Human Services must issue implementing regulations within three months of the bill's effective date.

Senate, January 7, 2026 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 194) of Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to limit credit card surcharges on credit card transactions in the commonwealth; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 204) of John J. Cronin for legislation relative to transparency in credit card fees; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 278) of Jacob R. Oliveira relative to credit card surcharges, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2819).

By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1548) of Patricia D. Jehlen, Joanne M. Comerford, Jacob R. Oliveira, Sal N. DiDomenico and other members of the Senate for legislation to improve outdoor and indoor air quality for communities burdened by transportation pollution. Public Health.

By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1543) of Cindy F. Friedman and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to establish a nursing workforce center at the University of Massachusetts medical school in Worcester. Public Health.

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 194) of Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to limit credit card surcharges on credit card transactions in the commonwealth. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Massachusetts healthcare facilities (like hospitals, clinics, and long-term care centers) to implement a medical chaperone policy. It mandates that doctors or nurses inform patients before sensitive exams (such as those involving genitalia, breasts, or rectal areas) about their option to request a trained medical chaperone or, if unavailable, a family/friend chaperone (called a "familial chaperone"). Facilities must document these disclosures and requests in patients' electronic health records, provide educational materials to patients and familial chaperones, and report annual usage data to the state. The policy directly affects patients receiving intimate exams, healthcare facilities, and medical staff who must follow these new disclosure and documentation procedures.

By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 284) of Pavel M. Payano for legislation to enable trained dental hygienists to administer dermal fillers and botox. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.