Sen. Jamie Eldridge

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 (H 4515) expands access to community-based juvenile diversion programs by removing automatic disqualification for youth referred to juvenile court. It protects statements made during assessments from being used against youth in court and requires courts to dismiss original complaints unless a report recommends otherwise. Diversion remains unavailable for serious offenses like those with minimum prison sentences or specific violent charges. The law directly affects youth in juvenile court and aims to reduce court involvement for less severe cases while maintaining legal pathways for serious crimes.

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 495) of John C. Velis, Paul K. Frost, Susannah M. Whipps, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation to codify the Hospital to Home Partnership Program. Elder Affairs.

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1741) of Michael O. Moore, James K. Hawkins, Steven S. Howitt, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to police training in appropriate interactions with persons on the autism spectrum and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1736) of Michael O. Moore, Dylan A. Fernandes, Paul W. Mark, James B. Eldridge and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish a board of hoisting machinery regulations. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 571) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Dylan A. Fernandes and Manny Cruz for legislation to save recycling costs in the commonwealth. Environment and Natural Resources.

Maddy summaryHD 1119 prohibits pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from discriminating against hospitals and patients participating in the federal 340B drug discount program. The bill specifically bans PBMs from reimbursing 340B hospitals at lower rates than non-340B hospitals, charging extra fees for 340B participation, restricting network access based on 340B status, or requiring special identification for 340B drugs (except for Medicaid claims). It also prevents PBMs from steering patients away from 340B providers or imposing higher costs like extra copays for drugs obtained through these hospitals. This state-level bill directly affects 340B-covered hospitals (including community health centers and safety-net providers) and their patients by ensuring equitable access to discounted medications.

By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 572) of Sal N. DiDomenico, James B. Eldridge and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to establish sustainable and equitable funding for climate change adaptation and mitigation. Environment and Natural Resources.

By Representatives Finn of West Springfield and Garballey of Arlington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 232) of Michael J. Finn, Norman J. Orrall and others relative to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.