By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 882) of Jason M. Lewis, Joanne M. Comerford and James B. Eldridge for legislation to require MassHealth to make Graduate Medical Education payments. Health Care Financing.
By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 842) of Joanne M. Comerford and Steven Owens for legislation to offer financial assistance for medical debt to those below the federal poverty level. Health Care Financing.
By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 78) of James B. Eldridge for legislation relative to ownership and license holders in the cannabis industry. Cannabis Policy.
By Ms. Lovely (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Elizabeth Bradt, Julie Breskin, Jeff Gross, Ian McLeod and others for legislation to establish offices of legislative research and fiscal analysis. Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently.
Maddy summaryHD 913 requires the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to annually request full state funding for regional school district transportation starting in fiscal year 2026. The bill mandates these funding requests comply with the Commonwealth's existing legal obligation under Chapter 71, Section 16C. This ensures regional school districts receive the full state funding they are legally entitled to for transportation services. The bill directly affects regional school districts by securing consistent state financial support for their transportation needs.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state to fully reimburse school districts for special education transportation costs that exceed regular program costs. It directly affects cities, towns, regional school districts, and vocational schools serving students with special education needs. Reimbursement covers the regular program's average per-pupil cost plus excess costs (capped at 110% of the statewide average), calculated using specific department-defined methods. Funding increases gradually, reaching 100% reimbursement by fiscal year 2029. The bill ensures districts aren't burdened by costs not covered under existing programs.
Maddy summaryHD 3584, titled "An Act relative to hospital profit and fairness," targets hospitals receiving Commonwealth funding that serve fewer than 60% government patients (e.g., Medicaid/Medicare). It imposes civil penalties on facilities with operating margins exceeding 8% or CEO compensation over 50 times the minimum wage employee pay, requiring public reporting of all financial assets (including foreign holdings) within 7 days. Penalties collected fund a new Medicaid Reimbursement Enhancement Fund to improve Medicaid payments to eligible hospitals. The law applies to acute care hospitals, teaching hospitals, and state-operated facilities but excludes rehabilitation and long-term care centers. It takes effect January 1, 2025, without affecting pre-existing contracts.
By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 29) of Cynthia Stone Creem, Rebecca L. Rausch, Joanne M. Comerford, James B. Eldridge and other members of the Senate for legislation to establish the Massachusetts Data Privacy Protection Act. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.
By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 197) of Cynthia Stone Creem, Rebecca L. Rausch, Michael O. Moore, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation to protect reproductive health access, LGBTQ lives, religious liberty, and freedom of movement by banning the sale of cell phone location information. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 49) of Michael O. Moore and James B. Eldridge for legislation to implement annual statewide public employee cybersecurity training. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.
