Sen. Jamie Eldridge

By Representatives Kushmerek of Fitchburg and Rogers of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3159) of Michael P. Kushmerek, David M. Rogers and others for legislation to support family caregivers through tax credits and the establishment an advisory council (including members of the General Court) relative to family care giving. Revenue.

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1921) of John C. Velis, Simon Cataldo, Sean Garballey, Vanna Howard and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to retirement equity for parenting teachers. Public Service.

By Representatives Domb of Amherst and Sousa of Framingham, a petition (accompanied by resolve, House, No. 559) of Mindy Domb and Priscila S. Sousa for an investigation and study by a special commission (including members of the General Court) relative to the consumer impacts of electronic textbooks. Education.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve the sustainability of birth centers and the midwifery workforce by ensuring that midwives receive payment rates equal to those of physicians for the same services. It directly affects certified nurse-midwives and licensed certified professional midwives who provide care to employees of the Commonwealth and individuals covered by various health insurance plans. The key mechanism requires insurance companies, Medicaid managed care organizations, and other health plans to pay midwifery services at rates no lower than what would be paid if a doctor performed them, regardless of where the care is given. Additionally, the legislation mandates that these payment standards apply to both prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum care provided by midwives. By establishing these parity rules across different types of insurance and service agreements, the bill seeks to support the financial viability of midwifery practices.

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1817) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, Vanna Howard, Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation to provide fair and affordable public retiree benefits. Public Service.

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by proposal for constitutional amendment, Senate, No. 11) of Joanne M. Comerford for a legislative amendment to the Constitution relative to agricultural and horticultural lands. Revenue.

By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 784) of Joan B. Lovely, Susannah M. Whipps, Bruce E. Tarr, Hannah Kane and others for legislation to promote and enhance the sustainability of birth centers and the midwifery workforce. Financial Services.

By Representatives Scanlon of North Attleborough and Kushmerek of Fitchburg, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 691) of Adam J. Scanlon, Michael P. Kushmerek and others relative to the special education reimbursement program and for an investigation by a special commission (including members of the General Court) relative to the long-term fiscal health and sustainability of special education funding. Education.

Senate, April 1, 2026 -- Text of the Senate Bill fostering agricultural resilience in Massachusetts (Senate, No. 3040) (being the text of Senate No. 2029, printed as amended)

By Representative Ciccolo of Lexington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3462) of Michelle L. Ciccolo relative to authorizing municipalities to relocate certain utility poles, wires or attachments. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.