Sen. John Keenan

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to create a new program aimed at improving the local and regional public health system, specifically targeting disparities in service delivery. The Department of Public Health will work with municipalities to establish a state action for public health excellence that ensures all residents have uniform access to essential services, with a focus on racial and health equity for historically underrepresented communities. Key provisions include developing statewide standards for public health programs, encouraging the sharing of resources and expertise across different jurisdictions, and providing adequate funding to help local health boards meet these new standards. Ultimately, the legislation seeks to strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of public health services throughout the Commonwealth by formalizing support and accountability measures.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires manufacturers of menstrual products sold in Massachusetts to list all intentionally added ingredients on the product packaging and their websites. The law mandates that these ingredient lists be printed in at least 10-point font on the outside of the package and updated within 12 months if a product's formula changes. Additionally, manufacturers must revise the information on their websites within six months of any formula change. The legislation applies to all types of menstrual products, including tampons, pads, cups, and underwear, and includes a $1,000 fine for violations. The requirements take effect 12 months after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts laws to allow the prescription monitoring program to include records of opioid maintenance treatment, provided patient privacy rules are followed. It requires opioid treatment facilities to present patients with a consent form explaining that sharing their treatment data with the program is voluntary but encouraged to help doctors coordinate care. Licensed healthcare providers would then be able to see if a patient is already in an opioid maintenance program before prescribing other opioid medications. The changes aim to improve safety and service coordination while ensuring patients maintain control over their personal health information.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates an Auto Body Labor Rate Advisory Board to study labor costs and recommend fair rates for vehicle repairs. The board will be composed of representatives from insurance companies, auto repair shops, vocational schools, consumer advocates, and economists who will conduct annual surveys to gather data on labor rates and related costs. Based on these findings, the bill requires the insurance commissioner to set a minimum hourly labor rate that insurers must pay for repairs at registered shops, with a floor of $55 per hour. This change directly affects auto insurance companies and independent repair shops across Massachusetts by establishing a standardized minimum payment for labor on insured claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts pesticide regulations to require schools, child care centers, and universities to prioritize using safer pest control products. It mandates that these facilities use pesticides classified as exempt by the EPA or those containing only ingredients approved for organic farming, unless a hardship waiver is granted. The legislation also modernizes reporting requirements by specifying that certain records must be submitted electronically through a state portal.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the official name of the governing body in the town of Hanover from the "board of selectmen" to a "select board." The legislation achieves this by systematically replacing every instance of the old title with the new one throughout Massachusetts state law. This update affects only the town of Hanover and involves no changes to how the town is governed or the powers of its officials.

Senate, May 24, 2023 -- Text of amendment (715) (offered by Senator Feeney) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 3) to the House Bill making appropriations for the fiscal year 2024 for the maintenance of the departments, boards, commissions, institutions, and certain activities of the Commonwealth, for interest, sinking fund, and serial bond requirements, and for certain permanent improvements.

By Representative Cusack of Braintree, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 7B) of Mark J. Cusack, Walter F. Timilty and John F. Keenan (with the approval of the town) relative to post-retirement earnings for certain police officers in the city known as the town of Braintree. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]

Substituted, on motion of Mr. Garlick of Needham, for a Bill regarding the disability pension for Matthew Donoghue, a police officer in the city known as the town of Braintree (House, No. 5450) [Local Approval Received]. December 29, 2022.

By Mr. Cusack of Braintree, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 5362) of Mark J. Cusack, John F. Keenan and Walter F. Timilty (with the approval of the mayor and city council) relative to the retirement of Matthew Donoghue, a police officer in the city known as the town of Braintree. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]