Sen. Bill Driscoll

Maddy summaryS 1127 creates a state-funded Immigrant Legal Defense Fund to provide free legal representation for immigrants facing deportation in Massachusetts courts. It directly affects low-income immigrants who cannot afford attorneys during immigration proceedings. The bill establishes the fund through the Judiciary Committee, allocating state resources to cover legal services for eligible individuals. This replaces the current reliance on limited pro bono services with a dedicated, accessible resource. The policy change ensures equitable access to legal counsel in immigration cases, a key factor in fair judicial outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts all Stoughton police officer positions (all ranks except the Chief of Police, who was already exempt under prior law) from Massachusetts civil service rules under Chapter 31 of the General Laws. It applies only to future appointments and promotions starting after the Town of Stoughton's May 8, 2024, Annual Town Meeting vote, not affecting current officers' status. The exemption means new hires and promoted officers will no longer need to meet standard civil service requirements like competitive exams. This change directly impacts the Town of Stoughton's police department hiring and promotion processes.

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. Driscoll, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1827) of William J. Driscoll, Jr. relative to retirement benefits for public safety dispatchers. Public Service.

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.

Filed by Mr. Driscoll -- Senate Order relative to granting the committee on Public Health until April 17, 2026, within which time to make its final report on a certain current Senate document relative to establish a celiac disease screening pilot program

By Mr. Driscoll, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1073) of William J. Driscoll, Jr. for legislation relative to capacity determination by a health care provider. The Judiciary.

By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 478) of Joan B. Lovely, Jason M. Lewis, Brendan P. Crighton, Natalie M. Higgins and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to disclosing continuing care retirement community entrance fees. Elder Affairs.

Senate, March 26, 2026 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 221) of William J. Driscoll, Jr. for legislation to clarify a consistent statewide minimum age for the sale and purchase of adult-use products, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2999).

By Mr. Driscoll, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 221) of William J. Driscoll, Jr. for legislation to clarify a consistent statewide minimum age for the sale and purchase of adult-use products. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.