Sen. Becca Rausch

Maddy summaryThis bill would require candidates running in Massachusetts presidential primaries to publicly release their federal income tax returns for the previous four years. Under the proposed rule, the state secretary of the Commonwealth would be prohibited from placing a candidate's name on the ballot unless they have made these documents available at least sixty days before the primary election. The legislation aims to increase transparency by ensuring voters have access to candidates' financial disclosures before casting their ballots.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale of over-the-counter cough medicines containing dextromethorphan to anyone under 18 years old. To comply, retailers must check a valid photo ID for every purchaser, and the law does not require stores to place these products in locked areas or keep sales records. Violations result in a warning letter for the first offense, fines of up to $150 or $250 for repeat offenders, and a $50 fine for minors who attempt to buy the medication. The law allows sales only when a valid prescription is presented and overrides any local rules that might currently regulate these products.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts election laws to adjust the scheduling of primary elections and town meetings. It sets specific dates for state primaries in June, presidential primaries in March, and allows towns to hold their own elections on the same day as a presidential primary if they use a separate ballot. Additionally, the legislation permits towns and districts to reschedule local elections or meetings that fall within thirty days of a presidential primary to a date between February and May. The state secretary is also required to publish primary dates by February 1st each year through various notification methods.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows registered pharmacists in Massachusetts to prescribe and dispense hormonal contraceptive patches and self-administered oral contraceptives to eligible patients. For adults aged 18 and older, pharmacists can provide these medications without a prior prescription from a doctor, while minors must have an existing prescription on record. The law requires pharmacists to complete specific training, use a self-screening risk assessment tool, and refer patients to primary care providers after dispensing the medication. Additionally, pharmacists are prohibited from requiring appointments for this service and must ensure patients have had a clinical visit for women's health within the previous three years.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission to study how the Dover amendment, which allows certain educational buildings to bypass standard zoning rules, is currently being used in Massachusetts. The commission will be composed of representatives from the state government, legislative leadership, and local organizations, including experts in zoning, social services, and education. Its primary task is to review the impact of this exemption on municipalities and schools, gather public input through hearings or surveys, and examine relevant court cases. By January 1, 2024, the commission must submit a report with findings and specific legislative recommendations, including a proposed definition for what constitutes "educational purposes."

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the official name of Massachusetts' oversight body from the "Disabled Persons Protection Commission" to the "Commission for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities" across multiple state laws. The legislation also redefines key terms used in investigations, such as "abuse" and "caretaker," to clarify what constitutes harmful actions by those responsible for a person's well-being. Additionally, it specifies that the commission's authority applies to adults aged 18 to 59 who have intellectual, developmental, or other mental or physical disabilities that make them dependent on others for daily living needs. These changes aim to modernize language and ensure that investigative practices clearly reflect the specific needs of the population the commission protects.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires publicly traded corporations in Massachusetts to make their tax reports available to the public in a searchable online database. It affects large companies that currently file tax information with the state secretary, mandating that these records be accessible on the internet starting from the third year after the tax year ends. The legislation also ensures that the state secretary provides a list of corporations that failed to file their reports and allows the public to purchase copies of the database or individual reports. By removing previous restrictions, the bill aims to increase transparency regarding the tax activities of major corporate entities without changing the underlying tax laws.

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill establishes a formal bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness to protect them from discrimination based on their housing status. It defines homelessness broadly to include individuals living in cars, parks, shelters, or other non-traditional settings and grants them specific rights such as equal treatment by government agencies, access to public spaces, and the ability to rest or sleep in public areas without obstruction. The legislation also ensures these individuals can vote, practice their religion, and access medical care without bias, while prohibiting the disclosure of their records to service providers without consent. Additionally, it allows people experiencing homelessness to occupy legally parked motor vehicles or recreational vehicles on public or private property with owner permission.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve survival rates for sudden cardiac arrest in Massachusetts by updating regulations for emergency response and public access defibrillation. It requires the state's 911 dispatch commission to include specific medical and communication experts on its advisory board and mandates that dispatch centers implement quality assurance programs for their CPR instructions. The legislation also establishes a statewide registry to help 911 operators locate Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and requires clear signage in buildings to indicate where these life-saving devices are located. Additionally, the bill classifies sudden cardiac arrest as a reportable disease, ensuring better tracking and data collection by the Department of Public Health. These changes collectively seek to streamline emergency responses and increase the availability of critical equipment for the public.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows pharmacists in Massachusetts to test for, screen, and initiate treatment for specific health conditions such as influenza, streptococcal infections, HIV, and COVID-19. Under the new rules, pharmacists can collect specimens, oversee testing, and prescribe treatments like HIV prevention drugs, while pharmacy technicians may assist with waived lab tests. The legislation requires insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers to reimburse these services at the same rate paid to other healthcare providers. Additionally, pharmacists must follow state guidelines for positive COVID-19 results and report data as required by federal and state laws.