Sen. Becca Rausch

Maddy summaryHD 1043 establishes Massachusetts' Farm to School Program to connect schools with local food producers. It directly affects K-12 schools and licensed childcare programs participating in federal meal programs (National School Lunch Program or Child and Adult Care Feeding Program) across Massachusetts. The bill creates two key mechanisms: (1) a grant program funding kitchen equipment, staff training, and food literacy curriculum, and (2) a reimbursement incentive that pays schools $1 for every $2 spent on Massachusetts-grown food or $1 for every $3 on New England/New York regional food. The program also sets up an advisory committee and a dedicated fund to manage grants and ensure equitable access for schools and socially disadvantaged producers.

Senate, January 8, 2026 -- Text of the Senate amendment (Senator Rausch) to the House Bill relative to any vacancy among town meeting members in Milford (House, No. 4171).

By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1387) of John J. Cronin, Steven George Xiarhos, Bruce E. Tarr and John F. Keenan relative to authorizing physician assistants to issue psychiatric holds and ensure adequate training on their use. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.

Maddy summaryHD 2988 requires health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover post-pregnancy mental health care - encompassing both postpartum and post-miscarriage care - without any deductibles, copayments, or cost-sharing. It applies directly to insured individuals and their covered spouses or dependents, ensuring equal access to this care as part of existing postpartum coverage requirements. The bill mandates that insurers provide this coverage without unreasonable delays or restrictions, aligning with existing health care laws. These changes apply to multiple sections of Massachusetts General Laws governing health insurance plans and Medicaid.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public colleges with at least 25% of undergraduates in on-campus housing to create substance-free dormitory programs for students in recovery from addiction. These programs must provide on-site counseling, peer support, and trauma-informed services to help students maintain sobriety. Colleges are required to train staff on using overdose reversal drugs (opioid antagonists) and make them accessible to trained personnel during emergencies. Institutions may seek grants to fund these programs, with the state higher education and public health departments providing implementation guidance.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 3555) is a procedural rule change for the Massachusetts Senate. It directs the Senate Clerk to begin daily printing of the Journal of the Senate (as authorized by Senate Rule 6) and eliminates the daily reading of the Journal. It also requires printing and binding the complete session Journal with appendices and an index, and depositing a certified copy with the Secretary of the Commonwealth as the official record. The bill affects only internal Senate administrative processes, not external constituents or policy outcomes.

By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1548) of Patricia D. Jehlen, Joanne M. Comerford, Jacob R. Oliveira, Sal N. DiDomenico and other members of the Senate for legislation to improve outdoor and indoor air quality for communities burdened by transportation pollution. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public colleges and universities to create alcohol- and drug-free housing programs for students recovering from substance use. These programs must offer on-site counseling, mentoring, and peer support services. Additionally, all public institutions must provide overdose prevention training and make naloxone available to students, faculty, and staff. The law directly affects public higher education institutions and students seeking recovery support.

By Representatives Badger of Plymouth and Garballey of Arlington, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michelle L. Badger for the issuance of an annual proclamation by the Governor to designate October 15th as lobular breast cancer awareness day. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Maddy summaryHD 4087 creates a PFAS Remediation Trust Fund to address contamination from harmful chemicals (PFAS) in Massachusetts drinking water and environmental media. The fund, financed by settlements with PFAS manufacturers and other sources like grants and donations, will cover costs for public water systems, private well owners, municipalities, and regional water systems to test, treat, and remediate PFAS in water, soil, and groundwater. The Department of Environmental Protection will administer the fund, prioritizing vulnerable communities and requiring applicants to disclose any third-party payments to avoid duplicate funding. The fund operates without annual appropriation, with leftover balances carrying over to future years to ensure sustained support for PFAS cleanup efforts.