Sen. Becca Rausch

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require the state's Division of Developmental Services to cover medically necessary habilitative and rehabilitative treatments for adults aged 21 and older with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or autism spectrum disorder. The legislation specifically mandates coverage for applied behavior analysis and various augmentative and alternative communication devices, such as tablets, when deemed medically necessary by a licensed physician or psychologist. By expanding these insurance benefits, the bill aims to ensure that individuals with these conditions have access to essential care that helps develop, maintain, or restore their functioning.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes establishing a livable wage specifically for human services workers in Massachusetts. It directly affects employees of community-based organizations that receive funding from state agencies such as the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, or the Department of Housing and Community Development. The legislation defines these workers as staff who provide treatment, support, or services to clients and their families, while defining the organizations as those with funded human services programs. By amending Chapter 6A of the General Laws, the bill creates a formal framework to ensure these essential workers are paid a wage deemed sufficient to meet basic living needs.

By Representatives Khan of Newton and Santiago of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2859) of Kay Khan, Jon Santiago and others for legislation to impose an excise tax on distributors of certain drinks with added sugar and promoting healthy alternatives to such drinks. Revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Massachusetts Census Equity Commission to improve the accuracy of future federal census counts in the state. The commission will consist of 29 members, including state officials, elected representatives, and advocates for specific groups such as immigrants, people experiencing homelessness, and communities of color. Its primary role is to oversee outreach efforts and ensure that traditionally undercounted populations are included in the census. By establishing this commission within the Office of the Secretary of State, the legislation aims to provide a dedicated body focused on achieving a complete and equitable count.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts cities and towns to choose whether to use ranked choice voting for their local elections. Under the new rules, voters would rank candidates in order of preference instead of selecting just one, and votes would be counted in rounds where ballots for eliminated candidates are transferred to the voter's next choice. Municipalities that wish to adopt this system must pass a local ordinance detailing specific rules for counting votes and resolving ties, while the state law removes the requirement to mark ballots with a cross. The legislation also ensures that a voter's lower-ranked choices do not affect the election outcome of their higher-ranked candidates.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows eligible citizens in Massachusetts to register to vote and cast their ballots on the same day by appearing in person at a polling place or early voting site. To qualify, individuals must present proof of residence, such as a driver's license or a utility bill, and sign an affidavit confirming their citizenship and age. Once registered on the spot, voters can immediately participate in the election and will remain on the voter rolls for all future primaries and elections. The law also permits those who cannot provide immediate proof of residence to submit a provisional ballot, provided they submit the required documentation within two business days after the primary or six days after the general election. Additionally, the bill restricts voters from changing their party affiliation at the time of same-day registration and mandates investigations into allegations of illegal registration or multiple voting.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the town of Wrentham to issue seven additional licenses for businesses to sell alcohol for on-premises consumption. It specifically permits the local Board of Selectmen to grant these new permits, overriding the usual state limit on the number of such licenses allowed in the town. The legislation also allows the town board to make minor changes to the bill's text before it becomes law, provided those changes align with the original intent of the petition.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to increase transparency in political advertising by updating how electioneering communications are defined and requiring specific disclosures in text messages. It expands the definition of electioneering communications to include SMS, MMS, and other text messages sent within 90 days of an election, while explicitly excluding news stories, debates, and unpaid internet content. The legislation mandates that any paid text message advertising a candidate must include a statement identifying the payer and listing their top five contributors who gave over $1,000 in the preceding year. Additionally, these messages must direct recipients to the official campaign finance website for more information. These changes directly affect political groups, corporations, and individuals who purchase advertising space to influence voters in Massachusetts.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program to help community health centers in Massachusetts recruit and keep primary care doctors, mental health professionals, and other essential staff. To qualify for financial assistance, eligible workers must have student loans, commit to working at a community health center for at least four years, and not be enrolled in other loan repayment programs. The program prioritizes hiring a diverse workforce and will be managed by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services using existing state funds.

Senate, July 11, 2024 -- Text of amendment (34) (offered by Senator Comerford) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 2856) to the Senate Bill relative to economic development