Sen. Becca Rausch

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Better Buildings Act within Massachusetts law to set energy performance standards for large buildings, defined as those with at least 20,000 square feet. The Department of Energy Resources will establish rules requiring these buildings to meet specific limits on energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with interim targets set every five years starting in 2025. Owners of these buildings must report their annual energy consumption, and the department will make this data publicly available. The standards will apply to various building types and occupancies, with the department having the authority to define subcategories and adjust thresholds as needed.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands insurance coverage in Massachusetts for individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders by removing preauthorization requirements for specific inpatient treatments. It mandates that both state employee health plans and Medicaid programs cover acute detoxification, clinical stabilization, and co-occurring psychiatric treatment for up to 14 days without prior approval. The legislation requires facilities to notify insurance carriers within 48 hours of admission and allows utilization review to begin on the seventh day, ensuring timely access to care while maintaining oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new law in Massachusetts requiring private companies to protect personal biometric data, such as fingerprints, facial scans, and voiceprints. It mandates that businesses must obtain written consent from individuals before collecting this data and clearly explain why it is being used and how long it will be kept. Companies are also required to create a written policy for storing and eventually destroying this information once its original purpose is fulfilled. The law specifically excludes medical records and standard photographs from these requirements, focusing only on unique physiological traits used for identification.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program called the Accessibility in the Creative Economy (ACE) to help arts, humanities, and interpretive science organizations in Massachusetts become more accessible to people with disabilities. The program will be managed by the Office on Disability, which will collect funds from a dedicated portion of the state budget, donations, and investment income to support projects. A special board, led by individuals with disabilities, will oversee the grants and decide how money is used for things like physical upgrades such as ramps and elevators, training for staff, and consulting services. Eligible recipients include for-profit, non-profit, and public organizations, with a preference given to artists living in the state. Grants will be awarded competitively based on their potential to create positive impacts for people with disabilities while also considering racial, geographic, and programmatic diversity.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to update gendered language in social work licensure requirements and to establish a new provisional license for applicants who have failed the social work associate exam twice. Under the new provisions, individuals granted a provisional license would be allowed to work for up to one year while completing specific educational and supervisory requirements to earn a full license without retaking the exam. To qualify for this provisional status, applicants must submit a detailed portfolio containing case analyses, daily journals, and evaluations from their supervisors. Additionally, the legislation creates a legislative commission to study the creation of a new certification specifically for child welfare workers. These changes directly affect social work professionals and applicants seeking licensure in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new independent state agency called the Climate Policy Commission to oversee climate-related policy in Massachusetts. The commission will be governed by a board of eleven members appointed by various officials, including the governor, attorney general, and energy secretary, with specific requirements for expertise in areas like climate science and representation from low-income communities. The commission will operate without direct supervision from other executive offices, have its own budget, and produce reports that cannot be blocked by other state agencies. It will also hire a paid executive director to manage day-to-day operations and administrative tasks.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires gas and distribution companies in Massachusetts to publicly disclose details about construction contracts valued at $100,000 or more that involve work on public roads or pathways. Specifically, the law mandates that companies must notify all qualified bidders of their selection decision within two business days and publish the winning contractor's name, project location, and work duration on their websites. By making these procurement details accessible, the legislation aims to increase transparency in how private utility firms award construction projects to qualified bidders.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands dental coverage for Massachusetts residents aged 65 and older who receive state-funded medical assistance. It requires the Division of Medical Assistance to cover specific dental treatments, including dentures, restorative work, root canals, and gum disease treatment, for this senior population. Additionally, the legislation ensures that seniors enrolled in the Essential program receive dental benefits equivalent to those provided to Basic program enrollees as of 2002. The changes apply only to individuals already eligible for MassHealth and do not affect private insurance or other payment methods.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the title of Musician Laureate for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to honor individuals who contribute significantly to the state's musical legacy. The position is appointed by the governor every two years from a list of three candidates selected by a Nominating Committee made up of legislative leaders, governor appointees, and a representative from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The laureate serves without pay and is not considered a state employee, but may write or perform music for special events and advise the governor on musical matters. The role is designed to be honorary, with no restrictions on reappointment, allowing the state to recognize diverse musical talent across the community.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new program in Massachusetts that allows cities to voluntarily join an initiative requiring energy efficiency ratings for homes before they are sold or rented. Under the plan, the state would fund grants to help municipalities, community groups, and local utilities pay for energy assessments and training for qualified assessors. The bill also defines key terms like "energy assessment" and "energy performance rating" to ensure standardized evaluations are used across participating areas. By amending existing state laws, the legislation establishes a framework for sharing these ratings with buyers and renters to inform their decisions about residential properties.