Sen. Dylan Fernandes

Maddy summaryThis bill reorganizes the Mass Save program by placing it under the direct governance of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center board. It establishes a three-year term for an executive director who will manage the program's operations and coordinate with other state agencies. A key provision requires the creation of a single online portal to simplify access to energy efficiency and decarbonization services for residents and businesses. The legislation also mandates annual reporting to state officials on how Mass Save contributes to greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities to help residential customers replace their private electrical lines with public utility infrastructure upon request. It also mandates that all electric bills clearly inform customers if they are using private lines and establishes a rule to exclude a specific maintenance fee from charges for those who own and maintain their own private wiring. By clarifying billing notices and adjusting how maintenance fees are calculated for private line owners, the legislation aims to increase transparency and protect consumer interests regarding electricity delivery.

By Representative Garballey of Arlington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2174) of Sean Garballey and others relative to liability protection for disaster volunteers. Public Health.

By Representatives Higgins of Leominster and Lewis of Framingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2193) of Natalie M. Higgins, Jack Patrick Lewis and others relative to expanding after-death options and the disposal of human bodies. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the expiration date for certain COVID-19 emergency measures in Massachusetts from March 31, 2023, to July 1, 2024. It directly affects state agencies and individuals subject to rules established during the state of emergency, such as those related to health and safety protocols. The legislation achieves this by amending two existing laws to update their effective dates, ensuring that specific accommodations remain in place for an additional year.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Board of Registration in Midwifery within the Department of Public Health to oversee the licensing and regulation of midwives in the state. The board will consist of eight appointed members, including licensed midwives with significant experience, a physician, a nurse-midwife, and a public representative, with specific requirements for members to address racial disparities in maternal health. Additionally, the legislation establishes a new Board of Allied Health Professions that includes representatives from various health fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and lactation consulting. The bill also expands the legal definition of "licensed midwife" to allow them to issue prescriptions and grants local health agencies the authority to conduct in-depth reviews of fetal and infant deaths to improve community health services.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Board of Registration in Midwifery within the Department of Public Health to oversee and regulate the practice of midwifery in the state. The board will consist of nine appointed members, including licensed midwives, obstetricians, and a public representative, with a specific requirement to consider racial disparities in maternal health during appointments. Additionally, the legislation expands the definition of who can prescribe medication to include licensed midwives and establishes a program for postpartum depression screenings for state employees. It also updates various state laws to formally recognize and define the roles of certified nurse-midwives and licensed midwives across different departments.

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2467) of Julian Cyr and Dylan A. Fernandes (by vote of the town) for legislation to change the name and membership of the Nantucket Planning and Economic Development Commission. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

By Representative Fernandes of Falmouth, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2787) of Dylan A. Fernandes and Lindsay N. Sabadosa relative to taxation of digital advertising services. Revenue.

By Representative Fernandes of Falmouth, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2785) of Dylan A. Fernandes and Michelle M. DuBois relative to the estate tax for certain decedents dying after calendar year 2022. Revenue.