Sen. Susan Moran

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Secretary of Energy Resources to establish a specific statewide goal for capturing and storing carbon in natural and working lands. The legislation requires the Secretary to work with relevant departments to set this target, ensuring it aligns with the state's existing greenhouse gas emission reduction plans. Additionally, the bill mandates a study to assess how much carbon salt marshes, seagrasses, and waterways can absorb, taking into account the state's extensive coastline. By adding a new section to the General Laws, the bill creates a formal framework for measuring and enhancing carbon storage in the environment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission to investigate the environmental and economic effects of discharging radioactive wastewater from nuclear power plants into Massachusetts waters. The commission will include high-ranking officials such as the governor, attorney general, and legislative leaders, and it must hold public listening sessions in coastal counties before submitting its findings by November 2025. While the bill does not permanently ban the discharge, it mandates a 90-day waiting period after the report is released to allow time for reviewing the commission's recommendations. The primary goal is to gather data on how such discharges might impact local industries like fishing, tourism, and aquaculture before any future actions are taken.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits manufacturers and testing facilities in Massachusetts from using traditional animal testing for cosmetics and household products when a valid alternative method exists, while explicitly exempting medical research. It requires the state Department of Public Health to create regulations within 180 days that define acceptable alternative testing methods and ensure they produce results as safe and reliable as animal tests. The law also directs the department to follow international guidelines from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development when establishing these new standards. These rules will become active six months after the bill is passed to give businesses time to adjust their testing procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to update the requirements for limited medical registration, which allows certain healthcare professionals to practice under supervision in specific facilities. The changes primarily affect internationally trained physicians and other applicants by clarifying the educational and clinical training needed to obtain this restricted license. Under the new provisions, individuals must demonstrate completion of specific premedical and medical studies, including options for foreign medical graduates, and secure an appointment at a designated hospital or clinic within the state. The legislation also outlines where these limited registrants can work, restricting their practice to the specific institutions listed on their certificates or to affiliated training programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Board of Registration in Midwifery within the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to oversee and regulate the practice of midwifery. The eight-member board will be appointed by the governor and must include licensed midwives, a physician experienced with midwives, a certified nurse-midwife, and members of the public, with specific requirements to ensure diversity and address racial disparities in maternal health. Board members will serve three-year terms without pay but with expense reimbursement, and the board will meet at least four times each year to carry out its duties.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new program to cover pediatrician visits for screening postpartum depression in mothers within the first year after their child is born. It also creates a system where designated local health agencies are authorized to conduct detailed reviews of fetal and infant deaths to better understand and address local causes. These changes directly affect healthcare providers, mothers, and local public health departments by expanding mental health coverage and improving data collection for maternal and child health services.

April 22, 2024 --- The committee on Public Health, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1415) of Liz Miranda, Lindsay N. Sabadosa, Paul W. Mark, Tram T. Nguyen and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to birthing justice in the Commonwealth, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2734).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover diagnostic breast cancer exams and digital breast tomosynthesis screenings with the same financial terms as standard mammograms. The law specifically applies to state employee group insurance and Medicaid managed care plans, prohibiting any increase in patient cost-sharing such as deductibles or copayments for these services. Additionally, it creates an exemption for high-deductible health plans that qualify for Health Savings Accounts, allowing them to maintain their tax status while still adhering to state preventive care requirements. By mandating equal coverage for advanced screening technologies, the legislation aims to improve early detection access without adding financial barriers for patients.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as Ollie's Law, aims to improve safety standards for dog kennels in Massachusetts by expanding the definition of regulated facilities and mandating new licensing and care requirements. It reclassifies personal kennels to include those with five or more dogs and introduces a new category for "personal breeder kennels," which are defined as operations with three or more intact female dogs kept for breeding and selling puppies. Under the law, all kennels must obtain a license, and the state department is required to create detailed rules covering staff-to-animal ratios, housing conditions, nutrition, and veterinary care. Additionally, the bill mandates that kennels report any injuries to animals or people and requires the department to make investigative reports publicly available online.

April 18, 2024 -- The committee on Municipalities and Regional Government to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1309) of Mark C. Montigny, Adam Gomez, Jacob R. Oliveira, Jack Patrick Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation to increase kennel safety aka Ollie’s Law, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2731).