Sen. Barry Finegold

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new chapter in the Massachusetts General Laws to regulate pregnancy services centers and protect patient privacy. It defines key terms such as "limited services pregnancy center," which refers to facilities that do not provide or refer for abortions or emergency contraception, and sets strict rules for how these centers can collect and use personal information. The legislation requires that any consent for processing personal data must be a clear, affirmative act and cannot be obtained through misleading statements or deceptive user interfaces. Additionally, the bill prohibits unfair or deceptive advertising practices related to pregnancy-related services, aiming to ensure transparency for individuals seeking care.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new center within the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health to provide free, evidence-based training on mental health first aid and trauma-informed care. The program will offer eight-hour courses in both in-person and virtual formats, available in multiple languages to help residents recognize mental health signs, reduce stigma, and learn how to support others in distress. Funding for the center will come from state appropriations, private grants, and donations, while the center must submit an annual report detailing training usage and effectiveness to state officials.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies in Massachusetts with large financial reserves to pay an assessment to fund specific health care programs. The assessment applies to carriers whose net worth surplus exceeds 525 percent of their required risk-based capital, with the total collected funds capped at $300 million. Half of the money, $150 million, is directed to the Behavioral Health Trust Fund, while the other half goes to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Hospital Relief Trust Fund. The law includes enforcement measures for non-payment, such as interest and late fees, and is set to expire on December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance carriers in Massachusetts to reimburse healthcare providers for 65% of uncollected patient co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. To qualify for this reimbursement, providers must make reasonable collection efforts on individual claims of at least $250 and submit an annual report by May 1 detailing their attempts to collect these amounts. Insurance companies must complete audits of these requests within 120 days and pay undisputed amounts within the same timeframe, while disputes are handled through existing provider agreements. The law aims to reduce bad debt for healthcare providers by sharing the financial burden of uncollected patient obligations between the insurer and the provider.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new legal framework for peer-to-peer car sharing in Massachusetts, requiring platforms that connect vehicle owners with drivers to assume liability for accidents during the rental period. The legislation mandates that these platforms provide insurance coverage matching state minimums and defines specific terms like "car sharing period" to clarify when liability transfers from the owner to the platform. Exceptions to this liability assumption apply if the vehicle owner intentionally misrepresents information or conspires with a driver to violate the sharing agreement. By creating a dedicated chapter in the state laws, the bill aims to regulate this growing industry while ensuring financial protection for third parties involved in incidents.

By Mr. Finegold, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2454) of Barry R. Finegold, Bruce E. Tarr, Tram T. Nguyen and Adrianne Pusateri Ramos (by vote of the town) for legislation to establish a special purpose revolving fund in the town of North Andover. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

Maddy summaryThis bill requires MassHealth Senior Care Options programs to pay nursing homes at least the same rate as standard Medicaid fee-for-service payments. The rule applies to facilities licensed under state law and ensures that reimbursement covers room, board, and all necessary add-ons. By guaranteeing these minimum payment levels, the legislation aims to maintain access to critical services and support smooth transitions for patients moving from hospitals to nursing facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires every public high school in Massachusetts to offer at least one foundational computer science course. The law ensures that all students have the opportunity to take this class within their four-year high school career. The course must include rigorous mathematical or scientific concepts and follow standards set by the state's education board. These requirements will take effect starting with the school year beginning after July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to remove a specific legal requirement in Massachusetts that mandates motorcycle operators and passengers wear protective headgear. By striking out the existing sentence in state law, the legislation would effectively eliminate the current mandate for helmet use on motorcycles. The change directly affects all motorcycle riders and passengers in the Commonwealth by altering the legal standards they must follow while operating or riding as passengers.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Massachusetts courts from granting sole, shared legal, or shared physical custody to a parent who has been the subject of an active domestic violence or stalking restraining order filed by the other parent. The law requires the consent of the parent who filed the abuse complaint before any such custody arrangement can be made, and it prevents custody orders from being issued while a related abuse complaint is still pending. Additionally, the bill mandates that if a restraining order is issued against a parent after a custody decision has already been made, the court must review and potentially change the custody arrangement to comply with these new protections. These changes aim to ensure that parents facing allegations of abuse are not automatically placed in shared custody situations without their agreement or a full hearing.