Sen. Joan Lovely

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 3417) requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation designating June 16th as "Domestic Workers' Rights Day." It directly affects domestic workers in Massachusetts by formally recognizing their contributions and rights through a state-level observance. The key mechanism is a simple gubernatorial proclamation, requiring no new laws or funding, and it would be issued every year on June 16th. The bill is procedural and commemorative, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for supported decision-making agreements (SDMAs), allowing adults (18+) with disabilities to voluntarily choose supporters (like family or friends) to help them make life decisions - such as housing, healthcare, or finances - without replacing guardianship. It requires the state to create a training program for supporters on rights, obligations, and dispute resolution, and updates education and legal processes to recognize SDMAs (e.g., informing students about SDMAs during IEP meetings). The bill directly affects adults needing decision support, their chosen supporters, and state agencies like the Department of Developmental Services. Key provisions define "supported decision-making," set rules for agreement execution/termination, and prohibit supporters who have abused the decision-maker or been removed as conservators.

By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1681) of James B. Eldridge, Liz Miranda, Joanne M. Comerford, Robyn K. Kennedy and other members of the Senate for legislation to protect the civil rights and safety of all Massachusetts residents. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Senate, August 10, 2026 -- The committee on Public Health, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1485) of Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch, Jason M. Lewis, Julian Cyr and other members of the Senate for legislation to prohibit nonconsensual intimate examinations of anesthetized or unconscious patients; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1491) of Brendan P. Crighton, Rory McCarthy, James B. Eldridge and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation relative to chaperones for medical exams, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3197).

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1485) of Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch, Jason M. Lewis, Julian Cyr and other members of the Senate for legislation to prohibit nonconsensual intimate examinations of anesthetized or unconscious patients. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits insurance companies and non-admitted insurers from including policy terms that block insureds from hiring public adjusters (as defined by law) to handle claims. It makes any such restrictive language unenforceable and requires its removal from policies, while leaving other policy terms intact. The bill amends two sections of Massachusetts insurance law: it adds a new section (2C) to Chapter 175 and updates Chapter 176D to explicitly ban policy provisions that prevent insureds from using public adjusters. This directly affects policyholders who wish to work with public adjusters for property or casualty insurance claims.

Maddy summaryHD 964 redefines "person with a developmental disability" in state law to clarify eligibility for services. It defines the term for individuals aged 5+ with a severe, chronic disability starting before age 22 that causes substantial limitations in three or more major life activities (like self-care, learning, or mobility), or for children under 5 with significant developmental delays needing early intervention. The bill explicitly states that having a developmental disability does not make someone "mentally ill" solely by that condition. This definition will take effect on January 1, 2027, establishing a clear standard for determining who qualifies for related support services.

Maddy summaryHD 1111 expands eligibility for Massachusetts' Personal Care Attendant (PCA) program to include individuals who require supervision and cueing (verbal or physical prompts) to perform two or more basic daily tasks, such as bathing or dressing. This change directly affects people with disabilities who need this level of support but were previously excluded under program standards. The bill requires the state division overseeing the PCA program to update its regulations to explicitly include these individuals as eligible participants. It amends Chapter 118E of the General Laws to ensure the program standards cover this specific need. The policy change is a concrete adjustment to program eligibility criteria, not a new benefit.

Maddy summarySD 762 prohibits payment networks from charging merchants interchange fees on the tax or gratuity portion of credit or debit card transactions. It requires merchants to provide tax or gratuity amounts during payment processing to avoid these fees, or submit tax documentation within 180 days to receive refunds for improperly charged fees. Payment networks violating this law face $1,000 penalties per transaction and must refund affected merchants. The bill directly affects merchants (e.g., restaurants, retailers) who process card payments and pay these fees on taxable items or tips.

By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1876) of Joan B. Lovely (with the approval of the mayor and city council) relative to the retirement classification of certain employees of the city of Beverly. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]