Sen. Joan Lovely

Senate, November 13, 2025 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 245) of Adam Gomez, Robyn K. Kennedy and Joan B. Lovely for legislation to end housing discrimination in the Commonwealth, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2671).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires manufacturers of agricultural equipment (like tractors, combines, and harvesters) to provide independent repair shops and farmers with fair access to necessary repair resources. It mandates that manufacturers supply documentation, parts, embedded software, firmware, and diagnostic tools at terms equivalent to those offered to their own dealers, without unreasonable restrictions or higher costs. The law specifically excludes equipment such as irrigation systems, snowmobiles, and highway vehicles from coverage. It directly affects Massachusetts farmers and independent repair providers by reducing barriers to repairing farm machinery without being forced to use manufacturer-approved services.

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 711) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, Paul R. Feeney and David T. Vieira for legislation to require prospective payment system methodology for reimbursement to community health centers. Financial Services.

By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 783) of Joan B. Lovely for legislation to promote increased access to patient care through equitable reimbursement. Financial Services.

Maddy summaryHD 935 requires virtual currency kiosk operators in Massachusetts to obtain a money transmitter license and register locations with the Commissioner of Banks before operating. Operators must submit quarterly location reports and provide clear, mandatory disclosures to customers, including prominent warnings about irreversible transactions, lack of government backing, scam risks (with specific examples like impersonation scams), and volatility. The bill also sets a $1,000 daily transaction limit per customer and mandates disclosure of fees, exchange rates, and policy changes. This directly affects businesses operating physical kiosks for buying/selling virtual currency in Massachusetts.

By Mr. Mark, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1174) of Paul W. Mark and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to protect minors from the creation of computer-generated child sexual abuse visual materials. The Judiciary.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Midwifery Workforce Development Fund to support midwifery education, retention, and birth center sustainability. The fund, administered by the state health department, receives state/federal maternal health funds and private donations, with unspent balances rolling over annually. It finances student education costs, midwife loan forgiveness (potentially requiring work in underserved areas), midwifery training programs, and mental health support for practicing midwives. Additionally, the bill mandates that state health insurance programs pay certified midwives and freestanding birth centers at rates no lower than those for physicians or hospital services for equivalent care.

Maddy summarySD 1376 removes the statute of limitations for prosecuting sexual assault and rape cases involving child victims. It allows prosecutors to file charges at any time after the crime occurred, provided the victim was under 18 when the offense happened. The law specifically applies to "indecent assault and battery" and "rape" charges under Chapter 277 of the General Laws. This change ensures these crimes can be prosecuted regardless of when the victim reports the incident or comes forward.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts health insurance and healthcare agencies to analyze how proposed regulations might affect insurance premiums before adopting them. Specifically, agencies must create a "premium impact statement" assessing potential rate changes and allow public input on this analysis before finalizing rules. Additionally, legislative committees cannot advance healthcare or insurance bills until the Center for Health Information and Analysis provides a premium impact statement for that legislation. The law directly affects state agencies creating health regulations and legislative committees reviewing health-related bills.

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 881) of Jason M. Lewis for legislation to provide Medicaid coverage for tobacco cessation. Health Care Financing.