Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that shelters, schools, and correctional facilities provide free menstrual products to individuals who menstruate without stigmatizing them. It also increases cash assistance for low-income families by raising monthly benefit standards to 50 percent of the federal poverty level and adding specific allowances for rent, clothing, and children. Additionally, the legislation introduces a $50 monthly rental allowance and a one-time $500 clothing allowance for eligible children, while expanding transitional aid for pregnant individuals without dependent children. The bill further clarifies that child support payments collected from recipients must be paid directly to the family and outlines specific circumstances under which individuals may be exempt from cooperating with child support enforcement agencies.
Sen. Joan Lovely
Sponsored bills
Senate, July 9, 2026 -- The committee on Revenue to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1938) of Joanne M. Comerford, Jason M. Lewis, Michael D. Brady, Jacob R. Oliveira and other members of the Senate for legislation to establish an advisory council on family caregiving, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3131).
By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3095) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Sal N. DiDomenico and Joan B. Lovely for legislation to significantly alleviate poverty. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Midwifery Workforce Development Fund to support midwifery education, retention, and birth centers. The fund will finance midwifery student tuition, licensing fees, childcare stipends, loan forgiveness for midwives serving underserved areas, and grants for midwifery training programs. It also requires that certified midwives and freestanding birth centers be paid the same rate as physicians for equivalent services under state employee health plans. The bill directly affects midwifery students, practicing midwives, birth centers, and state health programs by providing dedicated funding and ensuring equitable reimbursement.
Maddy summaryThis bill (H 4552) requires health insurance policies in Massachusetts to cover scalp hair prostheses and facial medical pigmentation (like eyebrow replacements) for people with specific hair loss conditions. It directly affects individuals diagnosed with alopecia areata, alopecia totalis, non-classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency, or permanent hair loss due to injury (excluding natural aging). Insurance must provide this coverage on the same terms as prostheses for chemotherapy-related hair loss, subject to a treating physician’s written confirmation of medical necessity. The law applies to all individual/group health plans, hospital service contracts, and health maintenance organizations operating in or outside Massachusetts.
Maddy summaryHD 830 increases the monthly personal needs allowance for long-term care residents in Massachusetts from $72.80 to $113.42. It directly affects individuals living in licensed nursing facilities, chronic hospitals, rest homes, or other approved medical institutions who are not maintaining their own homes. The bill ensures these residents retain the first $113.42 of their monthly income for personal expenses or receive the difference if their income is lower, with the amount automatically adjusted annually at the same rate as other state supplementary payments. This change applies to all relevant care settings covered under chapters 117A, 118A, and 118E of the General Laws.
By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3082) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Joan B. Lovely for legislation relative to animal telehealth. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3022) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Sal N. DiDomenico and Pavel M. Payano for legislation to create the engaging neighborhoods, organizations, unions, governments, and households fund. Housing.
By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 185) of Pavel M. Payano, Vanna Howard and John F. Keenan for legislation to promote school centered neighborhood development. Community Development and Small Businesses.
By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2033) of Jason M. Lewis, Liz Miranda, Paul W. Mark, Carmine Lawrence Gentile and other members of the General Court for legislation to close corporate tax loopholes and create progressive revenue. Revenue.