Sen. Joan Lovely

Maddy summaryThis bill allows court-appointed guardians to be paid directly for arranging medical care for incapacitated people (those unable to make their own health decisions). It creates specific rules for guardians to qualify as "providers," requiring proof of court appointment, a sworn statement of service dates, and confirmation they are not immediate family members (spouse, parent, child, or sibling). Guardians must submit claims with court documents, and payments cannot duplicate existing insurance coverage. The law also sets new payment rates for guardians based on regional costs, inflation, and geographic wage differences.

By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2928) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Joan B. Lovely and Michelle L. Badger for legislation to establish a celiac disease screening pilot program. Public Health.

Maddy summaryH 5097 converts two specific seasonal alcohol licenses for on-site consumption to annual licenses for two Salem businesses: Amazing Pizza LLC at 62 Wharf Street and Maitland Farm LLC at 84 Derby Street. The bill allows Salem's licensing authority to make this change, requiring tax compliance letters from state departments before any new applicant can receive the license at the same location. If either license ends, it must be returned to the city for potential reissuance within 3 years under the same terms. This bill applies exclusively to these two businesses and their exact locations, with no broader effect on other licenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new five-member Board of Election Commissioners in Salem, replacing the existing Board of Registrars of Voters. The board must include at least two members from each of Salem's two leading political parties, with the fifth member unenrolled, and should reflect the city's racial and ethnic diversity. It transfers all election-related duties - including voter registration, election administration, complaint investigations, and promoting voter participation - from the city clerk and former board to this new board. The bill amends Chapter 445 of the 1960 acts to update references to the new board structure, effective upon passage or July 1, 2026, whichever is later. The current board members become the first commissioners, with two additional members appointed to ensure staggered terms.

Senate, June 1, 2026 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill relative to advancing the profession of commercial interior design  (Senate, No. 3107),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 3107).

By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 766) of Adam Gomez for legislation to authorize municipalities to deposit into credit unions. Financial Services.

Senate, October 23, 2025 -- The committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 107) of Joanne M. Comerford and Nick Collins for legislation to establish a bill of rights for children in foster care; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 125) of Ryan C. Fattman, Joseph D. McKenna and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to create an electronic backpack for foster children; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 127) of Paul R. Feeney and Michael S. Chaisson for legislation to authorize the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to establish additional mandated reporters for the purpose of the protection and care of children; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 129) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to require that mandated reporters complete training at least every two years to recognize and report suspected child abuse or neglect; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 133) of Adam Gomez for legislation relative to child fatality review; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 148) of Robyn K. Kennedy for legislation to enhance child welfare protections; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 159) of Joan B. Lovely for legislation relative to supporting families dealing with sudden unexplained death in pediatrics; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2585) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michael O. Moore for legislation to establish compliance with federal education reporting requirements for out of home placement students, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2659).

Senate, October 9, 2026 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 254) of Joan B. Lovely for legislation relative to advance the profession of commercial interior design, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2620).

By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2579) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Joan B. Lovely and James J. O'Day for legislation to ban the use of DEHP, a plasticizer found in IV bags and tubing, due to concerns about its potential health risks. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that Massachusetts begin offering universal newborn screenings for congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) starting July 1, 2027. The legislation requires hospitals and birthing facilities to test all newborns using saliva or urine PCR tests, with results shared with parents, doctors, and the state within 21 days of birth. Healthcare providers must also provide expectant parents with evidence-based information about CMV prevention and support resources during prenatal and postnatal care visits. While the bill includes a religious exemption allowing parents to opt out of the screening, it also establishes a new advisory committee to oversee the program's implementation and ensure accurate testing standards.