By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 405) of Joan B. Lovely and Michael O. Moore for legislation to stop harm inflicted by the exploitation of life and development. Education.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 40) requires the state treasurer to reimburse school districts and vocational schools for transportation costs of students in special education programs. It directly affects school districts that provide transportation for these students, as it covers costs not normally provided to regular students and not eligible for other state reimbursements. The reimbursement includes the base cost per pupil in regular programs plus any excess costs for special education transportation, capped at 110% of the average excess cost across all districts. Funding will be phased in over four years, starting at 25% in 2026 and reaching 100% by 2029.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts housing accessibility laws to increase adaptable housing for people with disabilities and seniors. It requires that 5% of units in new residential buildings with 20+ units meet specific accessibility standards, including a 5-foot wheelchair turning radius in kitchens and bathrooms. The law expands requirements to include "areas not generally in public use" and updates terminology from "handicapped" to "persons with disabilities" throughout. It also allows local flexibility in setting accessibility percentages based on regional needs using data from the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission.
By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 328) of John J. Cronin, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., Joanne M. Comerford, Vanna Howard and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to full funding of regional school district transportation. Education.
By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1741) of Michael O. Moore, James K. Hawkins, Steven S. Howitt, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to police training in appropriate interactions with persons on the autism spectrum and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1736) of Michael O. Moore, Dylan A. Fernandes, Paul W. Mark, James B. Eldridge and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish a board of hoisting machinery regulations. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Maddy summaryHD 1119 prohibits pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from discriminating against hospitals and patients participating in the federal 340B drug discount program. The bill specifically bans PBMs from reimbursing 340B hospitals at lower rates than non-340B hospitals, charging extra fees for 340B participation, restricting network access based on 340B status, or requiring special identification for 340B drugs (except for Medicaid claims). It also prevents PBMs from steering patients away from 340B providers or imposing higher costs like extra copays for drugs obtained through these hospitals. This state-level bill directly affects 340B-covered hospitals (including community health centers and safety-net providers) and their patients by ensuring equitable access to discounted medications.
By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 164) of Michael O. Moore and Mark C. Montigny that provisions be made for an investigation and study by a special commission (including members of the General Court) to establish the Harmony commission to study and make recommendations related to the welfare and best interests of children in care and protection cases. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires public schools (grades 6-12) and colleges/universities to include the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline contact information on all new or replacement student ID cards. It directly affects schools and institutions issuing student IDs by mandating the inclusion of the 988 phone and text number. The requirement applies to IDs issued on or after July 1, 2025, with existing non-compliant cards allowed to be used until depleted. The bill does not change funding or create new programs, solely adding crisis resource information to existing student identification.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends a state law to expand disability coverage for POST-certified police officers who become disabled by cardiac disease. It directly affects officers working for specific public safety units, including university police departments, Massachusetts Port Authority police, state university and community college police forces, environmental law enforcement, and Department of Mental Health campus police. The key change adds these entities to the list of covered employers under the existing disability benefit provision. This adjustment ensures these officers, previously excluded, now qualify for the same disability benefits as officers in other covered agencies. The bill does not alter benefit amounts or eligibility criteria - only expands which police forces are included.
