Sen. Mike Moore

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the agency awarding a public works contract to directly manage and pay for police officers assigned to those projects. Under the new rules, the agency must keep the officers' records, receive invoices, and make payments directly to the police department rather than including the cost in the construction bid. This change ensures that law enforcement personnel are paid consistently and on time without affecting the price of the construction contract itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires government employees to perform inspections on all state and federally funded surface transportation projects. It specifically mandates that public officials conduct checks on construction, bridge safety, contract management, and material testing. The law aims to increase transparency and accountability by ensuring these oversight duties are carried out by public employees rather than private contractors.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) in Massachusetts to provide patient navigation and care coordination services to individuals with diagnosed or suspected mental illness or substance use disorders. To implement this, ACOs must hire licensed Patient Engagement Advocates who help patients find providers, navigate insurance issues, schedule appointments, and coordinate transportation or medication adherence. The law defines these advocates as social workers, nurses, community health workers, or peer support specialists who must be certified within two years of hiring. Existing ACOs must begin offering these services six months after the act takes effect, while new ACOs must include them as a condition for certification.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows licensed pharmacists in Massachusetts to dispense smoking cessation agents without a direct prescription from a doctor. To do so, pharmacists must follow standardized protocols created by a physician and file them with the pharmacy board, while also completing specific training on documentation and patient referrals. The law requires the state health department and relevant medical boards to create regulations that outline how these new procedures will be implemented.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts law to allow Superior Court judges to impose specific restrictions on a defendant's personal associations and conduct as a condition for their release. The key provision requires judges to order individuals to avoid all contact with alleged victims and any potential witnesses who might testify about the offense. This change aims to provide courts with clearer authority to prevent interference with the judicial process while a defendant is out on bail.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires manufacturers selling heavy-duty vehicles in Massachusetts to equip them with a standardized, open-access telematics platform starting in model year 2022. The law specifically applies to commercial vehicles that are not custom-built to unique specifications. By mandating an interoperable system, the legislation aims to ensure that data from these vehicles can be easily accessed and shared across different software systems. This change directly affects vehicle makers and the commercial fleet operators who purchase these trucks for business use.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows insurance carriers to offer financial rewards to small businesses in Massachusetts for participating in group health plans. The incentives are designed to encourage job growth and retention by compensating carriers for the lower administrative costs associated with smaller groups. Carriers must apply these rewards consistently to all eligible small businesses and report them to the state commissioner before paying them out.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the timeframes for towns in Massachusetts to decide whether to purchase agricultural and recreational land before it is sold to a private buyer. Under current rules, municipalities must choose to buy or pass on such land within 90 days, but this legislation increases that deadline to 120 days. Additionally, the bill requires landowners to send their purchase offers to towns within 30 days of signing a contract, ensuring local governments have adequate time to review and act. The law also clarifies that towns are not obligated to buy properties that do not meet specific agricultural or recreational classifications. These changes directly affect local governments and landowners involved in the sale of protected lands.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public colleges and universities in Massachusetts to accept scores of three, four, or five on Advanced Placement exams to fulfill degree requirements. Institutions must clearly state on their websites whether these credits apply to general education, major, or elective courses and explain how they transfer to other schools. While colleges can ask for higher scores, they must provide specific proof that a score of three is insufficient for success in the related course. The state's higher education board will annually review these policies and report its findings to the legislature by July 1.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts firearm laws to explicitly include silencers and their parts in the definition of regulated firearms. The change ensures that devices designed to suppress sound, as well as components used to assemble them, are treated with the same legal restrictions as other guns. By updating the statutory language, the legislation clarifies that these items fall under existing prohibitions and registration requirements for gun owners. This adjustment directly affects individuals who possess or attempt to acquire silencers in the state.