Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill prohibits the sale, display, or distribution of new fur products within the state, affecting retailers, sellers, and anyone engaged in the commercial trade of items made from animal skins with hair attached. The law defines "fur products" broadly to include clothing, accessories, and home décor, while explicitly exempting items where the fur is removed during processing, specific types of leather, taxidermy, and used fur sold by individuals or second-hand stores. Additionally, the legislation allows for the sale of fur used for traditional Native American cultural or spiritual purposes and authorizes non-profit organizations to sell used fur. Violations of this ban could result in fines ranging from $500 to $5,000 per product, and the law would take effect within 180 days of passing.
Sen. Brendan Crighton
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services to create a state plan that improves how healthcare providers diagnose and treat patients with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities. A new advisory committee will be formed to include medical experts, patient advocates, and representatives from major health organizations to develop specific training standards and care guidelines. The plan requires healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurses, to complete continuing education on these conditions and establishes a strategy for better assessment during routine outpatient visits.
By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2506) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Joanne M. Comerford, Natalie M. Blais, Rebecca L. Rausch, John J. Cronin and other members of the General Court for legislation to create a state disaster relief fund for emergency management. Emergency Preparedness and Management.
April 11. 2024 -- The committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2506) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Joanne M. Comerford, Natalie M. Blais, Rebecca L. Rausch, John J. Cronin and other members of the General Court for legislation to create a state disaster relief fund for emergency management, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2724).
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to change when new MassHealth applicants begin receiving coverage. Specifically, it sets the start date for coverage to the first day of the third calendar month before the month an eligible applicant submits all required documents. The change directly affects individuals under age 65 who are applying for the state's health insurance program. By establishing this specific timeline, the legislation aims to clarify the effective date for new enrollees who meet the program's verification requirements.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates regulations for ride-sharing companies in Massachusetts to reduce traffic congestion and fund public transit. It establishes specific fees that these companies must charge riders, including a lower assessment for shared rides and higher rates for single-occupancy or luxury trips. The legislation also creates a new Transit Authority Fund to split these collected fees equally between the state's main transit authority and regional transit systems. Additionally, the bill requires ride-sharing apps to clearly display price differences between shared and private rides and allows certain cities to collect a small congestion fee to invest in local transportation infrastructure.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Gateway Cities Renewable, Efficient, and Electrified Neighborhoods Initiative, known as the GREEN Initiative, to help upgrade low- and moderate-income housing in specific gateway municipalities. The program aims to retrofit these homes to be highly energy efficient by installing clean heating and cooking technologies, such as electric heat pumps and induction stoves, and connecting them to renewable electricity sources where possible. Funding for the initiative will come from annual contributions by electric and gas utility companies, capped at $30 million per year, with additional money potentially coming from grants and donations. The bill also defines key terms like "passive house standards" and includes protections against rent increases for tenants following energy efficiency upgrades.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state laws to formally integrate health equity into the operations of the Department of Public Health and the Board of Registration of Healers. It requires the department to hire a chief health equity officer and ensures that at least one member of the board has professional experience in health equity while being Black, Indigenous, or a person of color. The legislation also mandates that all health services and policies specifically address the needs of priority populations, which are groups disproportionately impacted by health disparities. Additionally, the bill updates legal definitions to include "health equity" and clarifies the department's duty to reduce identified disparities in care delivery.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires public colleges in Massachusetts to create clear policies on how they award credit for high school programs like Advanced Placement, dual enrollment, and college-in-high-school courses. It mandates that these institutions publish their credit-granting rules online and report them to the state Department of Higher Education, while also ensuring applicants receive advance notice about how their coursework will be credited toward a degree. Additionally, the legislation establishes a new state trust fund to support these programs, with a focus on helping underserved communities and students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.