Sen. Anne M. Gobi

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal framework in Massachusetts to address controlling and abusive litigation, specifically targeting cases involving current or former family members where one party has a history of abuse or harassment. It defines abusive litigation as legal actions initiated primarily to harass or intimidate, characterized by claims lacking legal or evidentiary support, or issues previously lost in other courts. The legislation empowers judges to issue orders that restrict a perpetrator from filing, serving, or continuing such lawsuits, effectively barring them from using the court system to maintain contact with their victim.

March , 2024 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 176) of Anne M. Gobi, Deborah B. Goldberg, Treasurer and Receiver General and Lindsay N. Sabadosa for legislation to modernize the Massachusetts alcohol laws; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 177) of Anne M. Gobi and Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to extend pandemic-related relief for dining establishments; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 221) of John C. Velis for legislation to promote economic recovery for restaurants and bars; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 295) of Paul K. Frost relative to providing for permanent alcoholic beverage takeout​​; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 299) of William C. Galvin and Natalie M. Higgins for legislation to extend pandemic related relief for dining establishments to allow cocktails-to-go; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 302) of Denise C. Garlick relative to extending pandemic-related relief for dining establishments by allowing for the delivery of certain alcoholic beverages; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 365) of Joseph W. McGonagle, Jr., relative to extending pandemic-related relief for dining establishments by allowing for the delivery of certain alcoholic beverages; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3782) of Mike Connolly relative to the sale of food and alcoholic beverages by restaurants and bars and for the establishment of a special commission (including members of the General Court) of the promotion and discounted sale of alcoholic beverages, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2628).

Senate, April 22, 2024 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill relative to the remediation of home heating oil releases (Senate, No. 171),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 2737).

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Public Safety Assistance Board to help Massachusetts cities and towns build or renovate police stations, fire stations, and shared public safety facilities. The board, appointed by the governor and including representatives from municipal, police, and fire leadership, will manage a grant program that covers up to 75% of construction costs for individual facilities or up to 90% for joint facilities shared by multiple agencies. To receive funding, municipalities must submit applications between January and May that meet specific design and safety standards set by the board, with grants paid out in three equal installments over three years.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that homeowners' insurance policies in Massachusetts include specific coverage for costs related to heating oil spills. It requires insurers to pay for cleanup efforts on a property owner's land as well as for damage caused to neighbors' properties when a residential heating oil tank leaks. The law sets minimum coverage limits of $75,000 for cleanup costs and $250,000 for third-party liability, with a deductible cap of $1,000 per claim. These protections apply to all policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2024, and insurers may deny coverage only if the homeowner failed to follow specific tank safety regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new independent agency called the Massachusetts Public Safety Building Authority to help towns build and renovate police stations, fire stations, and other public safety facilities. The authority will be led by the state treasurer and include representatives from finance, public safety, law enforcement, and architecture to oversee construction projects and ensure efficient use of funds. It establishes a dedicated funding source by collecting a small percentage of sales tax revenue specifically for these building projects. The new agency operates independently of other state departments and must follow standard rules for public officials and financial transparency.

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill allows pharmacists to dispense up to a 30-day supply of insulin without a doctor's immediate authorization during emergency situations where a prescription cannot be obtained quickly. The law defines an emergency as a time when a patient needs insulin to sustain life or continue therapy for a chronic condition, requiring the pharmacist to use their professional judgment to determine the appropriate amount. To prevent abuse, the bill restricts pharmacists from providing this emergency supply to the same patient more than once within a six-month period. Additionally, the legislation amends several existing laws to clarify that insulin dispensed under these emergency rules is exempt from certain standard prescription requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill requires health insurance plans to cover HIV prevention medication without charging patients any co-pays, deductibles, or requiring prior authorization. Specifically, it affects policies that currently cover pre-exposure prophylaxis drugs by eliminating financial barriers and administrative delays that could prevent access. The law also mandates that these medications include necessary support services like office visits and testing to ensure safe and effective use. By removing these obstacles, the legislation aims to make HIV prevention treatment more accessible to all eligible individuals under state-regulated insurance plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Massachusetts End of Life Options Act, which creates a legal process for terminally ill adults to request medication to end their lives. To qualify, an individual must be diagnosed with a terminal disease, have a life expectancy of six months or less, and be mentally capable of making an informed decision after consultations with two physicians and a mental health professional. The legislation outlines strict safeguards, including waiting periods and specific criteria for determining that the patient is not suffering from a psychiatric disorder that could impair their judgment. Once these requirements are met, a licensed health care provider may prescribe the medication for the patient to self-administer.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts hospitals and birthing facilities to perform a saliva or urine test on newborns within 21 days of birth to screen for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV). The law mandates that parents receive educational materials about cCMV and screening options at their first prenatal appointment or preconception visit. Healthcare providers must also be supplied with evidence-based information regarding preventative measures and support resources. Parents or guardians who object to the screening based on sincerely held religious beliefs are exempt from the requirement. The Department of Public Health is tasked with developing specific regulations for this program within one year of the bill's passage.