By Representative Jones of North Reading and Senator Tarr, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., Bruce E. Tarr and others relative to energy costs, transparency, and sustainability. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 911) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to strengthen the management of the health care connector. Health Care Financing.
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 916) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to regulate state health insurance mandates and costs. Health Care Financing.
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 914) of Bruce E. Tarr and James B. Eldridge for legislation relative to spouses as caregivers. Health Care Financing.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 85) establishes rules for pharmacy benefits managers and covered entities regarding reimbursement rates for prescription drugs. It requires that drugs placed on "maximum allowable cost lists" (reimbursement limits) must meet specific FDA rating criteria and have therapeutically equivalent alternatives available. Pharmacies must receive transparent cost information, and reimbursement rates must cover actual pharmacy acquisition costs (using National Average Drug Acquisition Cost as a benchmark). The bill also creates a 7-business-day appeals process for pharmacies to challenge rates, with retroactive payment adjustments if appeals are approved, and prohibits retroactive discounts on claims. These requirements apply to all pharmacy benefits managers and covered entities operating in Massachusetts.
By Mr. Durant, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1077) of Peter J. Durant and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to maintain parity in legal services for small property owners by providing financial assistance to both local and statewide programs that serve eligible clients. The Judiciary.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 45) requires the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services to formally include "fetal opioid drug exposure and addiction" within the existing definition of "Closely Related Developmental Conditions" under state regulations. It directly affects individuals with developmental conditions linked to prenatal opioid exposure by ensuring they qualify for related support services. The key mechanism is amending regulatory definitions to expand eligibility, without creating new programs or funding. The commissioner may also later add other diagnoses to this category at their discretion.
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1772) of Bruce E. Tarr and Steven George Xiarhos for legislation relative to implementing a blue alert system in the commonwealth. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1768) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to the use of green lights for municipal emergency management vehicles. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1766) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to support police recruitment and retention. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
