Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve oral health for all Massachusetts residents by requiring public schools to notify parents about the importance of dental screenings and affordable care options. It expands the scope of practice for licensed dental therapists, allowing them to administer specific non-narcotic medications like pain relievers and antibiotics under the supervision of a dentist. The legislation also establishes new definitions for collaborative management agreements between dental therapists and supervising dentists to ensure patient safety. Additionally, the bill directs the dental director to recruit and support providers to increase access to preventative services for underserved populations, including those in shortage areas and pediatric or geriatric patients.
Sen. John Cronin
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission to study ways to improve pollinator health by increasing native habitat across various landscapes, including farms, forests, parks, and urban areas. The commission will consist of 11 members representing government agencies, universities, farmers, beekeepers, and conservation groups, who will examine current laws, funding needs, and successful strategies from other states. By September 1, 2023, the group must submit a report with its findings and any proposed legislation to relevant state committees. The bill does not immediately create new protected areas but instead focuses on gathering information to guide future policy decisions.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates the legal definitions of "athletic trainer" and "athletic training" within Massachusetts state law to align with current professional standards. It specifies that an athletic trainer is someone licensed under the new section 23B and defines the role as involving injury evaluation, treatment, and education for athletes, coaches, and the community. Additionally, the legislation requires the Board of Allied Health Professions to review and update related rules and regulations within 180 days of the bill's passage. These changes aim to clarify the scope of practice for licensed athletic trainers in the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill, known as Ollie's Law, aims to improve safety standards for dog kennels in Massachusetts by expanding the definition of regulated facilities and mandating new licensing and care requirements. It reclassifies personal kennels to include those with five or more dogs and introduces a new category for "personal breeder kennels," which are defined as operations with three or more intact female dogs kept for breeding and selling puppies. Under the law, all kennels must obtain a license, and the state department is required to create detailed rules covering staff-to-animal ratios, housing conditions, nutrition, and veterinary care. Additionally, the bill mandates that kennels report any injuries to animals or people and requires the department to make investigative reports publicly available online.
April 18, 2024 -- The committee on Municipalities and Regional Government to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1309) of Mark C. Montigny, Adam Gomez, Jacob R. Oliveira, Jack Patrick Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation to increase kennel safety aka Ollie’s Law, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2731).
Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts towns and cities to create their own rules for controlling harmful pesticides that are stricter than the state's existing standards. To pass such local rules, a municipality must get approval from a majority vote of its legislative body and its board of health. The law clarifies that these local restrictions apply to the labeling, sale, storage, use, and disposal of pesticides, but they do not cover the transportation of these products.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts environmental laws to allow state department personnel to enter private and public properties without a warrant to investigate potential violations or protect public safety. The key provision permits these inspections at reasonable times to examine records, equipment, and conditions related to regulated activities. However, the law requires officials to seek a warrant immediately if the property owner or controller requests one after being notified. This change aims to streamline enforcement efforts while still providing a mechanism for property owners to challenge warrantless entries in court.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires gas and distribution companies in Massachusetts to publicly disclose details about construction contracts valued at $100,000 or more that involve work on public roads or pathways. Specifically, the law mandates that companies must notify all qualified bidders of their selection decision within two business days and publish the winning contractor's name, project location, and work duration on their websites. By making these procurement details accessible, the legislation aims to increase transparency in how private utility firms award construction projects to qualified bidders.
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.