Rep. Brian Murray

Maddy summaryHD 935 requires virtual currency kiosk operators in Massachusetts to obtain a money transmitter license and register locations with the Commissioner of Banks before operating. Operators must submit quarterly location reports and provide clear, mandatory disclosures to customers, including prominent warnings about irreversible transactions, lack of government backing, scam risks (with specific examples like impersonation scams), and volatility. The bill also sets a $1,000 daily transaction limit per customer and mandates disclosure of fees, exchange rates, and policy changes. This directly affects businesses operating physical kiosks for buying/selling virtual currency in Massachusetts.

Maddy summaryHD 4743 is a local bill addressing vacancy procedures for town meeting members in Milford, Massachusetts. It modifies how vacancies are filled within Milford's town meeting, a key local governing body. The bill, submitted by Representative Brian Murray with local approval, focuses on procedural changes to election laws specific to Milford. It does not create new policy but clarifies the process for filling open seats in the town meeting.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits health insurance carriers from denying payment for covered services solely because a patient was referred by a provider outside the carrier's network. It directly affects insurance companies (carriers) and their enrollees (patients), ensuring referrals from out-of-network doctors don't lead to denied claims. The key provision appears repeatedly across multiple chapters of health insurance law, mandating that payment decisions cannot be based on the referral source alone. The bill does not change coverage for specific treatments or alter prescription rules, focusing solely on referral-based payment denials. It applies to all health plans governed by the referenced statutes.

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1156) of Jason M. Lewis, Brian W. Murray, James K. Hawkins, Erika Uyterhoeven and others for legislation to protect the privacy of 911 callers. The Judiciary.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans the sale and use of neonicotinoid-treated seeds for corn, wheat, and soybeans starting January 1, 2029, directly affecting farmers growing these crops. Exceptions require a department-issued waiver based on a pest risk assessment showing the neonicotinoid is necessary to prevent significant crop damage, with no less harmful alternatives available. Waivers must specify location, duration (max one year), and environmental safeguards, and must be publicly posted online. The law mandates farmers to maintain records of waiver use for department review. It aims to reduce neonicotinoid pesticide exposure to pollinators and water sources by restricting their agricultural use.

Maddy summaryHD 5276 authorizes the Milford Select Board to appoint a Highway Surveyor for up to five years. The bill allows the Select Board to establish the position's employment terms and conditions under the same rules that apply to other municipal employees in Chapter 41, Section 108N. This is a procedural bill that modifies local hiring authority without changing broader policy or affecting residents directly. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

By Representatives Hawkins of Attleboro and Pease of Westfield, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of James K. Hawkins, Kelly W. Pease and others for legislation to designate August 10th as Agent Orange awareness day. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts zoning laws to streamline development processes and clarify local regulations. It allows construction under existing zoning rules for 24 months (or 3 years for special permits) if started within that timeframe, with specific rules for phased projects and site preparation. It also sets strict time limits for public hearings on permits (max 150 days) and requires automatic approval if authorities miss deadlines, while updating variance rules to prioritize housing production. The changes primarily affect developers, local zoning boards, and residents navigating land use approvals.

Maddy summaryThis bill caps out-of-pocket insulin costs at $100 per 30-day supply for all patients, regardless of insulin type or quantity needed. It directly affects insulin users, drug manufacturers, and insurers by requiring them to limit patient costs. Drug companies must offer free 30-day insulin supplies to eligible individuals urgently needing insulin (with less than a 7-day supply) who meet income limits (≤400% federal poverty level) and lack private drug coverage. The law also mandates manufacturers to establish accessible application processes for this assistance program within 14 days.

Maddy summaryHD 3015, "An Act relative to health insurance coverage for hearing aids," requires Massachusetts health insurance plans to cover hearing aids for insured residents with hearing loss. The bill mandates coverage for one hearing aid per hearing-impaired ear every 36 months, based on a physician's written statement, with earlier coverage allowed if hearing changes. It includes the hearing aid deemed best by the patient and audiologist (regardless of brand), all related services (evaluation, fitting, adjustments), supplies (ear molds, batteries), and repairs/replacements if the device fails. Insurance plans must limit copayments to $200 max, apply the same terms as other durable medical equipment, and cover both group and non-group policies. This directly affects Massachusetts residents with hearing loss who have health insurance.