Rep. Dan Donahue

Maddy summaryHD 4011 creates tax credits to support Massachusetts-based digital interactive media companies, such as video game developers and interactive entertainment producers. It offers a 25% credit on payroll costs for companies with qualifying production expenses exceeding $50,000 in the state, excluding salaries over $1 million per employee. Companies producing in designated "gateway municipalities" receive an additional credit on Massachusetts production expenses. The bill also establishes a dedicated division within the Massachusetts Film Office to manage these incentives and promote the industry. This policy directly affects eligible digital media producers meeting the cost and location thresholds.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a task force to study how medications are currently given to residents in rest homes who cannot take them themselves. The group will examine existing practices, compare different models used in Massachusetts and other states, and analyze the costs involved in changing how care is delivered. Members of the task force will include state health officials, representatives from aging and independence committees, and leaders from residential care home associations. By December 31, 2026, the task force must submit a report with its findings and any suggestions for new rules or laws to improve medication safety.

By Representative Stanley of Waltham, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Thomas M. Stanley, John J. Marsi and James C. Arena-DeRosa relative to medication administration in rest homes. Aging and Independence.

Maddy summaryHD 2540 creates a legal process for terminally ill Massachusetts residents to request medication for a peaceful death. It requires patients to be mentally capable adults with a terminal diagnosis (expected death within 6 months), prove Massachusetts residency, and complete a 15-day waiting period after an initial oral request. The process involves two physicians confirming the diagnosis and mental capacity, plus two non-family witnesses verifying the patient’s voluntary participation. Patients with legal guardians are excluded, and the bill explicitly does not affect existing hospice or palliative care options.

Maddy summaryH 5018 requires all health insurance policies in Massachusetts - covering group, individual, and hospital service plans - to reimburse hospital-at-home services equally with in-person care. It applies to any policy providing hospital or surgical coverage (excluding Medicare supplemental plans) and mandates coverage for services from hospitals participating in the federal CMS Acute Hospital Care at Home Program. The law ensures insurers pay for these services at the same rate as traditional hospital visits, without additional patient cost-sharing. This affects all Massachusetts health insurers and their policyholders, including Commonwealth employees covered under group insurance. The bill does not create new services but standardizes existing insurance coverage for this care option.

Maddy summaryHD 3850 raises Massachusetts' minimum wage in a phased approach, increasing it from $15.00 to $20.00 per hour by 2029. It directly affects all public and private employers in the state who must pay workers at least the new minimum wage rate. Starting in 2030, the law establishes an automatic annual adjustment based on inflation (using the Consumer Price Index) to maintain purchasing power, with the first adjustment calculated for January 2030. The bill also updates current wage rates for tipped workers and other categories through 2029.

Maddy summaryHD 1830 creates a payroll deduction system allowing Massachusetts employees to make voluntary, small regular contributions (minimum $2 per pay period) to political organizations or social welfare groups through their employers. It directly affects all Massachusetts employees who wish to contribute, particularly low-income residents facing financial barriers to political participation. The bill requires written authorization for each contribution (valid for 6 months), limits contributions to two organizations per employee, and mandates employers to process deductions with a reasonable administrative fee. Covered organizations must be certified by the Attorney General and obtain authorization from at least 10 residents. The law applies to all employers, including state government entities, without altering existing collective bargaining agreements.

Maddy summaryThis bill gradually increases retirement benefits for public employees by adjusting the percentage of Social Security benefits they receive, starting at 65% (replacing a fixed $18,000 amount) and rising to 100% over multiple years. It also prevents future health premium increases from affecting retirees who retired before such changes take effect, and caps out-of-pocket health costs at $2,500 for individual coverage and $5,000 for family coverage for retirees over 65 not eligible for Medicare. The changes take effect between 2025 and 2043, with specific provisions phasing in over time. The bill directly affects retired public employees in the state, particularly regarding their pension calculations and health insurance costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 1835) allows adults aged 18+ with sound minds to legally designate who controls their funeral arrangements and final disposition of remains after death. It establishes a clear hierarchy: first the person named in a pre-need contract or sworn affidavit (Section 1), then surviving spouse, children, parents, siblings, or other relatives in order (Section 2). The law also specifies circumstances where rights are forfeited (e.g., murder charges, failure to act within 2 days, or court determination of estrangement) and permits probate courts to resolve disputes if multiple people claim rights (Section 4-5). It directly affects anyone making pre-arrangements or whose family must make decisions after death.

Maddy summaryHD 1828 requires employers to provide new written wage notices within 10 days of hire, detailing pay rates, pay schedules, and business contact information in the employee's preferred language. It creates joint liability for wage theft among lead contractors, labor contractors, and subcontractors, holding their officers personally accountable. The Attorney General gains new enforcement powers to sue for treble damages, lost wages, and attorney fees on behalf of affected workers. The bill also adjusts unemployment benefits to account for unpaid wages during the benefit calculation period.