Maddy summaryHD 492 allows minors aged 15 or older who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness to consent to supportive services without parental involvement. It defines "mature minors" as those not in a parent's custody, lacking stable housing, and capable of understanding the services' implications. Service providers must obtain written consent from the minor, detailing their age, guardianship status, and living situation, before offering housing assistance, education support, emotional wellbeing resources, or financial stability services. The bill also grants providers immunity from liability (except for gross negligence) when following these rules, and requires the Office of Children, Youth, and Families to create implementing regulations.
Rep. Rich Haggerty
Sponsored bills
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.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 3163) requires Massachusetts' Commissioner of Insurance to study property insurance premiums for nonprofits. It mandates an evaluation of why premiums are rising, whether insurers are available for high-risk nonprofits, and whether a new insurance clearinghouse should be added to the state's FAIR Plan. The commissioner must submit findings and recommendations to legislative committees by December 31, 2026. The study directly affects nonprofits facing high or rising insurance costs but does not change current insurance rules.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts to create three permanent emergency stockpiles: one for healthcare facilities (hospitals, clinics), one for schools and educational institutions, and one for the general public. The Department of Public Health must collaborate with emergency management agencies to forecast needs, determine supply types and quantities, plan distribution during emergencies, and minimize waste through regular rotation. The department must file an initial report within one year of enactment and reassess the stockpile plans every two years. Quarterly reports on stockpile levels and funding will also be required, with efforts to maximize federal and state funding for these reserves.
Maddy summaryHD 4087 creates a PFAS Remediation Trust Fund to address contamination from harmful chemicals (PFAS) in Massachusetts drinking water and environmental media. The fund, financed by settlements with PFAS manufacturers and other sources like grants and donations, will cover costs for public water systems, private well owners, municipalities, and regional water systems to test, treat, and remediate PFAS in water, soil, and groundwater. The Department of Environmental Protection will administer the fund, prioritizing vulnerable communities and requiring applicants to disclose any third-party payments to avoid duplicate funding. The fund operates without annual appropriation, with leftover balances carrying over to future years to ensure sustained support for PFAS cleanup efforts.
By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 548) of Marjorie C. Decker and Michelle L. Badger relative to firearm storage education. Education.
Maddy summaryHD 3690 requires all polling places in regional school districts to operate with uniform hours (7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.) during school district votes. It mandates that district committees determine polling locations after consulting with local town select boards or city councils. This bill directly affects voters in regional school districts and the local officials responsible for election administration. The key change standardizes voting hours across the entire district while preserving local input on physical polling locations.
By Representative Haggerty of Woburn, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Richard M. Haggerty relative to restrictions on highway breakdown lane travel. Transportation.
By Representative Haggerty of Woburn, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Richard M. Haggerty relative to health and sanitation in schools. Education.
By Representative Haggerty of Woburn, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Richard M. Haggerty relative to a student safety education course in schools. Education.