Rep. Rich Haggerty

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 4638) creates legal protections for journalists in Massachusetts state investigations. It allows journalists to refuse disclosing sources or unpublished information (like notes or recordings) to state investigative bodies, unless a court finds disclosure is necessary for national security, a fair trial, or preventing imminent harm. The privilege can be challenged in court, but courts must balance the public interest in free information against the need for evidence, and the protection remains in place during appeals. It specifically excludes journalists who obtained information through criminal activity or if the information is already public. The bill directly affects journalists and state agencies conducting investigations.

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill, the Free Flow of Information Act, protects journalists and their sources by prohibiting government entities from compelling disclosure of "protected information" (such as confidential sources or journalistic records) without a court order. It requires courts to find by a preponderance of evidence that disclosure is necessary to prevent terrorism or imminent violence before allowing such disclosure. The law also shields journalists' personal accounts and devices on covered service providers (like social media platforms) from compelled disclosure, mandating notice to the journalist and narrow tailoring of any court-ordered information. This law aims to safeguard journalistic integrity by limiting government access to sensitive materials while maintaining strict court oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates two sections of election law to require all official ballots to match the standard defined in section 44 of the same law. It amends Chapter 54, Section 25B and Section 87 to replace outdated references with identical language specifying that ballots must be "identical in all respects" to the standard designated in section 44. The change ensures consistency across election procedures by aligning references to ballot standards. It directly affects election officials responsible for ballot design and printing, requiring them to follow the established section 44 standard. The bill makes a technical correction to existing law without altering ballot content or voting procedures.

Maddy summaryHD 3313 creates a new series of free veteran license plates in Massachusetts, waiving the standard $60 registration fee and renewal costs for eligible veterans. The bill establishes multiple plate designs to recognize specific military service, including disabled veterans (60%+ VA disability), prisoners of war, Medal of Honor recipients, Purple Heart recipients ("COMBAT WOUNDED" plates), and Gold Star family members. Veterans must provide proof of service to receive a plate, and they are also eligible for branch-of-service decals (with a special option for woman veterans). The bill includes provisions allowing widows to retain veteran plates after a spouse's death without reapplying, and optional additional fees (funding veterans' homes) are available but not required.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 3660) adds a new rule to Massachusetts law regarding charter school expansions. If the state education department rejects a charter school's request to expand into additional school districts, the school must wait three years before reapplying for that specific type of expansion. The rule directly affects charter schools whose expansion proposals are denied by the department. This provision creates a mandatory waiting period, changing the process for schools seeking to grow their geographic reach within the state's charter school system.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 4541) extends the deadline for the House Committee on Housing to report on 32 specific pending housing-related documents. It grants the committee until Friday, October 31, 2025 - beyond the standard timeline - to complete these reports. The bill directly affects the committee’s workflow and the documents listed (e.g., House Docs 1469, 1471, 1481, etc.). As a procedural measure, it does not change policy but adjusts a procedural deadline.

Maddy summaryH 4407 requires Massachusetts public colleges and universities to establish clear, written policies for granting college credit to high school students who earn qualifying scores on Advanced Placement exams, complete International Baccalaureate programs, or take dual enrollment courses. These policies must specify minimum score requirements, how credit applies toward degree requirements (e.g., general education or major courses), and how credits transfer between institutions, with all policies posted online for transparency. The state Department of Higher Education will review these policies every three years and report findings to the legislature. The bill also creates an Office of Early College to oversee statewide early college programs, which are partnerships between high schools and colleges allowing students to earn college credit while still in high school.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public Massachusetts colleges to accept Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores of 3, 4, or 5 for college credit toward degree requirements. It mandates that institutions develop written policies explaining how these credits apply (e.g., general education, major, or elective) and post them online. Colleges may only require scores above 3 (e.g., 4 or 5) if the chief academic officer provides evidence that higher scores are necessary for success in advanced courses, with the Department of Higher Education providing guidance on acceptable evidence. The bill also requires annual reporting on these policies to the legislature and public posting of all credit-acceptance rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a student loan repayment program for human services workers in Massachusetts. It directly affects employees of community-based human services organizations (funded by state health, elder affairs, housing, or early education offices) who provide client support. Key provisions include: offering up to $30,000 in repayment assistance based on education level (associate, bachelor's, or master's degree), requiring a 1-3 year service commitment in an eligible setting, and prioritizing applicants working in designated health disparity communities (AHEM areas), earning under $60,000 annually, or possessing language skills matching community needs. The program aims to recruit and retain workers in high-need areas by reducing their student debt burden.

Maddy summaryHD 2335 requires health insurers and Medicaid plans in Massachusetts to cover biomarker testing for patients when the test is supported by medical evidence, such as FDA approvals, CMS guidelines, or nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines. It directly affects patients needing personalized treatment (e.g., cancer care) and insurers, mandating coverage for diagnosis, treatment, or monitoring of diseases. Key provisions include strict timelines for prior authorization decisions (72 hours standard, 24 hours in emergencies), limits on requiring multiple biopsies, and clear processes for patients to appeal coverage denials. The bill ensures access to evidence-based testing without unnecessary delays or disruptions in care.