Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill restricts civil immigration enforcement activities in nonpublic areas of state facilities unless required by law or necessary for federally funded programs. It requires the governor to create multilingual guidelines for state agencies, private organizations, law enforcement, and schools on how to handle immigration-related interactions, including verifying officer credentials and warrants. The legislation also mandates that correctional facilities provide detained individuals with written notices about their legal rights in their primary language. These provisions apply to a wide range of entities including police departments, universities, hospitals, and private organizations that employ ten or more people or receive state funding.
Rep. Paul Donato
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryH 4939 requires health insurers and Medicaid plans to cover patient navigation services provided by certified community health workers. These services help patients access care by addressing chronic disease prevention, social needs screenings, health education, and overcoming barriers like language or health literacy. The bill mandates reimbursement for workers with national certification or approved training, effective January 1, 2026. It directly affects Medicaid-eligible patients and community health workers by expanding access to coordinated care support. The law also directs the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to secure federal funding for implementation.
Maddy summaryThis bill restructures the Commission of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren by changing how its 21 members are appointed and defining its core responsibilities. It requires that 5 members (including 3 nominated by the commission and appointed by majority vote) have direct experience as grandparents or relatives raising children, ensuring the commission includes those with lived expertise. The commission must now assess state agency programs affecting these families, advise on relevant legislation, and investigate creating a dedicated state agency for grandparents' issues. These changes aim to strengthen the commission's representation and role in shaping policies that support grandparents and relatives raising children.
Maddy summaryH 4619 prohibits healthcare providers from charging facility fees (separate charges for hospital infrastructure) except for services on a hospital campus, at a hospital emergency department, or for emergency care at satellite facilities. It requires providers to give patients clear written notice about facility fees before or during care, display hospital ownership signage, and disclose if a location changes to charge such fees. The bill directly affects patients receiving care at healthcare facilities and healthcare providers who charge facility fees, aiming to prevent unexpected billing. The Department of Public Health will create rules to enforce these requirements and impose fines for violations.
Maddy summaryH 4767 requires health care employers in Massachusetts (including hospitals, mental health facilities, and certain state-operated care facilities) to create and maintain workplace violence prevention programs. Employers must conduct annual risk assessments covering factors like working alone, high-crime areas, and patient behavior, then develop written plans with employee training, reporting systems, and crisis response teams. The law mandates specific provisions such as staff training on reporting violence, post-incident debriefings, and designated senior managers for crisis response. Violations can result in fines up to $2,000 per offense, and employees cannot be retaliated against for reporting safety concerns.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a PFAS Remediation Trust Fund to address contamination in Massachusetts drinking water, groundwater, soil, and other environmental media. It directly affects communities with PFAS pollution, including vulnerable environmental justice areas, private well owners, and public water systems. The fund provides grants for PFAS treatment, remediation, and outreach programs, prioritizing communities with limited resources. Money comes from settlements with PFAS manufacturers, other grants, and interest, with strict rules requiring repayment if responsible parties are later identified.
Maddy summaryHD 3390 modifies Massachusetts tax law to address income from foreign entities. It specifies that amounts included in federal income under Section 951A of the IRS Code (related to global intangible low-taxed income) will no longer be treated as dividends for state tax purposes, and taxpayers can only deduct 50% of this income instead of the full amount. This primarily affects businesses and individuals with foreign income subject to Section 951A provisions. The changes apply to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that Massachusetts begin offering universal newborn screenings for congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) starting July 1, 2027. The legislation requires hospitals and birthing facilities to test all newborns using saliva or urine PCR tests, with results shared with parents, doctors, and the state within 21 days of birth. Healthcare providers must also provide expectant parents with evidence-based information about CMV prevention and support resources during prenatal and postnatal care visits. While the bill includes a religious exemption allowing parents to opt out of the screening, it also establishes a new advisory committee to oversee the program's implementation and ensure accurate testing standards.
By Representative Kerans of Danvers, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Sally P. Kerans relative to newborn screenings for congenital cytomegalovirus. Public Health.
By Representative Donato of Medford, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Paul J. Donato and Sean Garballey that the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance be authorized to lease the LoConte Memorial Rink to the city of Medford. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.