Senate, October 30, 2023 -- The committee on Health Care Financing, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 732) of John J. Cronin for legislation to promote comprehensive transparency in the pharmaceutical industry; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 749) of Cindy F. Friedman, Rebecca L. Rausch, Susannah M. Whipps, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to pharmaceutical access, costs and transparency; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 767) of Jason M. Lewis for legislation to define modest meals and refreshments in prescriber education settings; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 778) of Paul W. Mark for legislation to bring down the cost of prescription drugs; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 783) of Mark C. Montigny and Michael J. Barrett for legislation to promote transparency and prevent price gouging of pharmaceutical drug prices; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 784) of Mark C. Montigny for legislation relative to coverage for chronic illness; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 797) of Jacob R. Oliveira for legislation to bring down the cost of prescription drugs; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 619) of Nicholas A. Boldyga relative to establishing a prescription drug rebate program for seniors; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1176) of Edward F. Coppinger and others relative to promoting comprehensive transparency in the pharmaceutical industry; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1201) of Kate Hogan relative to the pricing of prescription drugs; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1205) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others that the Health Policy Commission and health insurers create listings of certain high cost prescription drugs and that the Attorney General require drug manufacturers to provide information to justify increases in costs; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1206) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others for an investigation by a special commission (including members of the General Court) relative to contracts between the MassHealth program and pharmaceutical benefit managers; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1215) of John J. Lawn, Jr., and others relative to pharmacy benefit managers; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1246) of William M. Straus relative to drug prices paid by carriers; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1247) of Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida, Michael J. Soter and David F. DeCoste relative to pharmacy benefit managers reimbursements to pharmacies in the Commonwealth, reports the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2492).
Rep. Marcus Vaughn
Sponsored bills
By Representative Soter of Bellingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2954) of Michael J. Soter and others relative to property taxes for 100% disabled veterans. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts' MassHealth program and large health insurers to annually publish lists of prescription drugs that have seen significant price increases, specifically those with costs rising by 50% over five years or 15% in the last year. The Attorney General will then select up to 15 of the most expensive drugs from these lists and mandate that manufacturers provide detailed documentation justifying the price hikes. Additionally, the bill establishes a regulatory framework with penalties for non-compliance and requires the Attorney General to report findings to the legislature each December.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands workplace protections for domestic violence victims by granting them up to 15 days of leave per year specifically to address abuse. It directly affects contract workers, who are individuals performing services for an employer but are not classified as traditional employees under current state law. The leave can be used for activities such as seeking medical care, obtaining legal assistance, securing housing, or attending court proceedings related to the abuse. While the bill mandates this time off, it leaves the decision regarding whether the leave is paid or unpaid entirely to the employer. Additionally, the law requires workers to provide advance notice unless there is an immediate threat to their safety, in which case they must notify their employer within three workdays.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a mandatory educational diversion program for teenagers accused of sharing indecent images, commonly known as sexting. Instead of immediately facing criminal charges, eligible students would be required to complete a course that explains the legal penalties, social consequences, and long-term risks associated with posting such images online. The program is designed to be administered by the Attorney General in partnership with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and would be integrated into existing juvenile justice processes. If a student fails to finish the required education, the court can then proceed with standard legal proceedings against them. Additionally, the bill encourages schools to teach media literacy skills to help students better understand and navigate digital content.
By Representative Vaughn of Wrentham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3125) of Marcus S. Vaughn that the commissioner of the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance be authorized to release a certain sewer easement in the town of Norfolk. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
By Representative Vaughn of Wrentham, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Marcus S. Vaughn for legislation to provide school districts with an option to opt out of the free school lunch. Education.