Sen. Jamie Eldridge

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 4899) requires health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover post-pregnancy mental health care - including postpartum and post-miscarriage care - without any out-of-pocket costs like deductibles or copays. It applies to both private insurance and Medicaid plans, ensuring coverage is equally available to enrollees and their spouses or dependents. The law explicitly adds this care to existing pregnancy-related coverage requirements in multiple sections of state health laws and prohibits unreasonable delays or restrictions in accessing these services.

By Mr. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2023) of Edward J. Kennedy, James B. Eldridge and Michael O. Moore for legislation to promote urban agriculture and horticulture. Revenue.

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1938) of Joanne M. Comerford, Jason M. Lewis, Michael D. Brady, Jacob R. Oliveira and other members of the Senate for legislation to establish an advisory council on family caregiving. Revenue.

By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2012) of Adam Gomez and James B. Eldridge for legislation to establish fairness for agricultural laborers. Revenue.

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 549) of Joanne M. Comerford, James B. Eldridge, James K. Hawkins, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation to invest in natural and working lands. Environment and Natural Resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits mandatory overtime for healthcare workers in specific Massachusetts facilities, including hospitals and certain correctional facilities (excluding long-term care and most correctional settings). It allows overtime only during true emergencies with no reasonable alternatives, requires facilities to seek voluntary coverage first, and limits consecutive work to 16 hours with 8 hours off afterward. Facilities must report all mandatory overtime use to health authorities, and workers cannot face retaliation for refusing overtime beyond these limits. The law directly affects nurses, support staff, and other healthcare personnel in covered facilities, aiming to protect patient safety and staff well-being.

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 547) of Joanne M. Comerford, Michael O. Moore, James B. Eldridge and Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation to establish an ecologically-based mosquito management program in the Commonwealth to protect public health. Environment and Natural Resources.

Maddy summaryHD 1867 increases payment rates for mental health services provided by clinics and independent practitioners. Starting January 2027, it requires a 5% minimum rate increase per service code and mandates that clinics receive at least 20% more payment than independent practitioners for comparable services. The bill also requires biennial reviews of these rates, considering inflation (using Medicare Economic Index data), wage comparisons to state labor statistics, and costs from new government mandates. This directly affects mental health clinics, independent practitioners, and managed care entities that pay for these services.

By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 551) of Cynthia Stone Creem, Joanne M. Comerford, Michael O. Moore, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation to prohibit the sale of newly farmed fur products. Environment and Natural Resources.

Senate, July 1, 2026 -- Text of the Senate Bill to improve outdoor lighting, conserve energy, and increase dark-sky visibility (Senate, No. 3162) (being the text of Senate, No. 3145, printed as amended)