Summary
The Town of Shrewsbury is seeking to designate mobile homes that have been located on the same parcel of land for twenty or more years as “low or moderate income housing” as defined by Section 20 of Chapter 40B of the General Laws.
An Act relative to retired public employees not eligible for Medicare
Summary
Under this legislation, health insurance premium contributions by government entities for retired public employees over age 65 who are not eligible for Medicare would be required to be at a rate that ensures retirees are not forced to contribute more to their health insurance premiums than their peers who are enrolled in a federal Medicare plan.
An Act Relative to Transparency in Private Utility Construction Contracts
Summary
Through transparency, the bill aims to provide increased competition for all subterranean, surface and overhead construction work that is contracted out to private construction companies, with the goal of keeping future rate increases at a minimum for utility customers.
An Act Relative to the Creative Economy
Summary
The independent contract law negatively impacts freelancers in Massachusetts, particularly those who create intellectual property. This legislation carves out an exception in the independent contractor law for those who are engaged in a profession with intellectual property.
An Act relative to the definition of fraud in public construction bid laws
Summary
This legislation clarifies what constitutes fraud in the public bidding process. Passage of this bill would improve the AG’s office ability to root out fraud and misrepresentation in the public bidding arena and ensure transparency and integrity. Our public construction bid laws do not define fraud. The Supreme Judicial Court ruling in Fordyce v Town of Hanover narrowed the definition of fraud in the public bidding context so much that the only false statements that constitute fraud are those that cause actual harm to the awarding authority. This bill addresses this by making it clear that contractors who intentionally attempt to deceive awarding authorities cannot be awarded contracts.
An Act Relative to Non-Payment of Insurance Premiums from Escrowed Funds by Lending Institutions
Summary
This bill provides that if any lender, either a bank or mortgage company, fails to pay insurance premiums from escrowed funds that were available, then the lender is liable for uncovered or potential loss up to the limits on the expired policy; and the lender must pay the increased cost of a similar policy for three years; if any Lender is late in paying the insurance premium, the Lender must pay the late fee charged by the insurance company.
An Act Relative to Special Insurance Brokers
Summary
This legislation allows for a “continuous affidavit” for any insurance policy renewed, continued or extended by the same insurance company procured by a special insurance broker for which the broker has previously completed an affidavit. This affidavit shall remain on file with the special insurance broker and be available to the Division of Insurance for examination at all reasonable times.
An Act relative to group market plans for automobile and homeowners insurance
Summary
This legislation prohibits insurance companies from cancelling the motor vehicle insurance of an individual member of a group plan based upon the company’s underwriting standards for non-group members.
An Act relative to timely care and saving lives
Summary
This legislation would require the regional EMS councils, in collaboration with the DPH, to develop protocols for assessing and delivering certain stroke patients to facilities where where endovascular procedures (i.e. mechanical thrombectomy) are appropriate. The procedure, which is minimally invasive, saves lives, reduces hospital admission stays and otherwise produces favorable outcomes. While this is not something used for every type of stroke, the key is making sure that people are being directed to the appropriate facilities in a timely manner.
An Act ensuring consumer choice and equal access to eye care
Summary
This legislation would give licensed optometrists the authority to treat glaucoma and ocular abnormalities of the human eye, including prescribing all necessary eye related medications. The language strictly limits prescriptive powers, including a ban on the prescription of surgical procedures, pharmaceutical agents for systemic diseases, and any opioid medications. It also requires optometrists to complete an additional accredited educational program and meet guidelines and requirements established by the Board of Registration of Optometry.
An Act relative to hospital profit and fairness
Summary
One issue contributing to the rise of healthcare costs is the exorbitant salaries paid to CEOs that do not in any way reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or community benefits. this legislation would require hospitals receiving public money to disclose financial assets, and assess fees on publicly funded hospitals that compensate executives more than 100 times more than other employees. These fees will fund a Medicaid Reimbursement Enhancement Fund, which will increase MEdicaid reimbursements to eligible hospitals.
An Act Relative to an Affordable Health Plan
Summary
This legislation creates a more affordable option for small businesses, lowering premiums on comparable products by as much as 22%, by requiring health care providers and health insurers to share in the responsibility for holding down costs.
An Act Relative to Dental Hygienists
Summary
This legislation allows dental hygienists, who have obtained a special permit, to administer nitrous oxide to patients until under the direct supervision of a dentist. The Board of Registration of Dentistry will determine the education requirements needed to obtain certification to administer nitrous oxide. 27 states have passed similar legislation.
An Act relative to the use of unmanned aerial systems
Summary
Advancements in technology have made drones cheaper and more convenient, which has significantly expanded the use and intended purpose of these systems. This legislation bans the use of weaponized drones, ensures that drones are not used for warrantless surveillance. The bill includes sensible limits on government drone use, including: execution of a warrant; in emergencies when there is a threat to human life or safety; for non-law enforcement purposes if the information will not be used as evidence in criminal proceedings. The bill also protects critical infrastructure and also makes it illegal for UAV to be used for the purpose of hunting.
An Act further regulating the enforcement of illegal hunting practices
Summary
Poaching—the illegal harming or killing of wildlife—is a serious problem across the country and in the Commonwealth. Law enforcement officials report that poachers are rarely, if ever, breaking the law to put food on the table. This legislation elevates Massachusetts’ penalties for poaching to bring them in line with other states. This will provide adequate deterrence for poachers who illegally exploit wildlife and cheat ethical hunters and other residents. The bill does not create new crimes; it simply elevates fines, jail time, and license suspensions for existing laws, some of which have remained unchanged since the 1930s. It also creates an elevated penalty for chronic poachers who repeatedly violate the law, in order to give the Massachusetts Environmental Police an additional tool to target those who intentionally and repeatedly disregard our laws. Additionally, this legislation would bring Massachusetts into a nationwide law enforcement network known as the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact. Massachusetts is one of just 7 states that is not a member or in the process of joining. Membership in the compact will end our state’s status as a “safe haven” for out-of-state poachers whose licenses have been suspended in other states and it prevents resident violators from evading punishment by applying for a license in a state other than where the violator lives.
An Act Relative to Early Education Funding
Summary
The Education Fund established by the casino law currently only includes K-12 and higher education. This legislation adds early education to the list to ensure they receive an equal portion of the fund.
An Act Concerning Sexual Violence on Higher Education Campuses
Summary
This legislation adds additional information on sexual violence to a higher education institution's annual crime report; appoints a Public Safety Officer to the Board of Higher Education to review of all campus safety policies; requires campus websites to include information about the resources available to sexual assault victims; requires that sexual assault policies be emailed to all students each semester; requires campuses to establish a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with sexual assault crisis services; requires the designation of a trained confidential advisor for students to report an assault to; and requires mandatory annual sexual violence training for students; requires sexual violence training for employees; and creates a task force to develop a model sexual assault climate survey, which will be given to all students annually at our public and private colleges and universities in Massachusetts.