2019 House Accomplishments

House 2019 House Accomplishments

• An Act Relative to Educational Opportunity for Students (S.2412)
  • $1.5 billion new investment in Massachusetts K-12 public education. This legislation will ensure that public schools have adequate resources to provide high-quality education to students across the state regardless of zip code or income level.
  • This bill addresses the needs of special education programs, ESL students, and districts educating high concentrations of students from low-income households.

• An Act to Lift the Cap on Kids (H.3594) 
  • Removed the Family Cap which previously denied benefits to children who were conceived – or soon after – the family received benefits.

• An Act to Support Improved Financial Stability in Higher Education (H.4099)
  • Clarifies and enhances the authority of the Board of Higher Education to monitor the financial health of Massachusetts’ colleges and universities. This legislation will ensure that all colleges and universities in the Commonwealth will notify the Board of Higher Education of any financial liabilities or risks which might results in imminent closure or which might negatively affect the institution’s ability to fulfill its obligations to students.

• An Act Requiring the Hands-free Use of Mobile Telephones While Driving (H.4203) 
  • Operators of motor vehicles can no longer use electronic devices unless the device is being used in hands-free mode.

• An Act Modernizing Tobacco Control (H.4196) 
  • Bans all flavored tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, menthol cigarettes and chewing tobacco.
  • Requires MassHealth and the Group Insurance Commission to provide coverage for tobacco use cessation counseling and all generic FDA approved tobacco cessation products.
  • Restricts sales of ENDs with nicotine content greater than 20mg per ml to adult only retail tobacco stores.

• An Act Relative to Children’s Health and Wellness (H.4210) 
  • Requires DCF to report on efforts to improve the foster care system in the Commonwealth.
  • Secures healthcare benefits for foster children until the age of 26.
  • Requires insurance companies to maintain accurate and accessible provider directories for health plans.
  • Creates childhood behavioral health centers of excellence via a pilot program that connects families, providers, and educators to services and training opportunities.
  • Requires the Health Policy Commission to conduct analysis within the next year of children with medical complexity to analyze costs and population characteristics of this group.
  • Creates a commission to examine the pediatric workforce to address pediatric provider availability and adequacy.

• An Act Relative to Campaign Finance (H.4223) 
  • Requires more regular reporting and more disclosure for state senator and representatives.

• An Act Relative to Abusive Practices to Change Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Minors (H.140) 
  • Bans the practice of Conversion Therapy on any person who is less than 18 years of age.