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2023-2024 Legislative Priorities


LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

193rd MA Legislative Session 2023-2024
Updated as of November 20, 2023

Contents:

UPDATE ON PRIORITY BILLS

We are pleased to report that two big bills were passed by the legislature  and have (or will be) signed into law addressing gun safety and maternal healthcare, both of which were among our priorities  for the 2023-24 legislative session.

The Firearms Law:

  • Regulates ghost guns and 3-D printed guns by requiring all gun components to have serial numbers and, thus, become traceable
  • Prohibit firearms from schools and polling places
  • Expands “red flag” law to allow school administrators and health care providers to seek a court order requiring someone deemed a behavior risk to surrender guns
  • Increases violence prevention programming
  • Modernizes definition of assault style firearms
  • Imposes strict penalties for possession of modification devices that convert a legal firearm into fully automatic weapon

Maternal Health Care:

  • Expands access to midwives by licensing, regulating and offering
  • Medicaid coverage to certified professional midwives
  • Making it easier to establish freestanding birth centers
  • Require  Mass Health to cover doula services for pregnant and post partum people
  • Prohibit administration of pregnancy-related ultrasound by someone not supervised by a licensed health care professional-to crack down on “crisis pregnancy centers”
  • Expand access to DPH postpartum home visit program
  • Establish a task force to study the availability of and access to maternal health services as well as essential service closures of inpatient maternity units and acute level birthing centers
  • Expands coverage for mental health care and services provided by midwives and doulas

The Common Start bill was signed into law by Governor Healey. The bill

  • Helps to stabilize the early childhood education system
  • Contributes to a 7 percent increase in the number of child care programs, adding more than 10,600 child care slots across the state

We made progress on other key priorities, which hopefully will help us when raising these issues for the 2025-26 session.

For the first time, legislation to  eliminate cost-sharing for the full spectrum of pregnancy care was reported favorably by the Joint Committee on Financial Services and the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing.  It remained in the Senate Ways and Means Committee at the close of the formal session. 

An act to increase access to menstrual products by providing free products in shelters, prisons and schools was passed by the Senate and was in the House Ways and Means Committee at the close of the session. 

The Medical Aid in Dying legislation (MAiD) progressed to the legislature’s Public Health Committee.  We anticipate the legislation being resubmitted  during the next legislative session and we will continue to work with Compassion and Choices to support this legislation. 

TOP PRIORITY BILLS

H.1137/S.646 An Act Ensuring Access to Full Spectrum Pregnancy Care
Petitioners: Representatives Ruth Balsar and Lindsay Sabadosa and Senator Cindy Friedman
Hearing before the Joint Committee on Financial Services was held on Tuesday 5/2/2023.
Senator Susan Moran is on this committee. The Committee reported this bill out favorable.
People on high deductible plans still face exorbitant out-of-pocket costs for the full spectrum of pregnancy care. This legislation requires health insurance plans to cover all pregnancy care – including abortion, prenatal care, childbirth, and postpartum care – without any kind of cost sharing. Any financial barrier to reproductive health care limits people’s ability to make personal decisions about their reproductive destiny. Pregnant people should be the ones to dictate their own reproductive health care – not deductibles or insurance plans.
Representatives Christopher Flanagan and Dylan Fernandes have signed on as co-sponsors. 

H.544/S.268 An Act Relative to Healthy Youth
Petitioners: Reps James O’Day and Vanna Howard and Senator Sal DiDomenico
Referred to the Joint Committee on Education. Hearing was held 10/11/23. The Committee Reported it out favorable. The House and the Senate are working out their differences between the two bills.
An Act which would require school districts that provide sex education to ensure that it is comprehensive, age-appropriate, and LGBTQ-inclusive, with an emphasis on consent. This would help young people learn the benefits of delaying sex, as well as how to prevent STIs and pregnancy when they become sexually active. The bill would insure complete and accurate information in sex ed classes in schools. Currently, when a Massachusetts public school provides its students with sex education, there is no guarantee that the lessons are inclusive, age-appropriate, or medically accurate.
Representatives Dylan Fernandes, Christopher Flanagan, and Kip Diggs, and Senators Julian Cyr and Susan Moran have signed on as co-sponsors

H.4135 An Act Modernizing Firearm Laws
Petitioners: House Committee on Ways and Means
The bill passed the House several months ago. The Senate released their version of the bill. The House and Senate are working to iron out the differences between their versions of the bill.
(originally proposed by Representative Michael Day)
The House passes a sweeping gun safety omnibus bill on October 18, 2023. The Senate passed its own version on February 1, 2024. The bills have some differences. The House bill includes provisions that will improve crime gun data analysis, close assault weapons loopholes, address ghost guns, conduct an audit of gun violence prevention funding in the Commonwealth and create a commission to follow changing gun technologies, among other things. It raises the age for possession of a semi-automatic long gun (rifle or shotgun) to 21, and strengthens the state’s concealed carry laws in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision.
The Senate bill (S.2572) differs on the issues of ERPOs, ghost buns, and places where firearms are prohibited, as well as a few other areas. For more information on the Senate bill, see Fact Sheet: SAFER Act (An Act to Sensibly Address Firearm Violence Through Effective Reform).
The next steps are to reconcile differences between the bills by assigning them to a Conference Committee. The hope is to get an approved bill by the end of this legislative session. 
The last comprehensive gun legislation in Massachusetts was in 2014. Much has changed since in gun lethality and ease of access to the deadliest of firearms. Changes are long overdue. (Information from the Falmouth Gun Safety Coalition).
No co-sponsors from the Cape

H.534/S.1381 An Act to Increase Access to Disposable Menstrual Products
Petitioners: Representatives Jay Livingstone and Christine Barber and Senator Patricia Jehlen
The House bill H.534 was Referred to the Joint Committee on Education and the Senate Bill S.1381 was voted favorable by the Joint Committee on Public Health. The bill passed through the Senate unanimously, championed by Senate President Spilka. As of 11/6/2023, the bill is in the House Ways and Means Committee and hopefully to be voted on in the coming months.
This bill would provide free menstrual products in shelters (domestic violence, temporary housing including hotels), prisons, and schools, to be available at no cost to those menstruating.
Representatives Christopher Flanagan, Dylan Fernandes, and David Vieira and Senator Susan Moran have signed on as co-sponsors.

BILLS TO FOLLOW AND JOIN OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

H.489/S.301 Common Start
Petitioners: Representatives Ken Gordon and Adrian Madaro and Senators Jason Lewis and Susan Moran
Referred to the Joint Committee on Education. The Senate version of this bill received a favorable report. Common Start is now working with the lead sponsors inboth the House and Senate, including Senator Su Moran, to move the bill forward for a vote.
Reproductive Equity Now (REN) is working with the Common Start Coalition to establish a five-year pathway to a universal system of affordable, high-quality early education and childcare for all Massachusetts families, starting at birth. Reproductive equity is not only the ability to decide if and when to have a family – it’s also about ensuring that when you decide to become a parent, you can raise a family in a safe and healthy environment without breaking the bank on childcare. Massachusetts has the second highest childcare costs in the country. These exorbitant early childhood care costs harm both parents and children.
Senator Susan Moran is the lead sponsor; Representatives David Vieira, Dylan Fernandes, Christopher Flanagan, and Kip Diggs and Senator Julian Cyr are co-sponsors from the Cape.

S.174/H.377 An Act To Protect Patient Privacy and Prevent Unfair and Deceptive Advertising of Pregnancy-Related Services
Sponsored by Senator Barry Finegold and Representative Tram Nguyen
Referred to the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
Hearing was held on 7/24/2023. Unfortunately, the committee reported out this bill for further study, which typically means that the bill will not go anywhere during this legislative session.
Defines a limited services pregnancy center (known as crisis pregnancy centers) as a pregnancy services center which does not provide referrals for abortions or emergency contraception as distinguished from a pregnancy services center. It regulates the limited services pregnancy center’s use and dissemination of deceptive advertising and enumerates privacy standards for processing an individual’s personal information for all pregnancy services centers.
No one from the Cape has signed on as a co-sponsor.

S.1114/H.1599 An Act Enhancing Access to Abortion Care
Presenter: Senator Rebecca L. Rausch and Representative Sally Kerans
Referred to the Joint Committee on Public Health; Senator Julian Cyr is Chair.
While abortion is legal in Massachusetts, it is not without restrictions. This bill would further remove medically unnecessary barriers to abortion that often delay and/or stigmatize abortion care, including several TRAP policies like unnecessary waiting periods for health-related information, ultrasounds inconsistent with the standard of care and review, and medically unnecessary regulations on facilities. It would also require the Department of Public Health to publicize information on where residents can find legitimate reproductive health care providers and invest in public education efforts to combat mis- and dis-information from anti-abortion organizations targeting pregnant people.
Representative Dylan Fernandes and Senator Susan Moran have signed on as co-sponsors.

S.1415 An Act Relative to Birthing Justice in the Commonwealth
Petitioners: Senator Liz Miranda
This bill has no companion House bill and is similar to the Full Spectrum Pregnancy Act.
Referred to the Joint Committee on Public Health.
As over a dozen states have moved to ban or severely restrict abortion, we have seen the negative impact of abortion bans on the full spectrum of reproductive health care, especially for already-marginalized communities. Massachusetts has made significant strides to protect and expand access to abortion, and there is more work to be done to break down barriers to the full spectrum of reproductive health care that still exists for Blacks, Indigenous and other people of color. This bill introduces a framework to improve maternal health outcomes and advance recommendations from the Special Commission on Racial Inequities in Maternal Health, including better integrating midwifery care into our maternal health care system to improve access to out-of-hospital birthing options and reducing financial and administrative barriers to the creation of free-standing birth centers.
Representative Christopher Flanagan signed on as a co-sponsor.

H.1240/S.782 An Act Relative to Medicaid Coverage for Doula Services
Petitioners: Representative Lindsay Sabadosa and Senator Liz Miranda
Referred to the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing.
This legislation would mandate MassHealth coverage of doula care. Doulas are trained professionals who provide physical, emotional, and educational support to birthing people not only during labor and delivery, but also before and after pregnancy. By empowering pregnant people to be their own advocate, doula care can help improve birthing experiences, breastfeeding, and maternal health outcomes. 

However, the cost of doula care without insurance coverage can put this critical care out of reach for low-income pregnant, birthing, and postpartum people, many of whom are Black, Indigenous, and people of color. This bill is an essential tool for the Commonwealth to reduce insurance barriers to care, help combat the maternal health crisis, and address racial inequities for birthing people.
Representative Christopher Flanagan and Senator Su Moran have signed on as co-sponsors. Senator Julian Cyr is on this committee.

H.1919/S.1166 An Act Ensuring Domestic Violence Victims’ Protections for All Employees in the Commonwealth 
Petitioner: Representative Joseph McKenna and Senator Ryan Fattman
Referred to the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development. Hearing was held on 5/09/23.
This bill provides that an employer shall permit a worker up to 15 days leave from work if an employee is a victim of DV and is using leave to seek medical attention, go to court, get counseling, victim’s services, legal assistance, etc. The bill gives the employer discretion as to whether the leave is paid/unpaid. The employer can ask for verification.
Representative Stephen Xiarhos is the only co-sponsor from the Cape.

H.2209/S.1457 An Act Promoting Access to Midwifery Care and Out-of-Hospital Birth Options
Representatives Brandy Fluker Oakley and Kay Kahn and Senator Rebecca Rausch
Referred to the Joint Committee on Public Health; Senator Julian Cyr is Co-Chair.
Our nation’s maternal mortality rates are unacceptable, and Black and brown pregnant people in particular face the highest risk of dying in childbirth. Centuries of medical discrimination and racism have caused these disparate health outcomes as well as distrust of the medical establishment. People of color, particularly Black people, deserve equitable access to non-hospital-based pregnancy care in which they are taken care of, listened to, and advocated for throughout their pregnancies. Improving access to midwives will empower people to take charge of their pregnancy and birthing experience and connect with medical professionals who can provide the care and support they need. This bill recognizes the importance of midwifery options to pregnant people and their ability to have a safe, supportive non-hospital birth.
Representatives Dylan Fernandes and Christopher Flanagan have signed on as co-sponsors.

H.2349/S.1580 An Act Relative to Health Education in Women’s Correctional Institutions
Petitioners Rep Khan and Priscilla Sousa and Senator Rebecca Rausch
Referred to the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Rep David Vieira is the ranking member and Rep Stephan Xiarhos is a member.
This act will make available to all prisoners written information on women’s health, contraception and STIs. Four months prior to the prisoner’s release, each prisoner will be offered contraception counseling as well as a gynecological examination. Additionally, curricula will be offered on health education topics such as general health, nutrition, mental health, women’s health concerns, domestic violence, substance abuse, STIs, contraception, emergency contraception, sex education, pregnancy, infant care and child development.
Senator Susan Moran is the only co-sponsor.

 H.3458/S.2226 An Act Relative to Human Trafficking Awareness
Petitioners Rep Steven Ultrino and Senator Julian Cyr
Referred to the Joint Committee on Transportation. Senator Susan Moran is a member.
A notice will be posted in all state highway and mass transit facilities, and on vehicles that are open to the public, including restrooms. The sign would contain the following notice: “WARNING: Obtaining forced labor or services is a crime under Massachusetts law. If you or someone you know is being forced to engage in any activity and cannot leave–whether it is commercial sex, housework, farm work or any other activity–call the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888. You can remain anonymous, and the hotline is available 24/7.”
The notice will be provided in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese and Portuguese.
Senator Julian Cyr is the Lead Sponsor; Senator Susan Moran has signed on as a co-sponsor.

H.2246/S.1331 An Act Relative to End of Life Options (MAiD)
Lead sponsors Reps James O’Day and Edward Phillips and Senator Joanne Comerford
Referred to Joint Committee on Public Health; Senator Julian Cyr is co-chair. Committee voted it out favorable. Seeking more sponsors.
This legislation is designed to permit mentally capable adults who have a life expectancy of less than six months (are eligible for hospice) to receive a prescription for life-ending medication from their physician to end their life, if they find their life unbearable. It is called medical aid in dying (MAiD). There are numerous safeguards including evaluation by two physicians and a mental health provider, only being requested by the individual, a waiting period, witnessed request, and others. MAiD is authorized in 10 states and the DC, and in the over 25 years that it has been permitted, there has been no abuse in any jurisdiction.
Senators Susan Moran and Julian Cyr have signed along with Representatives Christopher Flanagan and Dylan Fernandes who have signed on as co-sponsors.

To contact your MA Representative and Senator, please visit Legislators Contact Information on this website or use this link:

    https://malegislature.gov/search/findmylegislator

History: 2021-2022 Priority Legislation

  • Passed: Votes Act: Vote by mail for all forever
  • Common Start Act: Comprehensive daycare and education
  • Passed: Child Bride Legislation: Marriage under age of 18 prohibited
  • Full Spectrum Pregnancy: Expanding services prenatal to postpartum; goal of eliminating disparities in access and care. Reintroduced next session
  • I AM: Access to free menstrual products in schools, prisons, etc.
  • Healthy Youth Act: Provide complete and accurate information on sex
  • Federal WHPA (Women’s Health Protection Act). Died in the Senate