2023-24 MA Legislative Session Ends,
New 2025-26 Legislature Sworn In
The MA Senate and House of Representatives closed out 2024 with a flurry of activity, completing work on a host of bills before adjourning for the final time in the early morning hours on December 31st. Governor Maura Healey now has the final say on more than one hundred bills on her desk that she may sign, veto, or pocket veto. The Governor has until January 9th or 10th to act on the latest batch of bills.
Legislation of interest to RAM members currently under the Governor’s review includes:
H.5159, An Act enhancing the market review process - An expansive health care bill focused on addressing areas of need highlighted by the Steward crisis. RAM was pleased to see the final bill includes language requiring the Division of Insurance (DOI) to consider affordability to consumers and purchasers when conducting health insurance premium rate reviews but does not include earlier proposals to establish a provider rate floor. The bill restructures the board of the Health Policy Commission (HPC), unfortunately eliminating the seat reserved for “a purchaser of health insurance representing business management or health benefits administration.” RAM is also named to a state task force to study primary care access, delivery, and payment in the Commonwealth and to make recommendations to stabilize and strengthen the primary care system. RAM is hopeful that in the new year the policy focus can be on lowering small business health insurance costs.
S.3012, An Act relative to pharmaceutical access, costs and transparency - Requires drug manufacturers and PBMs to participate in the HPC process, establishes a specific set of drugs insurers will need to cover with zero cost sharing from consumers, which will shift those costs back into premiums.
H.4131, An Act relative to acceptance of certain types of identification to purchase alcohol in Massachusetts - Allows MA alcohol licensees to accept out-of-state driver’s licenses as valid proof of age for purchase of alcohol.
H.4840, An Act relative to the regulation of money transmission by the division of banks - Brings MA in line with the other 49 states in regulating domestic money transfers amongst consumers. (Signed into law 1/1/25)
S.2908, An Act providing for the humane protection of animals - Restricts the sale or transfer of a dog or cat that is less than 8 weeks old and prohibits sales or transfers of animals on any roadside, public right-of-way, flea/outdoor market or commercial or retail parking lot.
H.4132, An Act allowing electronic delivery receipts for certain bulk sale customers - Allows for the option to provide electronic receipts for the delivery of fuel, oil and propane.
H.5139, An Act relative to commercial driver's licenses – Changes law to prevent drivers from losing their CDL licenses due to offenses more than 10 years old. (Signed into law 1/2/25)
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