Representative LaNatra Supports Legislation to Strengthen Alzheimer's and Dementia Care
BOSTON – Wednesday, July 29, 2026 – The Massachusetts House of Representatives today passed legislation to strengthen dementia care, improve support for families and caregivers, expand workforce training, and enhance public health efforts to address Alzheimer's disease and other dementias across the Commonwealth. The bill takes a comprehensive approach to improving care for individuals living with dementia while equipping health care providers, first responders, hospitals, and state agencies with the tools and resources needed to better serve patients.
“This landmark legislation stems from the understanding that as more and more families receive these devastating diagnoses, it is up to us as legislators to ensure that patients, their families and their loved ones have the supports and the tools they need to manage the challenges associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia,” said State Representative Kathy LaNatra (D – Kingston). “Medical advancements and breakthroughs have made tremendous headway toward treatments and cures in recent decades, but we cannot wait to deliver meaningful relief and assistance to individuals and families dealing with this disease. From ensuring our public safety officials are trained to handle these patients, to raising awareness of the disease, to ensuring that patients disease response is coordinated and effective, I am proud of the tools this bill puts in place to provide assistance to the residents of the Commonwealth impacted by these terrible diseases. Thank you to Speaker Mariano, Chairman Stanley and Leader Gregoire for their leadership on this legislation.”
The legislation establishes mandatory dementia training programs for municipal and state law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel. Developed by the Municipal Police Training Committee, the Massachusetts Fire Training Council, the Department of Public Health (DPH), the Colonel of the State Police, and the Executive Office of Aging and Independence in consultation with Alzheimer's organizations and other stakeholders, the training will require at least two hours of initial instruction followed by biennial continuing education.
The bill expands notification requirements so that families or legal representatives are informed of an initial diagnosis of any dementia—not solely Alzheimer's disease—and establishes a new MassHealth dementia care coordination benefit for eligible members enrolled in Senior Care Options and One Care plans, providing support for both individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.
The legislation also enhances protections for patients and families by requiring acute care hospitals to allow medically appropriate visitation for patients living with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, as well as those exhibiting symptoms of cognitive impairment. Hospitals will also be required to notify designated family members, caregivers, or legal representatives promptly following admission and before discharge, ensuring loved ones remain engaged in care planning.
To improve care in hospital settings, the legislation codifies requirements that hospitals maintain and implement dementia operational plans addressing staff training, patient recognition and management, dementia-friendly environments, caregiver communication, discharge planning, and care coordination. Hospitals will be required to update these plans every five years, submit them to DPH, and make them publicly available. To strengthen the health care workforce, the legislation expands the state's Health Care Workforce Loan Repayment Program to provide loan repayment assistance for professionals specializing in geriatrics and geriatric psychiatry, helping recruit and retain clinicians with expertise in caring for older adults.
The bill also creates a Director of Dementia Care and Coordination within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to oversee implementation of the state's Alzheimer's disease plan, coordinate public awareness initiatives, support hospital dementia preparedness, pursue grant opportunities, review training requirements, and improve statewide data collection related to Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
In addition, the bill directs DPH to expand public awareness efforts on brain health and dementia through culturally relevant education campaigns, strengthen statewide data collection on cognitive decline and caregiving, and regularly report on implementation of the CDC's Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map.
The bill passed the House of Representatives 155-0 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Representative LaNatra Supports Strong Animal Welfare Legislation
BOSTON (Thursday, July 16) - On Wednesday, Representative LaNatra joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives to pass legislation to strengthen animal welfare, modernize veterinary care, improve consumer protections, and support responsible pet ownership across the Commonwealth.
“As the proud owner of 3 dogs and the wife of a K-9 officer, I understand the need for responsible pet ownership and ensuring that our laws reflect our values of animal wellness and protection,” said State Representative Kathy LaNatra (D – Kingston). “Our pets are not just pets, but are members of our family and should be treated as such. I think this is an issue we can all come together and agree upon. This bill gives our Commonwealth the tools to address animal neglect, prevent unnecessary animal testing in labs, allow our senior community the right to their furry friends, and provides oversight to veterinary technicians to ensure our animals receive the very best care. Thank you to Speaker Mariano, Chairs Michlewitz and Lewis, and all of my colleagues who contributed to this legislation.”
The bill also modernizes the Commonwealth's dog licensing and kennel oversight laws by strengthening inspection requirements, by improving reporting from licensing authorities, and by ensuring that dogs housed in kennels are properly licensed. The legislation provides practical updates for licensed kennels by allowing alternative forms of identification, such as microchips, under specified circumstances, while maintaining accountability and traceability for animals in their care.
To strengthen animal protection, the legislation establishes a clearer legal process for addressing cases of animal neglect. Law enforcement and animal control officers will be able to petition courts for timely intervention when animals are suffering from neglect, allowing courts to order appropriate care, remove animals from dangerous situations when necessary, or permanently prohibit individuals from owning animals in serious cases.
The bill strengthens protections for animals used in research by expanding adoption opportunities for dogs and cats after research concludes, and by increasing public reporting. The bill prohibits a manufacturer or contract testing facility from using a traditional animal test method if there is an alternative test method when testing a product, product formulation, chemical or ingredient. The bill also updates Massachusetts law governing pet insurance by adopting nationally recognized consumer protection standards.
The legislation establishes a statewide pet ownership program for older adults living in public housing. The program prohibits blanket bans on pets while allowing housing authorities to adopt reasonable pet policies that protect residents, animals, and housing facilities. An advisory group will develop recommendations to support the implementation of the program.
The bill further improves accessibility for individuals with disabilities by establishing meaningful penalties for transportation network companies (TNC) and drivers who unlawfully refuse service to riders accompanied by service animals, and ensuring stronger enforcement of existing accessibility requirements.
The bill creates a statewide licensing framework for veterinary technicians under the Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine. The legislation expands the Board to include licensed veterinary technicians, establishes professional licensing standards, creates temporary licensure pathways, and provides a transition period to ensure the profession is fully licensed by 2031.
The legislation makes significant investments in animal health and welfare by expanding the allowable uses of the Homeless Animal Prevention and Care Fund, and by directing additional revenue from animal health and livestock disease enforcement fines into the fund to support programs that improve animal care throughout Massachusetts.
The bill passed the House of Representatives 151-1 and now goes back to the Senate for further consideration.
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Representative LaNatra Secures $1.15 Million in Local Economic Development Bond Authorizations within Strong Economic Competitiveness Legislation
BOSTON – Wednesday, July 8, 2026 – Today, Representative LaNatra announced that she secured $1.15 million in local bond authorizations to support local economic development, local downtowns and Main Streets, seniors and cultural education programs.
The funding comes from a $561 million bond bill passed by the Massachusetts House of Representatives that strengthens key innovation sectors, supports small businesses, expands housing opportunities, and positions the Commonwealth for long-term economic growth and competitiveness. The legislation makes targeted updates across dozens of state programs to improve efficiency, encourage investment, reduce barriers to economic development, and better prepare Massachusetts for emerging industries and workforce needs.
“This legislation makes targeted investments into what makes Massachusetts strong today, industries that will lead us into the economy of tomorrow, and protects and strengthens the residents of Massachusetts through increased housing production, investments into our downtowns, and lessening the burden on those who want to start a small business,” said Chair of the House Committee on Federal Funding, Policy and Accountability, Kathy LaNatra (D – Kingston). “As the federal government continues to harm Massachusetts by attacking our health care, driving up costs and vacating the spaces that make our Commonwealth strong, Massachusetts is stepping up to make housing more affordable, make it easier to start and grow your business, and utilizing smart growth strategies to advance our economy forward. I was proud to secure over $1 million dollars for the 12th Plymouth district within this landmark legislation. Thank you to Speaker Mariano and Chair’s Michlewitz, Fiola and Finn for your leadership on this important bill and for your investments into the residents I serve.”
Rep. LaNatra secured $1.15 million in both local, as well as statewide, bond authorizations that will improve the 12th Plymouth and strengthen resources available to businesses and nonprofits across the Commonwealth through the following five amendments:
$200,000 for the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra to support youth programs
$200,000 for the Town of Kingston downtown revitalization projects
$250,000 for the Town of Plympton downtown and municipal complex revitalization projects
$250,000 for the Town of Halifax Senior Center improvements and COA programs
$300,000 for MassEcon to support marketing resources for municipalities and nonprofits
Among the bills most significant provisions are:
Addresses the state's housing crisis by creating new tools to encourage housing production and adaptive reuse. The legislation authorizes municipalities to adopt commercial conversion zoning to transform underutilized commercial properties into housing and mixed-use developments through streamlined local approvals. It also establishes the "Yes in God's Backyard" (YIGBY) framework, allowing multifamily housing as of right on qualifying land (maximum 4 acres) owned by religious institutions, except for land zoned for or used as a school, including institutions of higher education. A minimum 20 percent of the units must be affordable units. The bill also improves local planning and permitting by standardizing site plan review procedures and establishing training requirements for local land use boards to promote greater consistency and predictability in municipal decision-making.
Empowers tenants and strengthens fair housing protections by creating a local option allowing municipalities to adopt a tenant right of first refusal for the sale of multifamily residential properties, giving tenants the opportunity to purchase their building after receiving notice of the owner's intent to sell. The bill also strengthens fair housing protections and oversight of the real estate profession by expanding the composition and responsibilities of the Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salesmen.
Strengthens the Commonwealth's fiscal resilience by authorizing the Commonwealth Federal Matching, Fiscal Resilience and Debt Reduction Fund to help protect Massachusetts from reductions or delays in federal funding, support hospitals and community health centers serving vulnerable populations, provide pay-as-you-go capital funding for critical infrastructure projects, and establish a $200 million bridge funding reserve for public and private nonprofit colleges and universities facing uncertainty in federal research funding.
Reduces the cost of starting a business by lowering the filing fee for a new limited liability company (LLC) from $500 to $100, making it more affordable for entrepreneurs to launch new businesses. The legislation also establishes a graduated annual reporting fee structure for most LLCs while maintaining higher filing fees for entities holding significant real estate assets, ensuring relief is targeted toward operating businesses and startups.
Creates Massachusetts' first comprehensive framework for micromobility devices by establishing safety standards and operational rules for personal transportation devices such as motorized bicycles. The bill classifies micromobility devices based on speed, establishes equipment and helmet requirements, sets a minimum operating age of 16 for powered micromobility devices, and defines where these devices may be used. It also authorizes registration and regulatory oversight, strengthens safety standards for lithium-ion batteries, and creates a working group to recommend additional long-term policies as the micromobility industry continues to evolve.
Attracts the film, television and digital game development industry to Massachusetts by extending the period during which taxpayers may claim the Massachusetts film tax credit from 12 months to 24 months, and by creating a tax credit program to encourage digital game development in Massachusetts.
The bill includes $561 million in capital authorizations, such as:
$100 million to strengthen the Commonwealth’s defense leadership and accelerate the development of cutting-edge national security solutions, also known as the SHIELD initiative.
$75 million to support AI tools, infrastructure, and emerging technologies, and position Massachusetts as a national leader in AI and innovation.
$50 million for municipal grants and technical assistance for the conversion of commercial properties into residential housing.
$50 million for grants to support remediation efforts at former state-owned buildings.
$25 million to support the expansion of a key capital program that helps businesses build or expand commercial, industrial, and manufacturing facilities.
$25 million to support MassTech’s robotics initiative, helping advance R&D and move new technologies from the lab into real-world use.
$25 million to support downtown revitalization through capital funding for infrastructure, public spaces, and placemaking projects that attract residents, businesses, and jobs.
$25 million for capital grants to strengthen arts, culture, and the creative economy through investments in public spaces, historic districts, wayfinding, performance venues, and public art.
$20 million in capital funding to invest in sites designed to attract international companies to Massachusetts.
$20 million for the veterans supported housing initiative program.
$10 million for capital grants that support food science, strengthen sustainable food systems, and help grow AgTech businesses.
Having passed the House of Representatives 148-2, the bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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Representative LaNatra secures $3.4 million in local bond authorizations in the MassReady Act
BOSTON – Monday June 22, 2026 – Representative LaNatra announced that she successfully secured $3.4 million in local bond authorization funding to support climate resiliency, infrastructure, and conservation in the 12th Plymouth district, through the passage of seven sponsored amendments. The funding comes through a $3.5 billion bond bill passed by the House of Representatives last week that will modernize environmental laws, strengthen climate resilience, support agricultural and food systems, streamline permitting processes, and improve the management of the Commonwealth’s natural resources. The bill advances a broad set of reforms designed to help communities prepare for the impacts of climate change, accelerate critical infrastructure projects, improve environmental protections, and support Massachusetts’ cities and towns.
“The MassReady Act takes concrete steps toward improving the Commonwealth’s resiliency in the face of climate change, and takes a forward-thinking approach to our infrastructure needs, our clean drinking water, our clean air and much more,” said State Representative Kathy LaNatra (D – Kingston). “From investing in local water infrastructure, strengthening the State’s agricultural sector and our farms, to restoring our coastlines, rivers and beaches, this legislation is a commitment to preparing Massachusetts for the effects of climate change and creating a sustainable, healthy environment for generations of future Bay Staters. Thank you to Speaker Mariano and Chairs Michlewitz and Barber for their leadership in protecting our state’s environmental future.”
Representative LaNatra was proud to secure $3.4 million in local funding to support local infrastructure, conservation, biodiversity, and insurability. Rep. LaNatra was able to successfully get seven amendments included in the House version of the MassReady Act, including the following priorities:
$1 million to the Town of Kingston for work associated with the dam and culvert on Maple Street
$1 million to the Home for Little Wanderer’s Cove School in Plymouth for upgrades to their water infrastructure
$550,000 to the Town of Pembroke for the replacement and upgrade of the Park Street Culvert
$100,000 to the Town of Kingston for the purchase of conservation land
$250,000 to InnSure to conduct a home insurance study for manufactured home communities in Southeastern Massachusetts
Among her amendments included in the House Version of the MassReady Act was language updating the Department of Fish and Game statutory authority to include the Division of Fishing and Boating Access, the Division of Ecological Restoration and the authority to approve of shellfish warden training programs.
The legislation authorizes $3.5 billion in capital bond spending to address critical water infrastructure, coastal flood mitigation, marine conservation, as well as continue to fund successful programs such as the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Grant program and the Food Security Infrastructure grants, both of which have delivered funding for projects in the 12th Plymouth district. The legislation also makes updates to the Commonwealth’s hunting laws, including allowing hunting on Sundays and the use of crossbows.
The bill passed the House of Representatives 151-0 and now goes back to the Senate for further consideration.
Representative Kathy LaNatra secures $400,000 in Local Funding in the House FY27 Budget
House Budget makes strong investments into local aid, public education, health care and public transportation
BOSTON - Thursday, April 30, 2026 – Last night, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed its fiscal year 2027 (FY27) budget. Representative Kathy LaNatra announced that she successfully secured $400,000 in local investments, for the 12th Plymouth district, including in the areas of public safety, community health care, local libraries, and local infrastructure. During her four terms in office as State Representative of the 12th Plymouth district, Representative LaNatra has successfully secured over $2.3 million in local funding through sponsored earmark amendments over her 8 House budget debates.
Funded at $63.41billion, the House’s FY27 budget responds to the needs of residents, provides record support for the Commonwealth’s cities and towns, and among many critical investments, includes significant funding for education, transportation, health care, housing, and workforce development. The FY27 budget leverages Fair Share funding, passed by a ballot referendum is 2022, to make record investments into public education and transportation.
“The budget passed by the House last night is a win for our residents, for students and for the Commonwealth as a whole. In the face of federal cuts to funding our Commonwealth relies on, this budget responds with responsible fiscal management, while making strong investments into areas the residents of the Commonwealth value, including strong public K-12 education, accessible higher education, reliable transportation, and nation-leading health care, “ said State Representative Kathy LaNatra (D – Kingston). “The annual budget is an important opportunity to secure funding for the towns we represent and deliver resources for local projects and needs identified by residents, town officials, and community organizations. I am pleased to have secured $400,000 for the towns of the 12th Plymouth District to support public infrastructure, public safety, and community health. I also want to thank Speaker Mariano, Chairman Michlewitz, and the House Committee on Ways and Means for their leadership throughout the FY27 House budget process.”
Representative LaNatra secured $400,000 for the 12th Plymouth district through 6 sponsored earmark amendments to the FY27 budget. They include:
$50,000 for the Town of Kingston Historical Reed Building Restoration
$50,000 for the Town of Plympton Town Complex Infrastructure Improvements
$50,000 for the Town of Plymouth Fire Department Interoperability Radio Upgrade
$50,000 for the Town of Halifax Holmes Public Library Roof replacement
$50,000 for the Town of Pembroke police station reuse planning
$150,000 for Harbor Health Services to increase access at their Plymouth Community Health Center
The budget passed last night include $2.7 billion in investments for transportation and education initiatives supported through funding generated by the Fair Share ballot initiative that voters approved in November of 2022, which established a surtax of 4 percent on annual income above $1 million.
The House FY27 budget makes strong investments into education, including the highest per-pupil minimum aid on record at $160 per student. Other education highlights include record Student Opportunity Act chapter 70 funding, fully funding universal school meals, increased special education reimbursement, and improved school transportation. The budget also continues to invest in C3 grants and other funding for early education and child care, making Massachusetts the only state to continue this level of investment into child care after COVID-19.
The House budget includes $22.41 billion for MassHealth, and invests in primary care rates and behavioral health. The House budget also extends the Health Connector’s ConnectorCare Pilot program, which offers lower premiums, no deductibles and reduced co-pays, until the end of 2027. The program currently enrolls 49,000 residents. As of January 1, 2026, residents with incomes of only up to 400% of Federal Poverty Level (FPL) were eligible because of the expiration of the ACA tax credits. The Pilot Program included in this budget extends coverage to those with an income of up to 500% of the FPL.
The budget passed the House of Representatives 149-9 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Representative Kathleen LaNatra is serving in her fourth term as State Representative of the 12th Plymouth District. Her district includes the Towns of Kingston and Plympton, Precincts 1, and 2A of the town of Halifax, Precincts 1, and 5A of the town of Middleborough, Precinct 3, of the town of Pembroke, Precincts 1, 2, 3, 5, and 13, all of the town of Plymouth. Her office can be contacted at Kathleen.LaNatra@mahouse.gov or via phone at (617) 722-2370.
Representative LaNatra Supports Strong Investments into Local and State Transportation Infrastructure
BOSTON – Representative Kathleen LaNatra joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing a bill that authorizes $4.58 billion in bonding for an expanded Chapter 90 Program and transportation programs to address regional needs, as well as the impacts of climate change on local infrastructure. The Chapter 90 Program provides municipalities with a funding source for transportation-related improvements, including road and bridge repairs. Similar to last year, the bill includes a one-year authorization of $300 million for the Chapter 90 Program. Within the $4.58 billion is the reauthorization of $3.18 billion in funding for several popular and well utilized programs included in the 2022 transportation bond bill, including the Municipal Pavement Program and Shared Streets. The bill also includes $1.1 billion in funding for several important programs to better prepare the Commonwealth to achieve its long-term transportation goals.
“Ensuring our roadways, bridges and other transportation infrastructure is maintained and improved upon is critical to our growth and strength as a Commonwealth. This legislation makes strong investments in municipalities roadway maintenance, while also making long-term investments in roadway, highway and other transportation improvements,” said State Representative Kathy LaNatra (D – Kingston). “Thank you to Speaker Mariano as well Chairs Michlewitz, Arciero and Finn for their leadership and forward-thinking approach to the Commonwealth’s transportation needs.”
The legislation authorizes $300 million in bonding for the Chapter 90 Program and additional programs.
The one-year authorization in Chapter 90 Program funding includes:
$200 million will be distributed to all municipalities based on the standard Chapter 90 Program distribution formula.
$100 million will be distributed to all municipalities based solely on road mileage.
These authorizations will be distributed to municipalities across the Commonwealth to help fund maintenance and upkeep of local roads and bridges. The 6 communities within the 12th Plymouth district are set to receive the following amounts, totaling over $6 million in funding for the 12th Plymouth district:
Plymouth: $2,385,497.07
Kingston: $641,287.36
Halifax: $433,645.48
Plympton: $281,033.32
Pembroke: $867,555.10
Middleborough: $1,409,920.92
Additional programs to support various transportation-related projects, totaling $1.1 billion include:
$500 million for the Lifecycle Asset Management Program (LAMP) which aids non-federally funded roads and targets the pavement and bridges that are in the worst condition in the Commonwealth.
$200 million for capital projects to support housing development, including stormwater management, culverts, and bike and pedestrian improvements.
$200 million for a new accelerated deferred maintenance and modernization program for infrastructure under the care and control of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
$200 million for the MBTA for the procurement of electrically powered locomotives.
The legislation also reauthorizes $3.18 billion in funding for several programs included in the 2022 Transportation Bond Bill such as:
$2.3 billion for projects on interstates and other federally aided highways.
$800 million for improvements to non-federally aided roadways and bridges.
$65 million for the Municipal Pavement Program for engineering, permitting, design, and climate change adaptation on municipal ways.
$12 million for grants for the Shared Streets Program for improvements and projects to municipal streets to create additional capacity for pedestrians and cyclists.
Having passed the House of Representatives 155-0, the bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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Representative LaNatra secures over $200k in Local Funding in the Fair Share Supplemental Budget passed by the House of Representatives
BOSTON – Thursday, March 19, 2026 – Representative LaNatra today announced over $200,000 in local funding to support critical school and transportation needs within the six communities Representative LaNatra serves. The earmarks will go toward supporting road improvement projects, school improvement projects, school safety and offsetting rising special education costs.
The funding comes from a $1.8 billion supplemental budget that passed the House of Representatives on Wednesday. The bill leverages mostly Fair Share surtax surplus funds and invests $885 million in public transportation and $417 million in public education, and funds several Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) deficiencies. The bill passed today also includes the tax conformity legislation filed by Governor Healey that delays the state’s alignment with the corporate tax changes passed by Congress in the OB3 Act last year.
“Since its passage by voters in 2022, the Fair Share surtax has continued to fund critical education and transportation needs across our state and has delivered thousands in additional funding to the communities I am proud to serve,” said State Representative Kathy LaNatra (D-Kingston). “The investments made by the House yesterday build on the progress we have made toward strengthening our education and transportation systems, both vital building blocks toward a stronger economy, stronger communities and a stronger Commonwealth. Thank you to Speaker Mariano and Chairman Michlewitz for their leadership on this bill, their forward-thinking and their investment into the 12th Plymouth district.”
The bill includes $215,000 in local funding to the 12th Plymouth district through 6 earmarks. These include:
$50,000 for final engineering and design costs for roadway improvement projects in Kingston at the intersection of Route 3 and Route 3A
$15,000 for roof repairs at Dennett Elementary School in the Town of Plympton
$50,000 for HVAC repairs and replacements at school buildings in the Town of Pembroke
$50,000 for the Town of Halifax to offset special education costs
$25,000 for Plymouth public schools to purchase and install security cameras and related equipment
$25,000 for the Plymouth public schools to purchase and install safety bollards
The bill delays conforming to the federal corporate tax changes that were passed by Congress in the OB3 Act last year, which will represent approximately a $400 million revenue loss for the Commonwealth when fully implemented. Under the bill, the Research and Experimental expense deduction will be delayed one year, the deductions for the Modification of Business Interest, Depreciable Asset Expensing, Qualified Production Properties will be delayed two years, and the Modification of Qualified Opportunity Zone Investments program will also be delayed two years. However, should the ballot question to lower the state income tax from 5 percent to 4 percent pass in November, which would result in a $5 billion revenue loss when fully implemented, the Commonwealth would permanently decouple from these tax credits, preventing them from going into effect.
The $1.8 billion bill is funded in part by $1.3 billion from excess Fair Share surtax funds to invest in public transportation and education. The bill invests $740 million in the MBTA, including in the Deficiency Reserve, workforce and safety, phsycial infrastructure, and low-income reduced fairs to increase access. The bill also invests funds into critical local transportation needs, including $50 million to help localities recover from the costs of snow and ice removal from the last storm, as well as $25 million into Regional Transit Authorities workforce, which are critical resources to those in the 12th Plymouth district.
In education, the supplemental budget invests over $400 million into areas such as special education circuit breaker costs, a vitally important resource to towns facing exponentially rising special education costs in their local budgets. The bill also provides over $180 million in investments into the Commonwealth’s early education and child care system, including workforce development and access for low-income families. In higher education, the bill provides $20 million endowment math for UMass and other state universities and colleges.
Other investments outside of the Fair Share surtax supplemental funds include $300 million for the GIC, to help insurance costs for the thousands of state workers, over $50 million to support the County Sheriff’s budget deficiencies and $41 million for DTA caseworkers to help more efficiently and acccurately process SNAP benefits.
The bill passed the House of Representatives 150-3 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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Representative LaNatra supports Energy Affordability Legislation to Bring Relief to Ratepayers
BOSTON – Thursday, February 26, 2026 – The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed energy affordability legislation that would result in over $9 billion in savings for utility ratepayers over the next 10 years. The bill makes a one-time funding reduction to the Mass Save program, diverts environmental compliance payments from electricity suppliers back to residents, and positions Massachusetts to further diversify and modernize its energy grid.
“Throughout this bitterly cold winter, I’ve heard from so many families across our district who are feeling the real pressure of rising energy costs. No one should be left wondering how they’re going to cover yet another increase in their utility bill,” said State Representative Kathy LaNatra (D – Kingston). “This legislation puts ratepayers first. It returns money to families, lowers costs by reexamining and improving programs that need greater accountability, and makes smart, long-term investments to diversify our energy supply with more affordable and efficient options. I’m grateful to Speaker Mariano for prioritizing our constituents and to Chairman Michlewitz, Chairman Cusack, and their teams for their hard work advancing this important legislation.”
In an effort to lower energy prices in the near term, despite volatile gas and electricity prices, the House bill:
Reduces the Mass Save budget by $1 billion for immediate ratepayer savings, prioritizing cuts to the plan’s marketing, advertising and administrative budgets. Mass Save is primarily funded by utility ratepayers through a mandatory charge on their gas and electric bills.
The bill also tasks the Office of the Inspector General with a review of Mass Save to ensure that the program and its administrators are efficiently and effectively using ratepayer dollars. The report is due by July 1, 2027.
Returns 70 percent of Alternative Compliance Payments (ACP), which are fees paid by energy suppliers for not meeting renewable energy standards, to customers until July 1, 2029.
After July 1, 2029, the Department of Energy Resources (DOER), in consultation with MassCEC, mandates that 70 percent of ACP payments be returned to ratepayers in any year where money in the funds exceeds the predicted level by 2 percent and energy costs are a substantial burden to residents of the Commonwealth.
Reduces net metering credit amounts, which are a significant surcharge on electric bills
Requires distribution companies and gas companies to provide discounted rates for low-income customers and eligible moderate-income customers
Requires that any standard residential default service rates cannot be changed more frequently than once every six months
Establishes an electric rates task force to advise and make recommendations on the current and future cost of electricity in the Commonwealth with a report due by September 30, 2027
The House bill also brings more energy onto the grid and protects the workforce during the transition to clean energy. The bill:
Expands the Commonwealth’s energy procurement authority by authorizing DOER to competitively solicit environmental attributes or energy services and negotiate and enter into long term contracts
Requires DOER to establish a state-led offshore wind pre-development and project acceleration program to enable the Commonwealth to partner with offshore wind developers to further the Commonwealth’s goals. The bill also extends from June 30, 2027 to June 30, 2029 the deadline for cost-effective long-term contracts for offshore wind energy generation.
Allows DOER to develop a statewide energy storage incentive program to encourage the continued development of energy storage resources connected to the electric distribution system.
Allows for smart solar permitting to get more projects online faster
Removes barriers for nuclear energy by repealing chapter 503 of the acts of 1982, which established requirements for voter approval and legislative certification of any new nuclear power plant or any facility for the disposal or storage of low level radioactive waste in the Commonwealth.
Allows for high voltage transmission lines on state highways
Requires labor peace agreements for geothermal energy projects to help support and create jobs, adds prevailing wage requirements for work on thermal energy networks, and requires transition plans for gas workers during the transition to clean energy.
The House bill also addresses predatory practices by certain suppliers, which impact consumers while certain utilities benefit through business practices that result in higher utility costs. The bill:
Creates a real-time, online, retail residential customer bill assessment dashboard with: explanations of customer bill components; and an analysis of the benefits of certain programs, procurements and investments.
Adjusts the reporting requirements for electric and gas companies, transmission companies, distribution companies, suppliers and aggregators and suppliers of natural gas to require quarterly reporting.
Protects consumers by restricting predatory marketing practices by competitive electric suppliers by eliminating automatic renewals and variable rate contracts, by requiring more transparency for consumers, and by establishing new licensing requirements for door-to-door and telemarketing firms.
Allows municipalities to opt out of competitive electric supply
Requires utility audits and approvals for asset condition projects that are projected to cost more than $25 million
Requires gas companies to implement default budget billing for residential customers
The bill passed the House of Representatives 128-27 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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Representative LaNatra Supports Legislation Protecting The Integrity of the Electoral Process
BOSTON – The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed bills regulating the use of artificial intelligence in political advertisements. The bills would require the disclosure of AI use in political advertisements and would ban deceptive communications about a candidate or about the electoral process within three months of an election.
“As artificial intelligence continues to seep into more and more aspects of our daily lives, it is critically important to put up safeguards against its misuse,” said State Representative Kathy LaNatra. “I was proud to vote in support of these common-sense safeguards against the misuse of AI in elections. These protections will only grow in importance as AI becomes harder and harder to distinguish from real content. Voters deserve to know that what they are seeing in political messaging is real and authentic. I am confident that these measures will strengthen our election infrastructure in this new technological era, and ensure voter confidence in the process.”
An Act to Protect against Election Misinformation prohibits the distribution of deceptive communications within 90 days of an election, which includes:
Audio or visual media which depicts a candidate with intent to injure their reputation or deceive a voter into voting for or against them.
Media that concerns the safety or regular operations of an election with intent to disrupt the integrity of the electoral process.
Content with the intent to mislead voters as to the date and time of an election; the requirements, methods, or deadlines to vote; the certification of an election; and the express endorsement of a candidate or ballot initiative by a political party, elected official, nonprofit organization, or another person. The bill authorizes a political candidate whose voice or likeness appears in a materially deceptive audio or visual media to seek injunctive or other equitable relief prohibiting the distribution of the media, or to bring an action for damages and attorney’s fees against the party that distributed the media. Exemptions for the 90-day prohibition include: media outlets who air the ads or report on the ads as part of a newscast as long as they clearly acknowledge that there are questions about its authenticity; websites, newspapers, magazines and periodicals; and satire and parody.
An Act enhancing disclosure requirements for synthetic media in political advertising requires that any synthetic media audio or video communication intended to influence voting for or against a candidate or ballot proposition must disclose at the beginning and end of the communication that it contains AI generated materials. Violations are punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000.
An Act to Protect against Election Misinformation passed the House by a vote of 154-3. An Act enhancing disclosure requirements for synthetic media in political advertising passed the House by a vote of 157-0. Both bills now go to the Senate for consideration.
Representative LaNatra supports legislation to address workplace violence in health care settings
BOSTON – Wednesday, November 19, 2025 – Representative LaNatra joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in unanimously supporting legislation that strengthens protections for health care workers, establishes preventive and protective standards to reduce the risk of violence, improves health care facility incident reporting, enhances interagency coordination to safeguard privacy, and creates legal protections for certain employees harmed in the line of duty.
“Our health care workforce is the backbone of Massachusetts nation-leading health care system. For too long, this workforce has endured violence in the workplace that has gone unaddressed on a state level.” said Representative Kathy LaNatra (D – Kingston). “It is our job to ensure that health care workers do not have to worry for their own safety while trying to deliver the best care for their patients. This legislation affirms the Legislature’s commitment to protecting and strengthening the health care workforce and is a critical step in reducing workplace violence and giving workers the protections and benefits they deserve when it does happen. Thank you to Speaker Mariano, Chairman Lawn and Chairman Cahill for their leadership and thank you to Massachusetts Nurses Association, 1199SEIU and the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association for working collaboratively with the legislature to address the health care workplace violence crisis.”
Every 38 minutes in Massachusetts health care facilities someone, most often a clinician or an employee, is physically assaulted, endures verbal abuse, or is threatened, according to the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association. Violence against health care workers most often occurs in emergency rooms, inpatient units and psychiatric units. To support a culture of safety and respect in health care facilities, the bill passed takes the following approach:
Prevention Plans, Training and Reporting
Establishes a statewide requirement for health care employers to address workplace violence through a standardized framework, requiring annual and facility-specific risk assessments conducted with employees and labor representatives to identify factors that place staff at risk.
Mandates a written violence prevention plan that includes hazard mitigation strategies, employee training, post-incident debriefing and a crisis response program.
Requires annual reporting of workplace violence incidents to the Department of Public Health (DPH) and district attorneys, supporting statewide and county-level data tracking while maintaining data privacy. The de-identified data will be publicly published and categorized by occupation and incident type.
Imposes civil penalties against a health care employer for noncompliance (up to $2,000 per violation) and protects employees from retaliation.
Criminal Protections and Penalties for Assaults Against a Health Care Workers
The bill codifies graduated penalties for assaulting an employee or contracted employee in the line of duty. With 91 percent of violent incidents in hospitals committed by patients against workers, it focuses on health care settings where violence is most prevalent. Strengthening these protections ensures that direct health care providers, and the staff who support facility operations, on-site administrative work, security, or emergency medical transportation, have an opportunity to seek the justice that they are entitled to through the following penalties:
Assault causing bodily injury: Up to 5 years in state prison, up to 2.5 years in a jail or house of correction, a fine of $500 - $5,000, or combination of imprisonment and fines.
Assault causing serious bodily injury: Up to 10 years in state prison, up to 2.5 years in a jail or house of correction, a fine of $500 - $5,000 fine, or combination of imprisonment and fines.
Paid Leave for Employees
This bill establishes that employees directly employed by a health care employer in high-acuity settings, who suffer workplace violence resulting in bodily injury or serious bodily injury are entitled to paid leave without using any accrued time (vacation, sick or personal).
Privacy Protection for Employees and Union Members
Victims of workplace violence who are employed directly by a health care facility, or who are union members, may provide either the address of their health care facility or that of their labor organization instead of their personal home address for all court documents related to a workplace violence incident.
Alternative Pathways for Behavioral and Mental Health and Data Protection
Mandates a statewide report from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) to improve care and alternative treatment options for those with mental or behavioral health diagnoses, and for criminal justice patients.
Requires identification of new, non-arrest pathways to reduce unnecessary criminal justice involvement for high-acuity behavioral health patients.
All recommendations must include strong safeguards, penalties for data misuse, and full compliance with federal confidentiality laws, including heightened protections for behavioral health and substance-use information.
Ensures that improving data sharing of workplace violence incidents to improve safety does not come at the expense of any patient or health care worker’s privacy.
The bill passed the House of Representatives 158-0. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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