Legislative Accomplishments
Health Insurance for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Senator Berry was the lead Senate sponsor for An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism Spectrum Disorder, which was signed into law on August 3, 2010. The law requires private health insurance plans to provide coverage of evidence-based, medically necessary autism therapies for people of all ages. With roughly 1 in 106 individuals affected by the autism spectrum, it is clear that these critical therapies can be a huge burden on families. Coverage of treatments will be provided when prescribed for individual diagnosed with autism by a licensed physician or a licensed psychologist who determines the care to be medically necessary. The bill includes coverage of the following treatments: Habilitative or rehabilitative care, Pharmacy care, Psychiatric care, Psychological care, Therapeutic care, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). There are no dollar or age caps on benefits, but the bill contains a three year opt out provision for health insurance plans if they can prove that providing coverage of ABA has increased their premiums by more than 1%.
Bill was signed into law 8/3/10
Lyme Disease Advocacy
Senator Berry was a lead legislative advocate for expanded treatment options for chronic Lyme disease cases. Given that Massachusetts ranks 2nd in the nation for confirmed cases of Lyme disease, it became clear that there was great urgency in addressing this epidemic on a state level. The change to the General Laws, which was signed by the Governor, allows for long-term antibiotic treatments as an acceptable therapy for Lyme disease. Until now, countless families have left Massachusetts to seek this type of treatment in other areas of New England that allow this practice. In a state that prides itself as being on the cutting edge of medicine, it has been unfortunate that patients and doctors in Massachusetts were struggling to receive options in their medical care for Lyme. This change to the General Laws is significant step forward in expanded treatments for this often misunderstood disease.
Bill was signed into law 6/30/10
Essex Agricultural and Technical School District
Senator Berry was the lead sponsor of the final legislative hurdle for the project, which abolishes the temporary oversight board so that a permanent school committee can govern a new state of the art Vocational, Agricultural and Technical High School on the North Shore. Additionally, it specifies that monies received from the sale of the North Shore Regional Vocational School will be used to reduce the debt to the 19 cities and towns that are members of the new school district.
Bill was signed into law on 6/28/10
Anti-Bullying
Senator Berry was in strong support of a bill the Senate took quick action on prohibiting physical, verbal and written acts that threaten or cause harm to another student, including Internet “cyber-bullying.” The bill, which defines and bans bullying in schools also requires that prevention and intervention plans be developed in every school across the Commonwealth.
Bill was signed into law on 5/3/10
Early Intervention
Senator Berry was the Lead Senate sponsor of a FY11 budget amendment that will preserve eligibility for thousands of children who rely on Early Intervention services and will generate $4 million in state savings. It requires that insurers pay the First Dollar for Early Intervention services, thereby insuring that the state is the payer of last resort. Major health plans in Massachusetts already exclude co-pays & deductibles for prenatal & postpartum maternity care & home health care services as part of their benefits to subscribers.
MOVA, Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance
Senator Berry was the lead Senate sponsor of language that appeared in the Senate FY11 budget. The language addresses the pressing need to provide victims and witnesses with the necessary supports to effectively and safely participate in the criminal justice system. This language broadens notice and access to rights and services. It ensures that victims with unique needs, such as children, individuals with disabilities and elders receive appropriate safeguards and support during court proceeding. In 1984 Senator Berry was the lead legislator who helped create MOVA. 26 years later is still strongly committed to this independent state agency that advocates for and assists victims of crime.
Ethics Reform
Senator Berry is currently serving as the Senate Majority Leader and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Rules. He was the lead Senate sponsor of comprehensive legislation that reformed the rules governing lobbying, campaign finance, open meeting, and ethics laws in the Commonwealth.
Bill was signed into law on 7/1/2009
Pension Reform
Senator Berry was one of the legislative leaders to tackle sweeping statewide pension reform and regional retirement board reform. He was also the lead sponsor on legislation that directly addressed concerns and misconduct at the Essex Regional Retirement Board.
Bill was signed into law on 6/16/2009
Small Business Economic Development
Senator Berry recently supported Senate legislation that recognized the need to overhaul of the state’s network of agencies charged with developing business interests and economic activity in Massachusetts. The legislation creates a streamlined, cohesive model with built-in oversight and transparency measures to reduce redundancy and waste, and promote a more business-friendly environment that will ultimately help stimulate job growth in the Commonwealth.
Transportation Reform
Senator Berry supported a complete overhaul of the state’s transportation system. The consensus bill dissolved the Turnpike Authority and consolidates multiple agencies into a unified, independent agency, eliminating waste and producing billions of dollars in short- and long-term savings.
Bill was signed into law 6/25/2009
Health Care Providers Safety
Senator Berry was the lead sponsor of a bill that would create defined punishments for whoever commits assault or battery on a health care provider.
This bill passed the Senate unanimously on 4/15/2010.
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