Sen. Brian Joyce Backs Bills on Substance Abuse, Domestic Violence and Safe Access

State Sen. Brian A. Joyce (D-Milton) backed three bills recently passed at the Massachusetts State House this July and spoke on all three this week, his office announced Thursday.

Safe Access Bill

Joyce co-sponsored this bill that replaces a previous “buffer zone” law that had passed after a shooting took place in Brookline, which resulted in one person being killed.

The bill, according to Joyce’s office, “The Safe Access Bill protects against the use of a physical act or threat or force to intentionally injure or intimidate, or attempt to injure or intimidate, an individual attempting to access or depart from a facility; impeding a patient or staff member’s access to or departure from a facility with the intent to interfere with that person’s ability to obtain or provide medical services; and prohibits recklessly interfering with the operation of a vehicle that attempts to enter, exit, or park at a facility. The bill also enhances the ability of private parties and the Attorney General to ensure compliance by filing a civil action in court.”

Moreover, the bill aims to boost the ability of private parties and the Massachusetts Attorney General to ensure compliance by filing a civil action in court.

“This legislation is a well-thought out and constitutional response to the recent Supreme Court ruling that will permit peaceful assembly and protect free speech, and most importantly, ensure patients and staff will not endure harassment and risk bodily harm,” he said in a statement.

Substance Abuse Recovery Bill

This bill, also co-sponsored by Joyce, passed in an effort to improve access to substance abuse recovery treatment to help combat an ongoing opioid addiction issue throughout the state.

The bill, in essence, would make it easier for families to obtain necessary addiction treatment by removing previous authorization requirements and guarantee health insurance coverage in an inpatient setting for up to two weeks, according to Joyce’s office.

“This bill will help eliminate barriers to treatment, which is especially important as the opioid epidemic continues to ravage our cities and towns,” said Joyce in a statement. “I’m pleased with this legislation, and I’m hopeful that it will help break the cycle of addiction for families across the Commonwealth.”

The bill allows the state Department of Public Health to address dangerous new substances and directs pharmacists to dispense abuse-deterrent versions of a drug when available, according to Joyce’s office.

Domestic Violence Bill

This bill, passed on Thursday, aims to provide increased protections and support for victims of domestic violence.

Moreover, the legislation, according to Joyce’s office, establishes a domestic violence offender registry, creates the first offense of assault and battery on a family member and requires violators to complete a “certified batterer’s intervention program.”

“The protections put in place by this important measure will empower victims and help families heal,” Joyce said in a statement. “These common sense provisions provide judges and prosecutors the time and tools necessary to handle complex, domestic violence situations.”