Advocacy Updates in New England
EFNE Advocacy Updates and Action Steps
Legislative sessions across New England are quickly picking up steam. Many of EFNE policy priorities are being introduced and discussed before key committees. We are happy to share a few early legislative victories and update our community on critical action items.
The time to act is now! Please review the updates below for your state and take action by reaching out to your legislators. The EFNE Advocacy team is here to support you if you would like suggestions for talking points, contacts, or support before or during meetings. Together, we will continue to build upon our legislative victories and help individuals and families living with epilepsy throughout New England.
EFNE also recognizes the significance of the potential federal policy changes being discussed in Congress that impact the disability community at large, including people living with epilepsy. We are monitoring policy proposals closely, including changes to Section 504, Medicaid and the Department of Education. Please stay tuned as EFNE will be providing more information and announcing upcoming zoom “town halls” to discuss these issues and your concerns. EFNE will be a source of information and action during this time of personal concerns and significant political change.
Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Legislature recently assigned committee assignments, and bill numbers are starting to be released. At this point, the bill numbers for the Seizure Safe School bills have not yet been announced. Please continue to check our website as we anticipate receiving this information soon.
EFNE, in partnership with PAME, is working with Representative Joan Meschino on SUDEP legislation.
New Hampshire
Senator Tim Lang has pledged his support and intention to introduce Seizure Safe Schools legislation in the January 2026 session.
Accumulator Adjustor:
EFNE submitted testimony to the Committee on Senate Health and Human Services in support of SENATE BILL 17 “Relative to Insurance Cost-Sharing Calculations”. Essentially, this bill would ensure that all people with high prescription drug costs have access to needed medications, even if they receive assistance to afford their drugs. We are happy to report that the legislation has passed favorably out of Committee and is projected to go to the Senate Chamber in the coming weeks.
340B
Working in Coalition with our partners, EFNE advocated against SENATE BILL 253. We argued that before expanding the program in New Hampshire, guardrails must be passed by Congress, including establishing more rigorous reporting standards to monitor the allocation of 340B revenue by hospitals, making certain that these funds are utilized for patient care instead of being funneled into hospital growth or executive compensation. We are happy to share that the Committee on Senate Health and Human Services rejected this bill as we suggested.
Rhode Island
Representative Kathleen Fogarty and Senator Lou DiPalma have filed Seizure Safe Schools legislation, and we are currently waiting for bill numbers and committee assignments to be released.
Accumulator Adjustor Legislation forthcoming. We anticipate Accumulator Adjustor legislation to be filed soon. Please continue to check our website for bill numbers and forthcoming action items!
Maine
Representative Kuhn and Senator Pierce have filed LD 211/HP 134, An Act to Make School Safer for Students with Epilepsy and Other Seizure Disorders by Requiring Seizure Action Plans and Trainings in Schools. These bills are currently before the Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs and a hearing date has not yet been announced.
PBM Reform legislation forthcoming. We anticipate PBM Reform legislation to be filed shortly. Please stay tuned for ways to help!
Vermont
Seizure Safe Schools
Senator Douglass has filed Seizure Safe School legislation in Vermont. The legislation's language is still being developed, and we anticipate it will be released with bill numbers and a committee assignment in the coming weeks.