Senate, April 30, 2026 -- The committee on Health Care Financing, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 687) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation to ensure access to fair and reasonable pharmacy networks; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 734) of James B. Eldridge for legislation to ensure access to medications; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 831) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to ensure access to prescription medication and community pharmacies; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1232) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to study the delivery of medical care to persons held in custody; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1390) of Julian Cyr for legislation relative to access to psychiatric collaborative care; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1534) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to protect the independence of clinical decision making; and Senate, March 23, 2026 -- The committee on The Judiciary to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No, report the accompanying Order (Senate, No. 3067).
By Representative Marsi of Charlton and Senator Fattman, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of John J. Marsi for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Courtney Cochran, an employee of the Department of Children and Families. Public Service.
By Ms. Edwards, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2975) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Lydia Edwards, Patricia D. Jehlen, Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch and other members of the General Court for legislation to protect access to justice. The Judiciary.
By Mr. Brownsberger, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2976) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of William N. Brownsberger, Cindy F. Friedman, Pavel M. Payano, Cynthia Stone Creem and other members of the Senate for legislation relative to violations of the United States Constitution under color of law. The Judiciary.
By Representative Ashe of Longmeadow, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Brian M. Ashe for legislation to authorize the Massachusetts Teachers’ Retirement System to grant credible service to Sara Scibelli. Public Service.
HD 5500 amends Massachusetts' Uniform Commercial Code to modernize definitions and clarify rules for commercial transactions. It specifically updates key terms like "electronic" (to include digital systems), "delivery" (for electronic documents), and "money" (excluding pre-government electronic records), while refining contract requirements for goods sales over $500. These changes primarily affect businesses, legal professionals, and financial institutions conducting commercial transactions in Massachusetts, particularly those using digital tools or handling electronic records. The bill aims to align state law with current digital commerce practices by making definitions clearer and more precise.
By Representative Badger of Plymouth, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michelle L. Badger relative to a transfer of retirement benefits for Valeria D'Orazio an associate professor at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Public Service.
This bill (SD 91) automatically makes property documents legally valid if they contain minor technical errors (like missing signatures, incorrect acknowledgment forms, or improper execution) and no legal challenge occurs within 10 years of the document being recorded. It directly affects property owners, title insurers, and real estate transactions involving older documents with such flaws. The key provision is a 10-year "cure period": if no lawsuit is filed challenging the defect within that timeframe, the document and its recorded title become fully effective as if no error existed. This simplifies title clearance for historical property records without requiring court intervention for minor administrative issues.
This bill (SD 1308) requires courts to detain individuals who violate release conditions by committing specific firearm or violent offenses. It applies to people already charged with violent crimes (defined under Mass. law) or firearm offenses, who were released after certain hearings but then commit a new offense involving a firearm, rifle, shotgun, machinegun, or assault weapon, or commit a violent crime while on release. Judicial officers must order detention after a hearing using "clear and convincing evidence" of the violation. Detention cannot exceed 120 days in district court or 180 days in superior court without justification. The law aims to quickly address community safety risks posed by repeat offenders violating release terms.
By Mrs. Dooner and Mr. Thurber of Somerset, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2652) of Kelly A. Dooner, Justin Thurber and Norman J. Orrall (with approval of the mayor and city council) for legislation to authorize the city of Taunton to establish a separate billing rate for water supplied to manufactured housing communities. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy. [Local Approval Received.]
Massachusetts' HD 727 is a legislative resolution applying to Congress under Article V of the U.S. Constitution to call a convention of states. The resolution specifically requests a convention focused on proposing constitutional amendments to impose fiscal restraints on federal spending, limit federal government power and jurisdiction, and restrict terms for federal officials and members of Congress. This application is transmitted to federal officials and other state legislatures to seek broader support for the convention, as required by Article V. The bill does not create new law but initiates a procedural step toward potentially amending the Constitution.
Massachusetts' HD 248 is a legislative resolution calling on Congress to propose a constitutional amendment. The resolution seeks to affirm that constitutional rights apply only to natural persons (not corporations) and to allow limits on political spending to protect election integrity. If Congress does not act within six months, the resolution becomes a formal petition requesting a limited constitutional convention under Article V. This would require 33 other states to join similar requests before Congress convenes the convention, focusing specifically on campaign finance and corporate rights issues stemming from Supreme Court rulings like *Citizens United*.
