Massachusetts Bills

passed · Massachusetts · House May 11, 2026

H 1188: An Act relative to trans-inclusive health care access

This bill, HD 1500, requires health insurance providers, health care plans, and related entities to accept a single written verification from a health care provider for gender-affirming care. It prohibits them from rejecting such verification unless it clearly fails to meet established clinical guidelines, and prevents them from demanding more than one verification for treatment of gender dysphoria. The bill defines "qualified mental health care professional" using standards from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). It directly affects transgender individuals seeking health coverage for gender-affirming care and the insurers/health plans that process those requests. The policy change removes bureaucratic barriers to accessing medically necessary care.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed · Massachusetts · House May 11, 2026

H 3836: An Act establishing a disabled veteran homestead exemption

This bill establishes a property tax exemption for veterans with service-connected disabilities in Massachusetts. Beginning in 2026, veterans with a VA-certified disability of 30% or higher qualify for annual tax exemptions: $2,500 for 30-49% disability, $5,000 for 50-69%, and full exemption for 70% or higher. Surviving spouses who live in the home and don't remarry can continue the exemption, and veterans killed in service automatically qualify. The exemption requires annual reapplication and applies only to the primary residence, with proration if occupancy changes during the year.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing ✓ Veterans

signed · Massachusetts · House May 8, 2026

H 4399: An Act further amending the charter of the town of Middleton

This bill amends Middleton's town charter to update governance procedures. Key changes include: (1) establishing a new recall process allowing voters to petition to remove officials with signatures equal to 12% of registered voters, requiring a majority vote of those participating plus 12% of total voters; (2) changing the Select Board to five members elected to three-year terms; and (3) adding requirements for Town Meeting notices (mailed 7 days in advance) and limiting re-voting on defeated zoning proposals for two years. These changes directly affect Middleton residents who attend Town Meetings and elect local officials, as well as all town boards and officers. The bill focuses on procedural clarity and voter engagement within the town's existing governance structure.

signed · Massachusetts · House May 8, 2026

H 4057: An Act to authorize the mayor of the city of Haverhill to submit special legislation to increase the membership of the board of health from three members to five members

This bill allows the city of Haverhill to expand its Board of Health from three to five members. The mayor would appoint new members with the city council's approval, adding two positions to the existing board. Appointments would follow a set schedule: one member serves a three-year term and another a two-year term each January, with future appointments aligning with expiring terms. The bill directly affects Haverhill's local governance structure and health board operations.

signed · Massachusetts · Senate May 8, 2026

S 1859: An Act relative to the amendment of M.G.L. c.32, section 4(2)(b) and 4(2)(c), solely as they relate to the calculation of Walter L. Guertin's pension

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1859) of Paul R. Feeney (with approval of the mayor and city council) for legislation relative to the calculation of the pension of Walter L. Guertin. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]

signed · Massachusetts · Senate May 8, 2026

S 2596: An Act relative to maintenance of private roads in the city of Gloucester

By Mr. Tarr and Ms. Ferrante of Gloucester, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2596) of Bruce E. Tarr and Ann-Margaret Ferrante (with approval of the mayor and city council) for legislation relative to the appropriation and expenditure of funds for the maintenance, repair and improvement of private roads under certain conditions. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local approval received.]

introduced · Massachusetts · House May 7, 2026

H 5404: REPORT of the SPECIAL JOINT COMMITTEE on INITIATIVE PETITIONS on the INITIATIVE PETITION of DANIELLE SUSAN ALLEN AND OTHERS FOR THE PASSAGE OF AN ACT TO IMPLEMENT ALL-PARTY STATE PRIMARIES (see House, No. 5003).

This report recommends that the Massachusetts Legislature take no action on a petition to replace the state's current partisan primary system with an all-party primary. Under the proposed change, candidates from all parties would run together in a single primary election, with only the top two vote-geters advancing to the general election regardless of their party affiliation. The committee cited concerns about potential vote splitting, reduced party accountability, and possible decreases in overall voter turnout based on evidence from other states that have adopted similar systems. The report also noted significant administrative and fiscal challenges associated with implementing this new election structure at both the state and municipal levels.

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate May 7, 2026

S 3083: Order relative to requesting the opinions of the Honorable Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court on important questions of law relative to promoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatment

Senate, May 7, 2026 -- (Filed by Mr. Tarr et al) Order relative to requesting the opinions of the Honorable Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court on important questions of law relative to “An Act promoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatment,” as pending before the Massachusetts State Senate.

introduced · Massachusetts · House May 7, 2026

H 5407: REPORT of the SPECIAL JOINT COMMITTEE on INITIATIVE PETITIONS on the INITIATIVE PETITION of JAMES JOHN STERGIOS AND OTHERS FOR THE PASSAGE OF AN ACT RELATIVE TO REDUCING THE STATE PERSONAL INCOME TAX RATE FROM 5% TO 4%. (see House, No. 5007)

This bill reports the findings of a special joint committee regarding a citizen initiative petition to lower the state personal income tax rate from 5% to 4%. The legislation directly affects state taxpayers by proposing a reduction in the income tax they pay. It serves as a procedural step to formally present the committee's review of the petition to the legislature for further action. The bill does not enact the tax change itself but rather documents the committee's analysis of the proposal.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

introduced · Massachusetts · House May 7, 2026

H 5410: REPORT of the SPECIAL JOINT COMMITTEE on INITIATIVE PETITIONS on the INITIATIVE PETITION of JOHN A. LIPPITT AND OTHERS FOR THE PASSAGE OF AN ACT TO REFORM AND REGULATE LEGISLATIVE STIPENDS (see House, No. 5010)

This report documents the Special Joint Committee's decision to recommend no action on a citizen-led proposal to reform and regulate legislative stipends in Massachusetts. The committee concluded that the initiative petition is unconstitutional because the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled it attempts to regulate legislative procedures rather than establish a permissible law. Consequently, the bill will not proceed to a vote, meaning no changes to legislative pay structures will be enacted through this specific citizen petition.

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate May 7, 2026

SD 3893: Emergency Housing Assistance Program Bi-weekly Report

Report of the Executive Office for Administration and Finance (pursuant to Chapter 88 of the Acts of 2024, Section 10 of Chapter 1 of the Acts of 2025, and Section 88 of Chapter 73 of the Acts of 2025) submitting its Emergency Housing Assistance Program bi-weekly report

Topics ✓ Housing

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate May 7, 2026

S 3013: Amendment S.3013

Senate, May 7, 2026 - Text of the Senate amendment (Senator Rausch) to the House Bill revising the charter of the town of Millis, as amended (House, No. 3911).

Bill results