Massachusetts Bills

Text of amendments, recommended by the committee on Ways and Means, to the Senate Bill relative to amending certain use restrictions for the Foxborough State Hospital (Senate, No. 2141). November 18, 2025.

By Representative Chan of Quincy, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Tackey Chan relative to powers and duties of judicial court officers. The Judiciary.

This bill allocates $2.65 billion in state funds for capital improvements at Massachusetts public colleges and universities. It directly affects all 15 public institutions by funding deferred maintenance, modernization, decarbonization projects, and facility upgrades - including $1.25 billion for campus infrastructure at state universities and community colleges, $80 million for energy efficiency and fossil fuel reduction, and $10 million for lab modernization and student support facilities. Key mechanisms include requiring projects to align with campus master plans and decarbonization plans, mandating inclusion in a capital asset management system, and creating reporting requirements on student collaboration outcomes. The funding covers repairs, construction, renovations, and adaptive reuse projects like converting campuses for housing, all subject to oversight by the Division of Capital Asset Management.

By Representative Vargas of Haverhill, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Andres X. Vargas for legislation to further regulate zoning for accessory dwelling units. Municipalities and Regional Government.

This bill allocates $1.25 billion in state funds for capital improvements at Massachusetts public higher education institutions (state universities, community colleges, and vocational schools). It directly affects these institutions by funding deferred maintenance, modernization, decarbonization, lab upgrades, and facility renovations to support educational missions and regional economic development. Key provisions include $80 million for energy efficiency projects, $100 million for repurposing campus buildings into housing, and $120 million for student support facilities and collaborations between community colleges and vocational schools. The bill requires annual reporting on project progress and outcomes, such as student participation in collaborative programs, to ensure accountability.

Text of an amendment, recommended by the committee on Ways and Means, to the Senate Bill authorizing the commonwealth to dispose of certain parcels of land in the town of Upton acquired for conservation and recreation purposes. (Senate, No. 2576). November 18, 2025.

Order relative to authorizing the committee on Transportation to make an investigation and study of a certain House document relative to motor vehicle negligence.

H 4725 authorizes the House Committee on Transportation to study a specific House document concerning spare tires. This procedural bill does not change laws or directly affect individuals; it simply directs the committee to examine the document. The study aims to gather information on spare tire-related matters, but the bill itself creates no new requirements or impacts. It is a routine step for legislative oversight, not a policy action.

Order relative to authorizing the committee on Transportation to make an investigation and study of certain House documents relative to motor vehicle titling and e-signatures.

Senate, August 2025 -- The committee on Public Health to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1576) of Liz Miranda for legislation relative to culturally competent and effective health care, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No 2588).

H 4727 is a procedural resolution authorizing the Transportation committee to study House Document 3775 about golf carts. The committee must investigate and report its findings, including draft legislation for any recommendations, to the General Court by December 31, 2026. This bill does not change existing laws but sets up a process for future policy decisions related to golf carts. It directly affects the committee’s work, not the public or specific groups.

HD 5283 requires the Franklin Regional Transit Authority to submit its financial statements, supplementary information, and federal award expenditure reports for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. This procedural bill mandates standard reporting to comply with federal oversight requirements under OMB uniform guidance. The submission directly affects the transit authority, ensuring transparency for federal funding accountability. It does not create new policy or alter existing laws, but fulfills routine administrative obligations for federally funded programs.