Senate, April 13, 2026 -- The committee on Environment and Natural Resources to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2961) of Kelly A. Dooner and Justin Thurber (by vote of the town) for legislation to authorize the town of Dighton to use a portion of conservation land for public way purposes, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3052).
Substituted by the House, on motion of Mr. Walsh of Peabody, for a bill with the same title (House, No. 2939) [Local Approval Received]. April 30, 2026.
This bill allows Barnstable County to transfer two specific parcels of land in Bourne (at 0 County Road and 100 Dr. Julius Kelley Lane) to the town of Bourne. The land, currently used for a senior living center, is subject to existing conservation restrictions (document #978,790), Cape Cod Commission approval (Project TR #02051), and a ground lease. The town will assign its conservation restriction to Barnstable County during the transfer to maintain land preservation rules, and the conveyances must happen at the same time. The bill ensures the conservation restriction remains separate from the land ownership change.
Report of the Department of Public Health (pursuant to 105 CMR 451.403) submitting the inspection report for Northeastern Correctional Center, the Plan of Correction (POC) from the facility and the POC acceptance letter from the Division of Environmental Health Regulations and Standards (EHRS)
Report of the Department of Public Health (pursuant to 105 CMR 451.403) submitting the inspection report for Suffolk County Jail, the Plan of Correction (POC) from the facility and the POC acceptance letter from the Division of Environmental Health Regulations and Standards (EHRS)
By Ms. Edwards (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Edward Joseph Kennedy for legislation to amend the eligibility date for annuities for blind veterans, paraplegic veterans or veterans with disabilities. Veterans and Federal Affairs.
Report of the Department of Public Health (pursuant to 105 CMR 451.403) submitting the inspection report for Worcester County Jail and House of Corrections, the Plan of Correction from the facility and the Plan of Correction acceptance letter from the Division of Environmental Health Regulations and Standards (EHRS)
Report of the Department of Public Health (pursuant to 105 CMR 451.403) submitting the inspection report for Suffolk County House of Correction, the Plan of Correction (POC) from the facility and the POC acceptance letter from the Division of Environmental Health Regulations and Standards (EHRS)
This bill extends the deadline for the House Transportation Committee to submit a final report on seven specific documents until January 5, 2027. It overrides the standard rule requiring earlier reporting to give the committee additional time to review and finalize these items. The change directly affects the committee's schedule and the timeline for when these documents will be officially reported to the House.
This bill amends Massachusetts law to expand who can access certain substance use disorder treatment services beyond just blood relatives. It specifically adds parents, as defined by a 2024 act, and other family members recognized by law to the list of eligible individuals. The change ensures that a broader range of family members can utilize these treatment resources without needing to prove a biological connection.
This bill allows municipal school districts to exempt incoming elementary school choice students from participating in tuition agreements for middle and high school education. The change specifically applies to districts operating under tuition agreements rather than regional agreements, giving them flexibility in how they handle student enrollment across grade levels. By adding a new subsection to existing state law, the legislation clarifies that these districts are not required to include elementary students in the same financial arrangements used for older students. This adjustment aims to provide local control over school choice programs without mandating a uniform tuition structure for all grade levels.
This bill expands health insurance coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices in Massachusetts to ensure equitable access for people with limb loss or differences. It mandates that insurance plans cover specialized equipment designed for physical activities like swimming or biking, removes discriminatory barriers to coverage based on disability, and requires networks to include at least two distinct providers for these services. Additionally, the legislation simplifies the process for replacing devices by allowing replacements based on medical necessity rather than strict time limits, provided repairs would cost more than 60% of a new device. These changes directly affect state employees and other insured individuals, aiming to improve their ability to perform daily life activities and maintain physical function.
