Massachusetts Bills

signed · Massachusetts · House Jul 7, 2026

H 4231: An Act authorizing the city of Cambridge to expand the options available to issue notices of violation for parking enforcement above the limits set forth in M.G.L. C. 90, §20A½ or other applicable state laws

HD 4826 authorizes the City of Cambridge to issue parking violation notices in new ways beyond current state law limits. It allows Cambridge to mail violation notices to vehicle registrants' addresses (instead of only attaching them to cars) and use automated license plate readers (ALPR) with photo evidence to document violations. The bill requires all notices - whether mailed or from ALPR - to include proof of the violation (like photos) and follow specific mailing procedures. This directly affects Cambridge parking enforcement officers and vehicle owners within Cambridge who receive these notices. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 6, 2026

S 3162: An Act to improve outdoor lighting, conserve energy, and increase dark-sky visibility

Senate, July 1, 2026 -- Text of the Senate Bill to improve outdoor lighting, conserve energy, and increase dark-sky visibility (Senate, No. 3162) (being the text of Senate, No. 3145, printed as amended)

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 6, 2026

H 5551: An Act providing for fairness and equity for Massachusetts Water Resources Authority employees

This bill modifies the rules governing disciplinary actions for Massachusetts Water Resources Authority employees. It changes the standard for firing or punishing staff from "arbitrary, capricious or unreasonable grounds" to the stricter requirement of "just cause." This update ensures that employees can only be disciplined if there is a valid, fair reason for the action, rather than allowing broader interpretations of misconduct. The change directly affects the workforce of the water authority and alters how their employment disputes are handled under state law.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 6, 2026

S 3168: An Act to enhance the safe use of micromobility devices

Senate, July 6, 2026 -- The committee on Transportation, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2347) of Nick Collins for legislation to establish a task force to improve enforcement of existing laws governing motorized bicycles, motorized scooters, electric bicycles and mopeds and implement fines for certain offenses; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2373) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Steven Owens and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to class 3 electric bicycles; and (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 2432) of Patrick M. O'Connor that provisions be made to establish a special commission (including members of the General Court) to evaluate and study pedestrians safety through moped law enforcement, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3168).

Topics ✓ Transportation

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 6, 2026

S 3134: An Act relative to increased safety standards in the construction industry

Senate, July 6, 2026 -- The committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2112) of Nick Collins for legislation relative to increased safety standards in the construction industry, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3134).

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 6, 2026

H 5425: An Act authorizing the town of Southborough to grant an additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises

This bill authorizes the town of Southborough to issue a new liquor license to Costco Atlantic Liquors, Inc., allowing the sale of alcohol for off-premises consumption at their location on Coslin Drive. The license will operate under standard state regulations but is explicitly exempt from a specific section of the General Laws regarding certain restrictions. The law also establishes rules for transferring the license to other businesses at the same address and requires the return of the license to the town if it is cancelled or no longer in use.

passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 6, 2026

H 5445: An Act relative to the issuance of certain liquor licenses in the city of Easthampton

This bill allows the city of Easthampton to issue up to eight new liquor licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages. These licenses must be issued according to existing state laws, with one specific exception regarding certain transfer restrictions. The city cannot move these new licenses to a different location within the city, but they can be transferred to a new business at the same address if all taxes and fees are paid. If a license holder stops operating or fails to renew, the license returns to the city to be issued to a new applicant at that same location.

passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 6, 2026

H 5461: An Act authorizing the town of Weston to grant an additional license for sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises

This bill authorizes the town of Weston to issue a special on-premises alcohol license to Weston Breakfast, LLC, located at 31 Center Street. The license allows the sale of all alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, specifically within the dining room and other areas approved by the town's licensing authority. While the license can be transferred to a new applicant at the same location under certain conditions, it cannot be moved to a different address. The act also outlines procedures for returning the license to the town if it is cancelled or not renewed, and sets a two-year deadline for issuing the initial license.

passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 6, 2026

H 5298: An Act relative to senior property tax credits

By Representative Kassner of Hamilton, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kristin E. Kassner and others relative to senior property tax credits. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 6, 2026

S 1922: An Act relative to the Massachusetts fund for vulnerable countries most affected by climate change

By Mr. Barrett, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1922) of Michael J. Barrett and James B. Eldridge for legislation relative to the Massachusetts fund for vulnerable countries most affected by climate change. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Environment

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 6, 2026

S 1988: An Act relative to property tax relief for 100% disabled veterans

By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1988) of Ryan C. Fattman, Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida, Steven George Xiarhos and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to property tax relief for 100% disabled veterans. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Veterans

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 6, 2026

S 2172: An Act modernizing municipal procurement

By Mr. Mark, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2172) of Paul W. Mark for legislation to increase the threshold for requiring formal bidding processes for governmental bodies, including municipalities and regional school districts. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Bill results