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.
By Representative Gregoire of Marlborough, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 5227) of Danielle W. Gregoire and James B. Eldridge (with the approval of the mayor and city council) for legislation to further regulate the filling of vacancies on the city council relative to the office of ward councilor in the city of Marlborough. Election Laws. [Local Approval Received.]
By Representatives Arena-DeRosa of Holliston and Vaughn of Wrentham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3911) of James C. Arena-DeRosa and Marcus S. Vaughn (by vote of the town) relative to the charter of the town of Millis. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]
By Representative Blais of Deerfield and Senator Mark, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4525) of Natalie M. Blais and Paul W. Mark (by vote of the town) that the town of Conway be authorized to continue the employment of police department member Michael W. Habel. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]
By Representative Blais of Deerfield and Senator Mark, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4506) of Natalie M. Blais and Paul W. Mark (by vote of the town) that the town of Conway be authorized to continue the employment of fire department member Howard Boyden. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]
By Representative Saunders of Belchertown and Senator Comerford, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4224) of Aaron L. Saunders and Joanne M. Comerford (by vote of the town) relative to validating the results of the annual town election in the town of New Salem held on May 5, 2025. Election Laws. [Local Approval Received.]
This bill changes how property taxes are calculated for residential properties in Watertown starting in fiscal year 2027. It requires the city to adjust its tax formula so that the minimum residential tax rate is set at 50 percent, unless a higher rate is needed to keep total taxes within a specific limit. The law ensures that the overall tax burden on all property types does not exceed 175 percent of the property's full cash value. This change directly affects homeowners and other property owners in Watertown by altering the specific rates used to determine their annual tax bills.
This bill establishes the town administrator as the chief executive officer of Carlisle, appointed and removable by the select board, with primary responsibility for managing daily municipal operations. The administrator cannot create policy independently and must implement directives approved by the select board, while retaining authority to hire, discipline, and remove most town employees except key officials like police chiefs, fire chiefs, and the town clerk. The role includes supervising all town departments except the school, fire, library, and health departments, which remain under their respective boards, and the administrator may appoint interim staff for vacancies lasting more than 30 days.
This bill allows the town of Milton to issue 5 additional licenses for on-premise alcohol sales (for consumption at the location) within five specifically designated economic development zones: East Milton, Central/Milton Village, Curry College/Fuller Village, Mattapan Station Area, and Route 28 Area. Licenses must be marked with the specific zone name and are restricted to dining rooms and approved public areas within those zones. The town licensing authority cannot approve transfers of these licenses outside the original zone, and licenses must be returned if terminated, allowing reuse within the same zone. All licenses must be issued within 3 years of the bill's effective date.
Senate, November 19, 2025 -- Substituted as a new draft (Senator Dooner) for the Senate Bill dissolving the North Carver water district (Senate, No. 2517).
