Report of the Special Commission on Violence Prevention Services Funding (pursuant to Section 149 of Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024) submitting its recommendations to the General Court on the commonwealth’s funding structure for gun violence prevention services funding
This bill reorganizes the Town of Barre's public services by abolishing the existing public works commission and creating a new Department of Public Works. The new department will combine the functions of the current highway, water, sewer, and parks departments into a single entity. It establishes a superintendent appointed by the town's select board to oversee the department, with the town administrator managing the superintendent's employment contract and daily supervision. All existing contracts, records, and equipment from the old departments will automatically transfer to the new department without disrupting current operations.
By Mr. Fernandes, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3187) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation relative to the leasing of the Pilgrim Memorial Park in Plymouth. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
Filed by Ms. Edwards -- Senate Order relative to granting the committee on The Judiciary until December 31st, 2026, within which time to make its final report on certain current Senate documents relative to acts regarding consumer protection and civil rights and due process.
Senate, July 30, 2026 -- Text of the Senate amendment to the House Bill promoting transparency and public access in state government (House, No. 5469)
This bill establishes a new framework to track and increase the share of total healthcare spending dedicated to primary care in the Commonwealth. It creates specific definitions for primary care expenditures and infrastructure support, requiring the state to set annual spending targets that rise from 9% of total healthcare costs in 2030 to 15% by 2036. The legislation mandates that the state monitor these targets and report progress annually, while also requiring officials to ensure that increased primary care funding does not lead to higher overall healthcare costs or insurance premiums. Additionally, the bill updates procedures for identifying healthcare entities with excessive cost growth and may require them to submit performance improvement plans.
Text of House document No. 5618, being House amendments of the Senate Bill relative to primary care for you (Senate bill No. 3141), as amended by the House. July 30, 2026.
Senate, July 23, 2026 -- Text of the Senate amendment (Ways and Means) to the House Bill promoting transparency and public access in state government (House, No. 5469)
By Representative Kane of Shrewsbury and Senator Moore, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 5512) of Hannah Kane (by vote of the town) that the town of Shrewsbury be authorized to use print-free digital legal notices in said town. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]
By Mr. Fernandes, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3144) of Dylan A. Fernandes (by vote of the town) for legislation to authorize the town of Bourne to convey a right-of-way and easement. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]
This bill proposes an amendment to the Bridgewater Town Charter to change how the Town Manager is appointed and how long they serve. Under the new rules, the Town Council would select a manager for a maximum of three-year terms, which can be renewed for additional three-year periods only if the full council votes to approve it again. The change requires approval from the town council, the state legislature, and the town's voters before it takes effect.
This bill proposes to amend the Bridgewater Town Charter to change how citizens can challenge new town measures through a referendum. Under the new rules, residents could stop a measure from taking effect if they collect signatures from at least 5% of registered voters within 30 days of the measure's final passage. If the petition is filed, the town council must immediately reconsider the measure, and if it is not fully rescinded, the issue must be put to a vote at the next regular or a special election. The amendment will only take effect if approved by the town council, the state legislature, and the voters of Bridgewater.
