H 4619 prohibits healthcare providers from charging facility fees (separate charges for hospital infrastructure) except for services on a hospital campus, at a hospital emergency department, or for emergency care at satellite facilities. It requires providers to give patients clear written notice about facility fees before or during care, display hospital ownership signage, and disclose if a location changes to charge such fees. The bill directly affects patients receiving care at healthcare facilities and healthcare providers who charge facility fees, aiming to prevent unexpected billing. The Department of Public Health will create rules to enforce these requirements and impose fines for violations.
This bill establishes a trust fund to grow and diversify the perinatal behavioral health care workforce in Massachusetts. It directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to eligible entities (such as colleges, community health centers, tribal organizations, and public health agencies) that create or expand training programs for providers focusing on mental health and substance use services for perinatal individuals. The grants prioritize organizations serving medically underserved populations or areas with racial, geographic, or health outcome disparities. Recipients must report annually on grant usage, program participants (with demographic data), and impacts on workforce shortages and access. The fund aims to improve access to culturally competent behavioral health care during pregnancy and the first year postpartum.
This bill creates a dedicated "Naloxone Purchase Trust Fund" to cover the costs of buying, storing, and distributing naloxone (a medication that reverses opioid overdoses) across Massachusetts. The fund will pay for naloxone distribution to specific healthcare facilities - like hospitals, emergency departments, substance use disorder treatment centers, and community health clinics - that provide it to patients with a history of opioid use, opioid use disorder, or opioid overdose. Funding comes from transfers of state health funds, voluntary contributions (e.g., from insurers), and interest, with non-federal costs limited to 10% of the fund’s total. The bill amends related laws to include this fund in Medicaid assessment calculations and requires annual reporting to state committees.
Senate, June 1, 2026 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill Toxic-Free Medical Devices Act of 2025 (Senate, No. 2579),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft entitled "An Act relative to toxic-free medical devices" (Senate, No. 3050).
This bill dissolves the Whately Water District, ending its existence as a separate entity. It requires the district to sell all its real estate, using the proceeds to reimburse customers who previously used the district's wells but now connect to the town of Whately's water department. The district's board and commissioners will terminate upon dissolution, which occurs after all property sales and fund distribution are completed. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.
By Mr. O'Connor and Mr. Kearney of Scituate a joint petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2577) of Patrick M. O'Connor (by vote of the town) relative to parking fines in the town of Scituate. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]
Senate, July 16, 2026 -- Text of the Senate amendment to the House Bill relative to economic development in the commonwealth (House, No. 5576) [This legislation authorizes $325,100,000 in bond obligations and $100,000,000 in direct fiscal year 2026 appropriations from the Education and Transportation Fund.]
Senate, July 24, 2026 -- Text of the Senate amendment to the House Bill relative to economic development in the commonwealth (House, No. 5576) (being the text of Senate document numbered 3178, printed as amended)
The committee on The Judiciary, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1035) of William N. Brownsberger for legislation relative to increase transparency in juvenile court proceedings; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1043) of Joanne M. Comerford, Sal N. DiDomenico, Hannah Kane, Bruce E. Tarr and others for legislation to encourage the donation of food to persons in need by exempting donors from civil damages for any injury arising out of the condition of such food; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1101) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation relative to personal injury protection payments; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1177) of Paul W. Mark for legislation to enforce fines for failing to correctly record real estate titles in Massachusetts; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1178) of Liz Miranda, James K. Hawkins and Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation to reduce mass incarceration; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1184) of Liz Miranda for legislation relative to summary process and rental assistance; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1267) of Bruce E. Tarr and Steven George Xiarhos for legislation to create a law enforcement officer safety zone after warning, report the accompanying Order (Senate, No. 3199).
This bill authorizes the town of Southborough to issue an additional liquor license to Costco Liquors for selling alcohol to go. The new license allows the sale of alcoholic beverages not meant to be consumed on the premises and must be issued within two years of the bill's effective date. The law restricts transferring this specific license to a different location but permits renewal or transfer to a new applicant at the same address if they meet state tax and employment requirements. If the license is ever cancelled or not renewed, the town can reissue it to a new applicant at that location within three years.
This bill establishes a special commission to study the feasibility of implementing a single-payer health care system in Massachusetts, aiming to provide universal access for all residents regardless of their background. The commission, which includes representatives from various sectors such as labor, business, and health care, is tasked with analyzing costs, reviewing models used by other states and countries, and developing specific recommendations for funding and administration. Its report will cover detailed aspects like transition costs, workforce impacts, and methods to ensure equitable access to services including dental, mental health, and long-term care. Ultimately, the legislation focuses on creating a comprehensive plan rather than immediately enacting a new health care system.
This bill updates the town manager act for Danvers to modernize how the town is governed and managed. It establishes an annual election schedule in May for select board members and other officials, while also defining how vacancies are filled between elections. The legislation creates a five-member select board with staggered three-year terms that appoints a professional town manager, who may or may not live in the town, to oversee daily operations. Key provisions include rules for removing the town manager, limits on holding multiple offices, and authority for the select board to hire experts for investigations. Overall, the bill shifts more administrative control to a professional manager while clarifying the roles and election cycles of elected officials.
