Senate, July 31, 2025 -- Text of the Senate Bill to promote student learning and mental health (Senate, No. 2581) (being the text of Senate document numbered 2561, printed as amended)
This bill increases access to epinephrine for life-threatening allergic reactions by allowing pharmacists to dispense autoinjectors without a prescription under a statewide standing order, with liability protection for good-faith actions. It also shields first responders from drug possession charges when seeking medical help for anaphylaxis and permits businesses (like schools, restaurants, and sports venues) to maintain and store epinephrine supplies with staff training. Pharmacists must complete anaphylaxis recognition training, and all entities must report dispensing data anonymously to the state. The law aims to make emergency treatment more accessible while protecting those administering it.
This bill prohibits the manufacture, sale, or operation of robotic devices (like drones) equipped with weapons (e.g., guns, lasers, explosives), with penalties including mandatory minimum prison sentences. It also bans using robots to threaten, harass, or physically restrain people. Key exemptions include military/defense uses (Department of Defense, National Guard, defense contractors under specific waivers) and law enforcement actions for bomb disposal, property destruction in emergencies, or training. The bill requires law enforcement to obtain warrants for robot deployments on private property or for surveillance, document all uses quarterly, and report publicly. It also allows civil lawsuits for violations and mandates public reporting of law enforcement robot usage.
By Representative Kerans of Danvers, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Sally P. Kerans relative to newborn screenings for congenital cytomegalovirus. Public Health.
By Representative Michael J. Moran of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4415) of Michael J. Moran (with the approval of the mayor and city council) relative to the procurement and award of contracts for construction of a certain affordable housing and cultural space in the Brighton section of the city of Boston. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. [Local Approval Received.]
By Mr. Finegold, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2544) of Barry R. Finegold (by vote of the town) relative to special town meetings petitioned for by residents of the town of Andover. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]
Senate, May 18, 2026 -- The committee on Labor and Workforce Development to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1303) of Lydia Edwards, Paul W. Mark and Vanna Howard for legislation to provide opportunities for apprentices to complete their training and ensuring for a skilled workforce in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3076).
The committee on Health Care Financing to whom was referred the Senate Bill ensuring access to healthcare and medically necessary food for children (Senate, No. 691), - reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 3069) (estimated cost greater than $100,000).
The committee on Health Care Financing to whom was referred the Senate Bill promoting community immunity (Senate, No. 2623), - reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 3070) (estimated cost greater than $100,000).
By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 819) of Pavel M. Payano and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to prohibit discrimination against 340b drug discount program participants. Financial Services.
By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1502) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, Jason M. Lewis and Steven George Xiarhos for legislation to remove barriers to care for physician assistants. Public Health.
This bill creates a 17-member commission to study staffing needs for climate change response at regional and local levels across Massachusetts. The commission will investigate current staffing, identify gaps, and develop recommendations for equitable resources - including technical, financial, and implementation support - for rural, suburban, and urban communities to meet the state's 2050 climate goals. It must report findings by July 31, 2026, to key legislative committees. The bill directly affects how climate resilience planning is structured regionally but does not enact new policies itself.
