S 1221, titled "An Act strengthening GPS tampering Laws," would increase penalties for intentionally interfering with or disabling GPS tracking systems. The bill directly affects individuals who tamper with GPS devices, such as those used in vehicles or personal location trackers. Key provisions would make tampering a more serious offense by raising criminal penalties and expanding legal definitions of prohibited interference. This legislation aims to deter unauthorized disruption of GPS technology through clearer and stricter enforcement.
By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1958) of Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation to establish a tax incentive program for micro businesses to hire formerly incarcerated individuals and individuals receiving transitional benefits. Revenue.
SD 94 creates new legal protections for victims of abuse in family or household disputes by defining and addressing "controlling and abusive litigation." It allows courts to issue restraining orders against parties who file lawsuits primarily to harass, intimidate, or maintain contact with an abuse victim - after verifying the parties' relationship and prior abuse findings. If found guilty, the court can dismiss the case with prejudice, award the victim court costs and attorney fees, and impose 48-72 months of prefiling restrictions on the offending party. This bill directly affects individuals in domestic disputes where lawsuits are weaponized as tools of abuse, not the broader public.
HD 3390 modifies Massachusetts tax law to address income from foreign entities. It specifies that amounts included in federal income under Section 951A of the IRS Code (related to global intangible low-taxed income) will no longer be treated as dividends for state tax purposes, and taxpayers can only deduct 50% of this income instead of the full amount. This primarily affects businesses and individuals with foreign income subject to Section 951A provisions. The changes apply to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.
By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1433) of Julian Cyr for legislation relative to zoning for multi-family housing production. Municipalities and Regional Government.
By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1430) of Brendan P. Crighton and Vanna Howard for legislation relative to the taxation of certain land and zoning ordinances owned by religious organizations. Municipalities and Regional Government.
By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1447) of Patricia D. Jehlen, Adam Gomez, Mike Connolly, Paul W. Mark and other members of the General Court for legislation to enable cities and towns to stabilize rents and protect tenants. Municipalities and Regional Government.
This bill is a procedural order that schedules House Bill 4767 for immediate consideration in the Senate on July 16, 2026. It allows the Senate to vote on a version of the bill that has been amended by the Ways and Means Committee to require health care employers to create workplace violence prevention programs. The order also sets specific rules for how amendments can be made during the debate, permitting changes to the new text and allowing further amendments to those changes. This document does not change the law itself but rather manages the legislative process to ensure the bill is reviewed and voted on at the scheduled time.
Senate, July 9, 2026 -- The committee on Environment and Natural Resources, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 606) of Barry R. Finegold for legislation relative to further testing after a combined sewage overflow event; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 608) of Patricia D. Jehlen relative to combined sewer overflows, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3154).
This bill formally submits the approved budget for the State Retiree Benefits Trust Board for the fiscal year 2027. The proposed budget includes specific increases for legal fees, administrative services, and actuarial valuations compared to the previous year's figures. By approving this document, the legislature acknowledges the financial plan for managing the trust's operational expenses and fiduciary duties. The measure is a procedural step that does not alter the underlying laws or benefits but rather authorizes the requested funding levels for the upcoming year.
Senate, July 9, 2026 -- The committee on Environment and Natural Resources to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 551) of Cynthia Stone Creem, Joanne M. Comerford, Michael O. Moore, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation to prohibit the sale of newly farmed fur products, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3153).
This bill is a procedural order that schedules House Bill 4706 for immediate consideration during a specific Senate session on July 16, 2026. It temporarily suspends standard Senate rules to allow the bill, which aims to improve home care services, to be read and debated right away. The order also sets specific rules for how amendments can be made to the bill's text during this session.
