This bill amends Massachusetts recycling laws to include cannabis-infused beverages in the beverage container recycling system. It adds "cannabis-infused beverages" to the definition of recyclable containers (Section 1), creates a new definition for such beverages (Section 2), and exempts distributors from handling fees for these containers (Sections 3, 10, 17). Redemption centers must accept these containers if they meet standard requirements (Sections 13-14). The bill directly affects cannabis beverage distributors, redemption centers, and manufacturers by integrating their products into the existing recycling framework with specific fee exemptions.
By Representative Montaño of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4262) of Samantha Montaño (with the approval of the mayor and city council) relative to ranked choice voting in the city of Boston. Election Laws. [Local Approval Received.]
By Representative Cruz of Salem, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 147) of Manny Cruz relative to cannabis retail operations. Cannabis Policy.
This bill, HD 1500, requires health insurance providers, health care plans, and related entities to accept a single written verification from a health care provider for gender-affirming care. It prohibits them from rejecting such verification unless it clearly fails to meet established clinical guidelines, and prevents them from demanding more than one verification for treatment of gender dysphoria. The bill defines "qualified mental health care professional" using standards from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). It directly affects transgender individuals seeking health coverage for gender-affirming care and the insurers/health plans that process those requests. The policy change removes bureaucratic barriers to accessing medically necessary care.
This bill establishes a property tax exemption for veterans with service-connected disabilities in Massachusetts. Beginning in 2026, veterans with a VA-certified disability of 30% or higher qualify for annual tax exemptions: $2,500 for 30-49% disability, $5,000 for 50-69%, and full exemption for 70% or higher. Surviving spouses who live in the home and don't remarry can continue the exemption, and veterans killed in service automatically qualify. The exemption requires annual reapplication and applies only to the primary residence, with proration if occupancy changes during the year.
This bill designates a specific bridge on Gorham Street in Chelmsford as the "Ferreira Brothers Bridge." It directly affects the local community by formally naming a public infrastructure location. The bill is purely ceremonial, with no policy changes or mechanisms beyond the official naming designation. It honors the Ferreira brothers through this permanent reference on the bridge structure.
Senate, April 30, 2026 -- Text of the Senate amendment to the House Bill promoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatment (House, No. 5316) [also based on Senate, Nos. 1059, 1122, 1127 and 2665]
This bill (H 5009) clarifies that employees of the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), a state agency providing legal services, are explicitly covered under Massachusetts labor relations laws. It amends Chapter 150E to define CPCS as a "public employer" and include it in the list of entities subject to those labor relations policies. The bill does not create new policies but ensures CPCS employees have the same labor relations protections as other public employees. This is a procedural update to align CPCS with existing labor law coverage.
H 5003, "An Act to implement all-party state primaries," changes Massachusetts' primary election system to allow voters to choose any candidate regardless of party affiliation. The bill establishes a "top two" primary system where the two candidates receiving the most votes for each office - across all parties - advance to the general election. It removes restrictions requiring voters to register with a party to vote in primaries and updates ballot formatting to omit party labels for candidates. The law affects all state primary voters and candidates, taking effect January 1, 2028.
This bill would limit Massachusetts' annual state tax collections by capping growth at a set rate calculated using a "growth factor" applied to prior year revenues. If actual tax collections exceed this calculated cap, the surplus would be returned directly to taxpayers. It defines "state tax revenues" broadly to include income, sales, and business taxes (but excludes federal funds, bond proceeds, and tuition fees). These rules would apply to fiscal years beginning after June 30, 2027. The bill amends existing tax law to implement this cap-and-return mechanism.
H 5007 would gradually reduce the state's personal income tax rate from 5% to 4% over three years. Starting in 2027, the tax rate would be 4.67% for part of the year, then 4.33% in 2028, and finally 4.00% for all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2029. This bill directly affects all state residents who pay personal income tax, including those with income from interest, dividends, and other taxable sources. The key mechanism is a phased reduction in tax rates for all taxable income brackets over the specified timeline. The bill is currently pending before the Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions.
This bill allows eligible Massachusetts voters to register and vote on Election Day at their polling place. It requires voters to present proof of address (like a utility bill or driver's license), swear an oath confirming eligibility, and complete a registration form during voting hours. Voters without proper ID may cast a provisional ballot but must return within days to verify identity. The law applies to state and national elections, effective January 1, 2028, and does not affect town meeting voting or party enrollment changes at primaries.
