Senate, November 10, 2025 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 206) of John J. Cronin for legislation relative to a model carrier reporting requirement on delivery of wines, malt beverages or distilled spirits, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2661).
Senate, November 10, 2025 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 222) of William J. Driscoll, Jr. for legislation to regulate Hemp-derived beverages by imposing a fine if a person that is involved in establishing or maintaining an infused beverage manufacturing operation without an endorsement granted by the commission, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2663).
Order relative to authorizing the committee on Revenue to make an investigation and study of certain House documents relative to sales tax exemptions.
Order relative to authorizing the committee on Transportation to make an investigation and study of certain House documents relative to vehicle registration and dealers.
Order relative to authorizing the committee on Revenue to make an investigation and study of certain House documents relative to sales tax on boats built or rebuilt in the commonwealth.
By Representative Marsi of Charlton (by request), a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Craig Ahearn relative to legal repossessions. The Judiciary.
This bill allows movable tiny houses (under 400 sq ft, excluding certain features) to be used as permanent primary residences or accessory dwelling units on single-family lots. It requires local towns to establish a registration system through the Registry of Motor Vehicles ($100 fee), with standards for safety, zoning (like septic systems), and building code compliance (with relaxed insulation requirements). After 180 days of residency, tiny houses must have a permanent address, utilities, and pass an inspection for a certificate of occupancy. Local governments can set stricter rules but cannot ban tiny houses outright, and may offer tax incentives for hosting them.
Senate, October 30, 2025 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 223) of Peter J. Durant and Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr. relative to homeowners right to perform electrical work; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 260) of Mark C. Montigny for legislation to protect the privacy of lottery winners; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 273) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to reduce lottery littering, report the accompanying Order (Senate, No. 2674).
This bill establishes a legal framework for "homesharing" in Massachusetts, allowing homeowners (homesharing providers) to rent a room in their owner-occupied home at below-market rates in exchange for domestic services (e.g., cleaning, meal prep) or reduced living costs. It requires written agreements covering rent, services (limited to 7 hours/week), shared spaces, and household rules, while exempting these arrangements from standard landlord-tenant eviction laws. The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) will oversee the program, including setting registration fees, creating a Homesharing Opportunity Relief Fund for emergency assistance (e.g., relocation if agreements fail), and ensuring safety through background checks. The program directly affects homeowners seeking affordable housing help and individuals needing lower-cost housing in exchange for services, excluding medical care or short-term rentals.
H 4699 creates a special commission to study safety conditions for single-stair multi-family residential buildings (up to six stories) in Massachusetts, with the goal of developing a building code amendment to potentially legalize them. The commission, composed of housing officials, fire safety experts, architects, and community representatives, must produce a report by July 31, 2026, including fire safety measures like sprinklers and emergency exits, and build on existing research. This bill does not change current laws but directs a study to address safety concerns that may enable future code changes. It directly affects future housing development rules and building safety standards, not current building owners or occupants.
H 4558 establishes a commission to study the health, housing, financial, and care needs of aging disabled adults and their caregivers in Massachusetts. The commission, composed of appointed members including legislative leaders, agency officials, community representatives, and aging disabled adults themselves, will analyze current policies and services to improve access to benefits and reduce barriers. It will focus on key areas like preventing institutional care, promoting home-based alternatives, reducing isolation, and enhancing provider training. The commission must submit its findings and recommendations to the governor and legislative committees by December 31 in even-numbered years.
Senate, October 30, 2025 -- The committee on Cannabis Policy, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 91) of Michael O. Moore for legislation to establish a temporary moratorium on the issuance of certain marijuana license types in order to conduct and publish a study analyzing the current businesses licensed; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 93) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to dedicate one-percent of the recreational marijuana excise to youth substance use prevention; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 95) of Patrick M. O'Connor relative to the labeling of marijuana; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 96) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to further regulate THC potency limits for certain types of marijuana, report the accompanying Order (Senate, No. 2677).
