HD 2014 modifies Massachusetts law to allow most public employees to strike after six months of collective bargaining negotiations, while permanently banning strikes by public safety employees (like police and firefighters). It changes existing law to require a minimum six-month negotiation period before a strike can occur for non-public safety workers, and specifies that public safety employees cannot strike under any circumstances. The bill amends Chapter 150E to clarify that strike restrictions apply during negotiations and end once an impasse is formally filed, except for public safety roles. These changes directly affect public sector workers in non-emergency roles and their unions. The policy focuses on balancing labor rights with public safety considerations through defined negotiation timelines.
By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 723) of Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation to strengthen the state credit union charter. Financial Services.
HD 4877 exempts the town of Chatham from prevailing wage requirements for local construction projects costing $50,000 or less. This means Chatham can hire workers without paying the state-mandated prevailing wage rate for small projects under this cost threshold. The bill directly affects Chatham's local government and contractors working on qualifying projects within the town. It takes effect immediately upon passage, altering how Chatham handles wage standards for minor public works.
This bill limits school resource officers' (SROs) roles in schools by prohibiting them from handling routine discipline or replacing counselors. It requires SROs to only intervene in serious criminal incidents (like physical harm, malicious property damage, or theft of significant value) and mandates de-escalation training. Schools must annually report costs, mental health budgets, and detailed data on student interactions with SROs (including arrests and referrals), with the education department collecting and publishing this data. The bill also creates grants to help schools adopt non-law enforcement safety practices, such as conflict resolution and culturally affirming approaches.
Senate, May 4, 2026 -- (Filed by Mr. Rodrigues) Order relative to procedures to be followed when considering the House Bill making appropriations for the fiscal year 2027 for the maintenance of the departments, boards, commissions, institutions, and certain activities of the Commonwealth, for interest, sinking fund, and serial bond requirements, and for certain permanent improvements.
This bill changes Falmouth's local government structure by replacing the elected Town Clerk position with an appointed one. The current elected Town Clerk becomes the first appointed clerk for the remainder of their term, after which the Town Manager (with Select Board approval) will appoint future Town Clerks. The bill amends Falmouth's charter to remove "and a Town Clerk" from the list of elected positions and updates the appointment process to align with other town management roles. These changes take effect immediately upon the bill's passage.
By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 764) of Marjorie C. Decker relative to flu prevention for seniors. Elder Affairs.
By Representative Consalvo of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 760) of Rob Consalvo relative to immunizations against influenza virus to all inpatients sixty-five years of age and older. Elder Affairs.
Senate, April 30, 2026 -- Order (Senator Rodrigues) relative to procedures to be followed when considering the House Bill promoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatment (House, No. 5316)
Filed by Mr. Crighton -- Order relative to granting the committee on Transportation until July 31, 2026 within which time to make its final report on certain current Senate documents relative to transportation matters.
This bill designates a specific stretch of Interstate 90 in Massachusetts, running from Boston to Auburn, as "The Bill Russell and Bob Cousy Highway" to honor two legendary basketball players. The legislation requires the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to install and maintain official signs displaying this new name along the route. By amending existing transportation laws, the act formally changes the official designation of this highway segment while leaving all other traffic regulations unchanged.
Filed by Mr. Oliveira-- Order relative to granting the committee on Labor and Workforce Development until July 30, 2026 within which time to make its final report on certain current Senate documents relative to workforce development, unemployment insurance, fair wages, collective bargaining rights, paid leave and workplace safety matters.
