Massachusetts Bills

Senate, June 12, 2026 -- The committee on Community Development and Small Businesses, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3022) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Sal N. DiDomenico and Pavel M. Payano for legislation relative to creating the engaging neighborhoods, organizations, unions, governments, and households fund, report the accompanying Order (Senate, No. 3127).

Senate, June 25, 2026 -- Text of the Senate amendment to the House Bill relative to energy affordability, clean power and economic competitiveness (House, No. 5175) [also based on Senate, Nos. Senate, Nos. 2228, 2232, 2239, 2249, 2255, 2262, 2281, 2282, 2612 and 2780]

Senate, June 25, 2026 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill to improve outdoor lighting, conserve energy, and increase dark-sky visibility (Senate, No. 2243),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 3145).

Filed by Ms. Edwards -- Senate Order relative to granting the committee on The Judiciary until July 31, 2026, within which time to make its final report on certain current Senate documents relative to judicial matters.

Filed by Mr. Payano -- Senate Order relative to granting the committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure until July 13, 2026 within which time to make its final report on a certain current Senate document relative to animal telehealth.

Report from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (pursuant to Section 9B Of Chapter 128A of the General Laws) submitting proposed regulations changes to 205 CMR 3.00: Harness Horse Racing (2026)

This bill allocates state funding for fiscal year 2027 to cover the operations of Massachusetts departments, boards, and institutions, as well as interest on state debt and specific infrastructure projects. It requires all state agencies receiving these funds to actively promote equal opportunity in hiring, compensation, and public relations for minority groups, women, and people with disabilities. The legislation also establishes a detailed revenue plan that projects income from sources like corporate taxes, sales, and alcohol excises to ensure the budget is fully funded. Additionally, it mandates that the comptroller provide quarterly reports comparing actual tax collections against the projected amounts listed in the bill.

This bill authorizes the town of Westford to issue an additional off-premises liquor license to a specific business owner at 103 Main Street. The law allows the town to grant this new permit while keeping the existing rules for alcohol sales in place, except for a specific state restriction that would normally prevent such an extra license. If the current license holder stops operating or fails to renew, the town can reissue the permit to a new applicant at the same location after verifying that all taxes and fees are paid. The license must be issued within one year of the bill becoming effective, and the business must return its current wine and malt beverage license to the town upon receiving this new authorization.

Senate, April 15, 2026 -- Text of the Senate Bill to build resilience for Massachusetts communities (Senate, No. 3064) (being the text of Senate No. 3050, printed as amended)

This bill authorizes the city of Newton to place liens on properties for unpaid local charges, fees, or fines, including those imposed by city ordinances or court orders. The liens become active once recorded with the registry of deeds and can be added to property tax bills if unpaid by the assessment deadline. Property owners are responsible for all costs related to recording or removing the liens, and the city council must vote to specify which charges apply before enforcement begins.

This bill allows the town of South Hadley to issue six new alcohol licenses to specific businesses located in four designated economic development zones. The four additional on-premises licenses would be for establishments where alcohol is consumed on-site, while the two off-premises licenses are for places where alcohol is sold for consumption elsewhere. These licenses are restricted to specific districts identified on a town zoning map and must be marked with their respective zone names. The town's licensing authority will manage the issuance, transfer, and renewal of these licenses, ensuring that all applicable taxes and fees are paid before approval.

This bill allows the state of Massachusetts to remove certain land use restrictions on a specific parcel in Revere, enabling the current owner to develop the land more freely. The restrictions being lifted include limits on using the land only for parking, preventing the owner from increasing floor area ratios on neighboring properties, and a right of reverter held by a trust. To compensate the state, the landowner must pay a fair market value determined by an independent appraisal reviewed by the inspector general. As a condition of this release, at least 10% of any new housing units built on the land must be affordable for households earning up to 80% of the area median income for 20 years.