This bill authorizes the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to use eminent domain to acquire specific land parcels in Norwood owned by MPT of Norwood-Steward, LLC. The acquired land includes Norwood Hospital and any adjacent properties needed to support the project. After acquisition, the Division will transfer control of the land to the Department of Public Health, which will then assign it to a qualified nonprofit hospital operator. The stated goal is to ensure public access to healthcare, and the bill applies specifically to the town of Norwood and the named property owner.
By Representative Berthiaume of Spencer and Senator Durant, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr., that Bradford G. Merkel be authorized to take the state police examination notwithstanding the maximum age requirement. Public Service.
H 5024 establishes a 19-member commission to study foster care and child care liability insurance issues in Massachusetts. The commission, including representatives from foster/child care providers, insurers, state agencies, and advocacy groups, will examine insurance costs, availability barriers, and best practices nationwide. It must submit findings and recommendations by December 2026 to inform potential policy changes affecting providers. This procedural resolution creates a study body, not a direct policy change.
Senate, January 22, 2026 -- Report of the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission PERAC (under the provisions of Section 50 of Chapter 7 of the General Laws) submitting proposed amendments to the rules and regulations governing retirement of public employees in Massachusetts (840 CMR 28.00).
By Mr. Mark, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2861) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Paul W. Mark and Lindsay N. Sabadosa for legislation to create a special commission to examine school bus safety. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1662) of Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation relative to requirements for seatbelts on school buses. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 560) of Brendan P. Crighton for legislation to facilitate climate resiliency. Environment and Natural Resources.
This bill designates the "Honor and Remember" flag as a symbol representing Massachusetts' commitment to honoring U.S. military members who died in service and their families. It specifies the flag's symbolic elements (e.g., red for blood shed, gold star for ultimate sacrifice) and requires it to be displayed below the American flag when flown together, never larger than the American flag. The bill lists eight specific days for optional display (including Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Gold Star Mother's Day) and clarifies that no individual, organization, or government entity is mandated to purchase or display the flag. The measure focuses solely on recognition and voluntary display, with no enforcement or cost implications.
This bill updates Massachusetts' legal definition of "veteran" to expand eligibility for state benefits. It adds two key categories: (1) members of the American Merchant Marine who served during WWII (1941-1946) with honorable discharge, and (2) veterans awarded service-connected disabilities by the U.S. Veterans Administration. The revised definition also clarifies that "active duty" includes training periods where service members were disabled. This change directly affects veterans seeking state benefits who previously may not have qualified under the older definition, while maintaining existing exclusions like dishonorable discharges.
Senate, March 6, 2025 -- Report of the Massachusetts Capital Resource Company (under the provisions of Section 20 of Chapter 816 of the Acts of 1977) submitting its forty-eighth annual report
By Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1041) of Nick Collins for legislation to allow the attorney general to pursue civil action against a company or individual who violates the civil rights of Massachusetts citizen whose rights were violated in another state. The Judiciary.
This bill (S 1039) modifies Massachusetts law to change the appeal process for certain professional licensing decisions. It requires that when a licensing commission suspends someone’s license for more than two weeks or decertifies them, the appeal under Chapter 30A must include a full new review ("de novo review") of the case, rather than just reviewing the original decision. This directly affects individuals or entities facing these specific licensing penalties. The change aims to strengthen due process by ensuring appeals are evaluated independently from the initial decision. The bill is currently pending in the Judiciary Committee with a scheduled hearing.
