This bill authorizes the transfer of specific state-owned land parcels in Milton from the Department of Conservation and Recreation to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for highway improvements at the intersection of Randolph Avenue and Chickatawbut Road. To offset this loss, the transportation department must pay the conservation department an amount equal to at least 110 percent of the land's fair market value or value in use, whichever is higher. The conservation department is required to deposit these funds into a trust and use them within three years to acquire comparable replacement land for public recreation. Additionally, the bill mandates that an independent appraisal be reviewed by the state inspector general before the land transfer can be finalized.
This bill authorizes the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to acquire permanent easements from the Andover Conservation Commission for highway construction purposes. The acquisition involves specific land parcels totaling approximately 704 square feet, which will be used for installing guy wires, removing guardrails, and applying special slope paving on a bridge over the Pan MA Railroad. The state agency is required to cover all costs associated with engineering, surveys, appraisals, and deed preparation for this transfer. The legislation is designated as an emergency law to allow for immediate action related to public safety and convenience.
This bill authorizes the town of Hingham to transfer specific parcels of land, including areas currently used for parks and recreation, to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for highway construction. To offset this loss, the town must dedicate approximately eight acres of municipal land to its conservation commission under state environmental protections. Additionally, the transportation department is required to pay the town at least 110 percent of the appraised fair market value of the transferred lands, with these funds restricted to a dedicated land conservation fund. The legislation also mandates that an inspector general review the property appraisals and report findings to legislative committees before the land transfer is finalized.
This bill updates Massachusetts law to officially refer to the state's transportation agency as the "Massachusetts Department of Transportation" rather than the "executive office of transportation and public works." It also adds a new definition for "utility vehicles," which are emergency vehicles used by utility companies to repair communications, electricity, or gas services. The legislation increases fines for distracted driving, introduces mandatory behavior programs for repeat offenders, and exempts first and second offenses from insurance surcharges. Additionally, it requires the state to launch an annual public awareness campaign focusing on distracted driving and bicycle safety.
Senate, July 22, 2026 -- The committee on Transportation, to whom was referred the petitions Senate, May 4, 2026 - Message from Her Excellency the Governor recommending legislation to enhance the safe use of micromobility devices, report the accompanying Order (Senate, No. 3194).
This bill authorizes the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to acquire specific land parcels in Woburn and Burlington from the City of Boston to build a highway intersection improvement project. The acquisition includes temporary construction areas and permanent easements totaling over 13,000 square feet, which the state will pay for entirely. The legislation also confirms that land previously set aside by the town of Burlington as mitigation for this project will remain protected for future improvements.
This bill amends Massachusetts gas regulations to restrict new gas facilities and expansions within five miles of environmental justice neighborhoods unless they are strictly necessary for public safety. It also mandates that gas companies submit biennial just transition plans to the Department of Public Utilities, detailing strategies for workforce retention, training, and managing the shift to net-zero emissions by 2050. These provisions require companies to outline specific measures for hiring, cross-training, and mitigating the impact of potential job losses as they phase out natural gas infrastructure. The legislation applies to all gas distribution and transmission companies operating in the state, ensuring they address both community environmental concerns and the needs of their employees during the energy transition.
By Mr. Finegold, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Barry R. Finegold for legislation to authorize the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to acquire interests in certain portions of land owned by the town of Andover which were acquired by the town for Article XCVII purposes. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
Senate, July 29, 2026 -- Substituted as a new draft (Senator Friedman) for the Senate Bill authorizing the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to take easements over certain land located in the city of Woburn and the town of Burlington held in trust by the city of Boston for the Mary P. C. Cummings Testamentary Trust (Senate, No. 3169).
This bill reorganizes the Town of Barre's public services by abolishing the existing public works commission and creating a new Department of Public Works. The new department will combine the functions of the current highway, water, sewer, and parks departments into a single entity. It establishes a superintendent appointed by the town's select board to oversee the department, with the town administrator managing the superintendent's employment contract and daily supervision. All existing contracts, records, and equipment from the old departments will automatically transfer to the new department without disrupting current operations.
