By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2083) of Bruce E. Tarr, Hannah Kane, Joanne M. Comerford and James B. Eldridge for legislation to increase the conservation land tax credit. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis 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.
Maddy summaryHD 1448 modifies Massachusetts tax law to align with federal business interest deduction rules. It prohibits deductions for disallowed business interest carryforwards starting in 2025, but allows existing carryforwards (as of 2024) to be deducted in three equal annual installments beginning in 2025. The bill directly affects businesses that previously carried forward disallowed business interest expenses under federal rules. The key change takes effect for tax years starting January 1, 2025, altering how Massachusetts handles these specific deductions.
By Mr. Durant and Mr.Ashe of Longmeadow, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3091) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Peter J. Durant, Brian M. Ashe, Jacob R. Oliveira, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation to create crumbling concrete relief for homeowners. Financial Services.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for paid caregiving under MassHealth's home and community-based services program. It directly affects legally liable family members (including parents, guardians, adult children, and others with legal responsibility) who currently may be excluded from being paid caregivers. The key provision amends the law to explicitly include these individuals within the definition of "family member" for payment purposes, removing barriers imposed by existing statutes. MassHealth must then file a required state plan amendment or waiver to implement this change. The policy change modifies program eligibility rules without altering funding or creating new services.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 4040) requires all welding, cutting, and hot works training programs in Massachusetts to use a specific National Fire Protection Association program or an equivalent system with an electronic worker status database, multilingual classes, identity verification, and annual refresher training. It adds "criminal negligence" to define repeated, reckless failure to follow safety rules, making such non-compliance potentially punishable as a crime. Penalties for violating welding/cutting rules escalate with offenses: first offense up to $1,000, second up to $2,000 or 1 year in jail, and third+ offenses up to 0.25% of project value or $10,000. The bill also mandates a public system (online database, quarterly reports) to track and notify about safety violations affecting workers and property owners.
Senate, October 23, 2025 -- The committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 107) of Joanne M. Comerford and Nick Collins for legislation to establish a bill of rights for children in foster care; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 125) of Ryan C. Fattman, Joseph D. McKenna and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to create an electronic backpack for foster children; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 127) of Paul R. Feeney and Michael S. Chaisson for legislation to authorize the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to establish additional mandated reporters for the purpose of the protection and care of children; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 129) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to require that mandated reporters complete training at least every two years to recognize and report suspected child abuse or neglect; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 133) of Adam Gomez for legislation relative to child fatality review; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 148) of Robyn K. Kennedy for legislation to enhance child welfare protections; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 159) of Joan B. Lovely for legislation relative to supporting families dealing with sudden unexplained death in pediatrics; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2585) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michael O. Moore for legislation to establish compliance with federal education reporting requirements for out of home placement students, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2659).
Maddy summaryThis bill increases state reimbursement amounts for veterans' burial expenses under Chapter 115 of the General Laws. It raises the maximum reimbursement from $4,000 to $7,000 for one category and from $5,000 to $8,000 for another category of burial costs. The change directly affects veterans or their families seeking state-funded burial expense reimbursements. The policy modifies specific dollar figures in existing law without altering eligibility criteria or creating new requirements.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Vietnam War Commemoration Fund in Massachusetts to honor the 50th anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal from the Vietnam War, during which over 1,300 Massachusetts service members died. The fund, managed by the Massachusetts Historical Commission, will finance local memorials, events, and educational materials, with municipalities eligible to apply for grants. Funding comes from state appropriations, interest, and private donations (which must be reviewed to avoid conditions), and monies in the fund cannot be redirected for other uses. It directly affects Massachusetts veterans, their families, and local communities seeking to commemorate the war's impact.
Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that Massachusetts begin offering universal newborn screenings for congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) starting July 1, 2027. The legislation requires hospitals and birthing facilities to test all newborns using saliva or urine PCR tests, with results shared with parents, doctors, and the state within 21 days of birth. Healthcare providers must also provide expectant parents with evidence-based information about CMV prevention and support resources during prenatal and postnatal care visits. While the bill includes a religious exemption allowing parents to opt out of the screening, it also establishes a new advisory committee to oversee the program's implementation and ensure accurate testing standards.
