Rep. Hannah Kane

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legislative commission to study small modular reactors (SMRs) as a potential baseload power source. The commission will specifically examine how SMRs can work with renewable energy to improve grid stability, and evaluate non-light water coolants for safety and operational effects. The commission includes key energy committee chairs, legislative leaders, and state agency heads, and must submit a report within one year of the bill's passage. The bill itself creates no new regulations or funding but directs a formal study to inform future energy policy decisions.

Senate, April 2, 2026 -- The committee on Public Health to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1504) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, James B. Eldridge, John F. Keenan and others for legislation to protect Massachusetts public health from Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) a group of chemicals that are used in many consumer products and industrial processes, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3034).

Maddy summaryHD 2264 changes Massachusetts' process for selecting presidential electors. It requires one elector to be chosen from each congressional district and two electors to be chosen statewide ("at-large"). The bill also specifies that district electors must vote for the presidential ticket that won their specific district, while at-large electors must vote for the ticket that won statewide. These changes affect how Massachusetts's 11 presidential electors are selected and cast their votes in the Electoral College.

By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 690) of Brendan P. Crighton, Marcus S. Vaughn, Steven George Xiarhos, Paul K. Frost and other members of the General Court for legislation to mandate access to cancer screenings for firefighters through health care benefits plans or programs provided by the public employer. Financial Services.

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1504) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, James B. Eldridge, John F. Keenan and others for legislation to protect Massachusetts public health from Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) a group of chemicals that are used in many consumer products and industrial processes. Public Health.

Senate, March 23, 2026 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill fostering agricultural resilience in Massachusetts (Senate, No. 2801),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 3029).

Maddy summaryMassachusetts bill S 2801 requires the state emergency management agency to create a plan supporting agricultural, seafood, and food production during emergencies, coordinating with agencies like Agriculture Resources and Public Health. It mandates annual reports tracking local food (grown or processed in Massachusetts) distributed through state-funded programs like food banks, school meals, and senior nutrition programs, including detailed metrics on volume, types, and sources. The bill also updates agricultural preservation goals to consider factors like soil health, access for marginalized communities, and environmental benefits, requiring public input and 3-year reviews. These provisions directly affect farmers, food assistance programs, and state agencies managing food supply chains. The bill aims to strengthen food system resilience and transparency through concrete reporting and planning requirements.

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1484) of Joanne M. Comerford, Mark C. Montigny, Danillo A. Sena, Paul K. Frost and other members of the General Court for legislation to reduce incidence and death from pancreatic cancer. Public Health.

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Bruce E. Tarr, Kelly A. Dooner, Peter J. Durant, Ryan C. Fattman and other members of the General Court for legislation to promote emergency contract accountability and integrity. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 4125) creates a standardized sick leave bank system for state employees in Massachusetts. It requires state agencies to establish rules allowing employees to donate unused sick leave, which can then be accessed by colleagues facing non-work-related illness. Key rules include verifying no prior sick leave abuse, requiring proof of the employee’s own illness (not family), and mandating employees use all other accrued leave first. Unused leave in the bank reverts to the donor by December 31, with a maximum cap of 25 days per employee, without overriding existing union agreements.