Rep. Brad Jones

Senate, January 8, 2026 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill improving campaign finance reporting by state ballot question committees (Senate, No. 507),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 2898).

Maddy summaryHD 1429 repeals a requirement for Massachusetts' Department of Children and Families to annually report on foster care recruitment efforts. The bill removes Section 1 of the original law, which mandated the department to submit a detailed report by October 31 each year to the child advocate, legislative clerks, and relevant committees. The report covered metrics like new foster parents recruited, costs, recruitment challenges, and methods used. This repeal takes effect on December 31, 2026, eliminating the annual reporting obligation.

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1569) of Jason M. Lewis, Sal N. DiDomenico, James B. Eldridge and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to improve oral health for all Massachusetts residents. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 1914) bans Massachusetts manufacturers and contract testing facilities from using traditional animal testing methods for product safety assessments when valid non-animal alternatives exist, excluding medical research. It requires the commissioner of public health to establish regulations within 180 days defining acceptable alternative test methods (like computer modeling or lab studies), aligning with international standards. The law takes effect six months after passage, directly affecting companies testing products in the state.

Maddy summaryHD 2252 amends a state law by removing the phrase "established for personal, family or household purposes" from Section 41A of Chapter 171. This change extends bank fee assessment rules to all account types, eliminating a prior distinction that limited the rules to specific personal or household accounts. The bill directly affects banks and their customers by standardizing how fees are applied across every account category. It aims to create a more equitable system by ensuring consistent fee assessment without excluding certain account uses.

By Representative Jones of North Reading (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1211) of John Walsh relative to panic alarms at electronic branches. Financial Services.

By Representative Livingstone of Boston, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Jay D. Livingstone and others relative to ivory and rhinoceros horn trafficking. Environment and Natural Resources.

By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 507) of Sal N. DiDomenico, John F. Keenan, Bruce E. Tarr, Paul W. Mark and others for legislation to improve campaign finance reporting by state ballot question committees. Election Laws.

Maddy summaryHD 1043 establishes Massachusetts' Farm to School Program to connect schools with local food producers. It directly affects K-12 schools and licensed childcare programs participating in federal meal programs (National School Lunch Program or Child and Adult Care Feeding Program) across Massachusetts. The bill creates two key mechanisms: (1) a grant program funding kitchen equipment, staff training, and food literacy curriculum, and (2) a reimbursement incentive that pays schools $1 for every $2 spent on Massachusetts-grown food or $1 for every $3 on New England/New York regional food. The program also sets up an advisory committee and a dedicated fund to manage grants and ensure equitable access for schools and socially disadvantaged producers.

By Mr. Mark, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1719) of Paul W. Mark for legislation to enhance safety of first responders with initiatives, including training, protective equipment, and emergency response planning.. Public Safety and Homeland Security.