Rep. Steve Xiarhos

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts laws to improve safety training and enforcement for workers involved in cutting, welding, and hot works processes. It requires state-approved training programs that include digital verification systems, multilingual instruction, and ongoing education, while also creating a public record of non-compliance that alerts property owners and insurers. The legislation significantly increases penalties for violations, raising fines up to $10,000 for repeat offenders and introducing potential prison time, and it establishes stricter criminal charges for reckless actions that result in serious injury or death.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts law to expand death compensation eligibility for military members. It replaces outdated terms like "Massachusetts organized militia" with "members of the armed forces of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Massachusetts organized militia" throughout the law. The changes clarify that benefits apply to those who die while performing qualified duty under state or federal orders (including State Active Duty and Title 10/32 U.S. Code service), and establish the "Death Gratuity Board" to determine benefits. The board must now recommend decisions to the Adjutant General, streamlining the process for families of eligible service members.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases annual disability payments for certain veterans from $2,000 to $5,000. It directly affects veterans certified by the VA as having service-connected PTSD, Persian Gulf illness, or Camp Lejeune water-related injuries at 80% disability. The law requires the state to pay $5,000 yearly in two installments (August 1 and February 1) starting from the application date. This change amends existing law to raise the payment amount for these specific veteran groups.

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1776) of Bruce E. Tarr, Hannah Kane and Steven George Xiarhos for legislation to empower law enforcement to cooperate with the United States to transfer custody of convicted criminals. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the town of Bourne to issue one extra license to Sea State Foods, LLC for selling alcohol that must be consumed off-site. The license is specific to the Cataumet Fish location and cannot be transferred to a different address, though it can be renewed by a new business at the same spot if all taxes and fees are current. If the license is not renewed or is cancelled, it must be returned to the town, and a new applicant may receive it within three years under the same conditions. The license must be issued within one year of the bill becoming effective.

By Representative Arriaga of Chicopee, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Shirley B. Arriaga relative to the sale of parrots. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

By Mr. Fernandes, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3188) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Dylan A. Fernandes, David T. Vieira and Steven George Xiarhos for legislation to authorize the Buzzards Bay Water District to convey non-exclusive easements over a certain parcel of land. Municipalities and Regional Government.

Senate, July 30, 2026 -- Substituted as a new draft (Senator Fernandes) for the Senate Bill authorizing the town of Bourne to convey a right-of-way and easement (Senate, No. 3144).

Senate, July 30, 2026 -- Substituted as a new draft (Senator Fernandes) for the Senate Bill authorizing the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game to convey easements over certain parcels of land (Senate, No. 3189).

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Barnstable County to transfer two specific parcels of land in Bourne (at 0 County Road and 100 Dr. Julius Kelley Lane) to the town of Bourne. The land, currently used for a senior living center, is subject to existing conservation restrictions (document #978,790), Cape Cod Commission approval (Project TR #02051), and a ground lease. The town will assign its conservation restriction to Barnstable County during the transfer to maintain land preservation rules, and the conveyances must happen at the same time. The bill ensures the conservation restriction remains separate from the land ownership change.