Rep. Steve Xiarhos

Senate, May 28, 2026 -- The committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2681) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation to establish safety standards for BMX bicycle and motorcross tracks, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3075).

By Mr. Fernandes, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2681) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation to establish safety standards for BMX bicycle and motorcross tracks. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1502) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, Jason M. Lewis and Steven George Xiarhos for legislation to remove barriers to care for physician assistants. Public Health.

Maddy summaryMassachusetts' HD 727 is a legislative resolution applying to Congress under Article V of the U.S. Constitution to call a convention of states. The resolution specifically requests a convention focused on proposing constitutional amendments to impose fiscal restraints on federal spending, limit federal government power and jurisdiction, and restrict terms for federal officials and members of Congress. This application is transmitted to federal officials and other state legislatures to seek broader support for the convention, as required by Article V. The bill does not create new law but initiates a procedural step toward potentially amending the Constitution.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for Massachusetts' conservation land tax credit to include private nonprofit trusts focused on land conservation (with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status). It increases the annual tax credit limit from $2 million to $5 million over multiple years, then resets to $2 million for certain provisions. The changes apply specifically to land conservation organizations meeting federal tax-exempt criteria. The policy directly affects land trusts and conservation nonprofits by increasing financial support for preserving open space. The bill modifies tax credit thresholds in Chapters 62 and 63 of Massachusetts General Laws, with phased implementation from 2026 through 2035.

Maddy summaryHD 1493 allows the town of Sandwich to directly contract with a private operator for wastewater treatment and disposal services at Joint Base Cape Cod without public bidding, for up to 99 years. It enables Sandwich to acquire land access rights (easements) and ownership interests in the facilities to secure service, and permits the town to finance infrastructure upgrades through debt (up to 30 years) eligible for state funding under Chapter 29C. The bill also permits Sandwich to form agreements with neighboring towns like Mashpee, Bourne, and Barnstable for shared wastewater services. This directly affects Sandwich’s ability to manage its wastewater infrastructure and costs while navigating the unique federal/state land ownership at Joint Base Cape Cod.

Maddy summaryHD 2974 provides paid family and medical leave for educators employed by school districts or education collaboratives, and for municipal employees who choose to adopt the program. The bill requires the state (Commonwealth) to cover the employer's share of the cost for these groups by paying into a leave trust fund, rather than requiring local school districts or municipalities to fund it themselves. It also ensures that employees on leave maintain their health insurance coverage and accrue benefits like vacation time and seniority. This applies specifically to covered educators and municipal employees who opt into the program under the bill's provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates Chapter 22F in Massachusetts law to establish the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. It defines key terms like "emergency," "emergency management functions," and "emergency response worker," and outlines MEMA's core responsibilities: coordinating state, local, and federal resources; developing emergency response plans; maintaining supply stockpiles; training workers; and assisting communities in preparation, response, and recovery. The bill specifies that the Governor appoints the full-time Director (subject to salary rules), who oversees MEMA's operations and coordinates with local governments, including communities within ten miles of nuclear power plants. This structure directly affects all Massachusetts cities, towns, and emergency response organizations by formalizing their emergency management framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 3581) allows licensed physician assistants to authorize psychiatric holds in Massachusetts, expanding their existing authority under Chapter 123 of the General Laws. It directly affects physician assistants working in mental health settings by permitting them to initiate involuntary psychiatric holds for individuals in crisis. Key provisions require physician assistants to complete 3 hours of specialized mental health evaluation training developed by the Department of Mental Health before authorizing such holds. The bill amends specific sections of the law to explicitly include "physician assistant" alongside "physician" in relevant provisions. This is a policy change to clarify and expand the scope of practice for physician assistants in mental health emergencies.

Maddy summaryHD 4181 repeals Section 124 of Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024, which was part of Massachusetts' existing law governing firearm carry regulations. The bill removes this specific provision without adding new requirements or altering current permit processes. This repeal directly affects the legal framework for the right to carry firearms, which applies to Massachusetts residents seeking to carry firearms legally. The change modifies the state's firearm carry law by eliminating an existing section of the statute.