By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1720) of Liz Miranda, Joanne M. Comerford, Mike Connolly, James B. Eldridge and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to regulating visits in state prisons and correctional facilities. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2146) of Paul R. Feeney, Joanne M. Comerford, Sal N. DiDomenico and Manny Cruz for legislation to address the racial wealth gap. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
By Representative Cruz of Salem and Senator Lovely, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Manny Cruz for legislation to establish a local option sales tax. Revenue.
Maddy summaryH 4832 clarifies contract rules around digital replicas (computer-generated voice or likeness representations) for performers and creators. It makes contract clauses allowing digital replicas to replace in-person work unenforceable after January 1, 2026, if the agreement lacks clear usage details or the individual didn't have proper legal or union representation during negotiation. The bill specifically excludes standard copyright uses like sampling, remixing, or authorized remastering. It directly affects performers signing new contracts involving digital replicas for professional services starting in 2026.
Senate, January 15, 2026 -- The committee on Election Laws to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 531) of Rebecca L. Rausch, Michael J. Barrett, Joanne M. Comerford, Erika Uyterhoeven and others for legislation to provide a local option for ranked choice voting in municipal elections, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2911).
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.
By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 531) of Rebecca L. Rausch, Michael J. Barrett, Joanne M. Comerford, Erika Uyterhoeven and others for legislation to provide a local option for ranked choice voting in municipal elections. Election Laws.
By Representatives Cruz of Salem and Ramos of North Andover, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 532) of Manny Cruz for legislation to establish a teacher leadership program. Education.
By Representatives Cruz of Salem and Bowen of Beverly, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Manny Cruz, Hannah Bowen and John Francis Moran for legislation to expand access to the family self-sufficiency program. Housing.
Maddy summaryThis bill gives tenants in multi-unit rental properties the first right to purchase their building if the owner sells due to foreclosure, short sale, or similar circumstances. It requires tenants to form a Tenant Association (representing at least 51% of occupied units) to exercise this right, with the property then becoming Long-Term Affordable Housing (requiring 30+ years of affordability restrictions for low-income households). Municipalities must adopt this local option for it to apply, and the purchase must be structured through a Tenant Association or its designated entity to ensure the property remains affordable. The bill specifically excludes single-family homes occupied by owners and certain housing types like shelters or temporary dwellings.
