By Representatives Livingstone of Boston and Finn of West Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 261) of Jay D. Livingstone, Michael J. Finn and others relative to supported decision-making agreements for certain adults with disabilities. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
Maddy summaryThis bill sets specific deadlines for distributing tourism marketing grants from the Massachusetts Tourism Trust Fund. It requires at least 50% of annual grant funds to be distributed to regional tourism councils by September 1st each fiscal year, with the remaining funds allocated by December 1st. The bill directly affects regional tourism councils that receive these state grants for marketing and promotion activities. It modifies the existing distribution process without creating new funding or altering program eligibility. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on timing requirements for existing grant disbursements.
Senate, November 26, 2025 -- The committee on Higher Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 929) of James B. Eldridge, Vanna Howard, Jacob R. Oliveira, Mike Connolly and other members of the General Court for legislation to guarantee debt-free public higher education, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2755).
Maddy summarySD 300 guarantees free public higher education as a right for eligible Massachusetts residents. It creates a state grant program covering tuition, mandatory fees, and additional costs (like room, board, and books) for students who graduated from a Massachusetts high school or earned a GED in MA, or currently qualify for in-state tuition. The grant supplements existing aid (such as Pell Grants, state grants, or institutional aid) and does not replace it. Eligibility is determined by the Board of Higher Education, which must notify students and maintain a database of eligible applicants. This bill directly affects Massachusetts residents attending public colleges, universities, or vocational programs.
By Representative Chan of Quincy, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 74) of Tackey Chan and others relative to the contracting of digital replicas. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.
Maddy summaryHD 1462 requires that tourism promotion grants from the Massachusetts Tourism Trust Fund must be distributed to regional tourism councils by October 1 of each fiscal year. This change ensures regional tourism groups receive funding in a timely manner, directly affecting their planning and marketing activities. The bill amends Chapter 23A to establish this specific deadline for grant disbursement.
By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 320) of Brendan P. Crighton, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. and Manny Cruz for legislation relative to the training, assessment, and assignment of qualified school interpreters in educational settings. Education.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires state-aided public housing for the elderly to allow pet ownership under specific, non-discriminatory rules. It prohibits outright bans on dogs (including breed-based restrictions), declawing, or evictions solely for having a pet, while permitting reasonable requirements like pet deposits (max $160 or one month’s rent), spaying/neutering, and emergency care plans. Housing authorities must develop written policies for different housing types (apartments, single-family homes, etc.) and establish pet committees for grievance handling. An advisory group will help update regulations and create guidance for implementing these policies, with violations subject to penalties under existing law.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 1307) formalizes pet-friendly policies for elderly residents in state-aided public housing across Massachusetts. It directly affects elderly tenants by prohibiting housing authorities from banning dogs based on breed, size, or appearance, requiring declawing, charging pet deposits over $160 or one month’s rent, or evicting solely for having a pet. Key provisions include banning breed restrictions, limiting deposits, and requiring housing authorities to update pet ownership regulations. An advisory group, including tenant advocates and animal welfare representatives, will help develop housing-specific pet policies and guidance for housing authorities. The bill aims to standardize pet access while ensuring housing authorities comply with these new requirements.
Senate, December 18, 2025 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 263) of Mark C. Montigny, Michael O. Moore, James K. Hawkins, James B. Eldridge and other members of the General Court for legislation to protect consumers from contributing to inhumane animal testing for cosmetics, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2744).
