Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission to oversee the state's cannabis regulatory framework. The commission will consist of three commissioners appointed by the governor (including a full-time chair and two part-time members with specific expertise requirements), serving fixed terms with strict ethics rules and prohibitions on holding other elected offices. Key provisions include requiring background checks for commissioners, separating enforcement duties from commission oversight (via an appointed executive director), and setting salary standards. The commission will regulate cannabis businesses, set licensing rules, and enforce compliance, directly affecting cannabis licensees and the state's regulatory system. The bill creates new administrative structures but does not change existing cannabis laws or consumer access.
Rep. Manny Cruz
Sponsored bills
Senate, April 2, 2026 -- The committee on Public Health to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1504) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, James B. Eldridge, John F. Keenan and others for legislation to protect Massachusetts public health from Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) a group of chemicals that are used in many consumer products and industrial processes, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3034).
By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1504) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, James B. Eldridge, John F. Keenan and others for legislation to protect Massachusetts public health from Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) a group of chemicals that are used in many consumer products and industrial processes. Public Health.
Maddy summaryHD 1204 establishes a tiered minimum tax for corporations operating in the Commonwealth based on their annual sales within the state. Corporations with sales under $1 million pay $456, while those with sales exceeding $1 billion pay $150,000 annually. The tax applies directly to out-of-state corporations doing business in the Commonwealth, with rates increasing incrementally as sales volume rises across nine defined tiers. This policy changes the existing minimum tax structure by tying payments strictly to sales thresholds rather than income.
Maddy summaryThis bill changes how Massachusetts maintains voter registration lists. It replaces automatic removal of voters after two years of inactivity with a new "inactive voters list" system. Registrars must send voters a notice if their address appears outdated, giving them 2 years to confirm continued residency by voting, returning a notice card, or submitting written affirmation. Voters on the inactive list can restore their status without penalty during this period. The bill directly affects residents whose addresses may no longer match registration records, ensuring they aren't removed without opportunity to verify eligibility.
Maddy summaryThis bill changes overtime rules for Massachusetts agricultural workers and creates a tax credit for farms. It requires farms to pay overtime at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours worked beyond 55 in a week (instead of the standard 40 hours) for employees primarily engaged in farming activities. Farms employing agricultural workers (excluding immediate family members) receive a refundable tax credit of up to 40% of overtime wages paid, with smaller farms getting a higher percentage of the credit based on their employee count. The credit is designed to offset compliance costs for farms while clarifying what constitutes agricultural work under the law.
By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 149) of Jason M. Lewis, James K. Hawkins, John F. Keenan, Manny Cruz and other members of the General Court for legislation to increase current medical providers' knowledge about autism in order to improve treatment. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
Maddy summaryHD 856 would allow eligible Massachusetts voters to register in person on election day at their polling place or an early voting site. To register, voters must present proof of residence (like a utility bill or driver's license) and sign an affidavit confirming they meet voting requirements (citizenship, age, residency, etc.), with penalties for false statements including up to 5 years in prison or a $5,000 fine. The bill requires election officials to immediately permit voting after registration, adds the voter to the permanent list, and allows provisional ballots if proof of residence isn't presented upfront (requiring submission within 2-6 days). This directly affects voters who miss traditional registration deadlines but reside in Massachusetts.
By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 763) of Adam Gomez, Lindsay N. Sabadosa, Manny Cruz, Sal N. DiDomenico and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to telehealth and digital equity for patients. Financial Services.
By Representative Cruz of Salem, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 761) of Manny Cruz relative to the long-term care workforce and capital trust fund. Elder Affairs.