By Representative Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 488) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others relative to the Community Preservation Trust Fund. Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.
Senate, March 12, 2026 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet shops (Senate, No. 2720),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft entitled "An Act promoting pet equity, treatment and safety" (Senate, No. 3014).
By Representative Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 489) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others for legislation to establish a student entrepreneurial and economic investment fund. Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.
By Representative Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 847) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others relative to voter information provided by the State Secretary. Election Laws.
Maddy summaryHD 1608 requires health insurance carriers to cover all medically necessary care for incarcerated individuals who have health insurance through themselves or their family. If the individual or family cannot pay co-pays or deductibles, the insurance company can seek reimbursement from the Department of Corrections instead. The bill also mandates that insurers waive extra fees for using non-preferred medical providers while the person is incarcerated. This directly affects incarcerated people with health insurance, their insurers, and the Department of Corrections.
By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1842) of Ryan C. Fattman, Paul K. Frost, John J. Marsi, Joseph D. McKenna and others for legislation relative to the retirement of state university and community college police officers. Public Service.
Senate November 19, 2025 -- The committee on Environment and Natural Resources, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 618) of Jason M. Lewis, Michael O. Moore, Michael D. Brady, James K. Hawkins and other members of the General Court for legislation to ban the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in pet shops; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 650) of Patrick M. O'Connor, Michael O. Moore, Michael D. Brady, James K. Hawkins and other members of the General Court for legislation banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet shops; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 651) of Patrick M. O'Connor, Michael O. Moore, Marcus S. Vaughn, Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation to ban the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in new pet shops, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2720).
Maddy summaryHD 2267 defines "rolling stock" in Massachusetts law as trucks, tractors, and trailers used by common carriers for interstate goods transport. The bill amends sections of the General Laws to insert this definition and add new provisions about the sales, storage, and use of such equipment. This is a technical definitional change affecting how existing tax and regulatory laws apply to commercial vehicles in interstate commerce. It does not create new taxes or regulations but clarifies terminology for current legal frameworks. The bill directly affects common carriers transporting goods across state lines using these vehicles.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases the income tax exemption for senior citizens in Massachusetts from $700 to $1,500. It directly affects senior citizens (typically defined as 65 or older under state law) by reducing the amount of their income subject to state income tax. The key provision amends the state tax code to raise the exemption amount, meaning seniors will pay tax on a higher portion of their income than before. This is a concrete change to the tax law, not a procedural or commemorative measure.
Maddy summaryHD 2806 prevents local health boards from banning the community-wide sale of legal tobacco products by authorized retailers without prior approval from town meetings or city councils. It directly affects all cities and towns in Massachusetts that might seek to restrict tobacco sales locations through local by-laws. The bill allows emergency health actions for specific violations (e.g., a dangerous product or location) but prohibits general bans solely to restrict tobacco sales. This policy change clarifies that elected bodies - not health boards - must authorize any community-wide tobacco sales restrictions.
