By Mr. Mark, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1719) of Paul W. Mark for legislation to enhance safety of first responders with initiatives, including training, protective equipment, and emergency response planning.. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 747) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to allow for graduate student workers to have access to paid family and medical leave and unemployment insurance. Financial Services.
Senate, January 7, 2026 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 258) of Paul W. Mark for legislation to protect the privacy of individuals’ social care information, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2821).
By Mr. Mark, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 258) of Paul W. Mark for legislation to protect the privacy of individuals’ social care information. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
Senate, December 31, 2025 -- The committee on Transportation to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2368) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, David Paul Linsky, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation to end debt-based driving restrictions and remove economic roadblocks, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2874).
Senate, December 31, 2025 -- The committee on Transportation, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2350) of Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to facilitate cost efficient transportation; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2409) of Joan B. Lovely for legislation relative to permitting fees for operating multiple vehicles under a single farm plate registration; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2420) of Paul W. Mark and James C. Arena-DeRosa for legislation to reduce emissions from the journey a truck takes to deliver or pick up goods; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2606) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Edward J. Kennedy for legislation to modernize permitting for the transportation of certain loads, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2872).
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2418) proposes new safety standards for vehicle headlights to reduce accidents caused by poor visibility. It would require all new passenger vehicles sold in the state to meet specific brightness, alignment, and glare-reduction specifications starting in 2026. The bill directly affects vehicle manufacturers (who must design compliant headlights) and drivers (who benefit from improved nighttime visibility). Key provisions include mandatory testing for headlight performance and updated regulations for aftermarket headlight installations. The legislation aims to address safety concerns linked to outdated headlight technology without specifying enforcement mechanisms.
Maddy summaryThis bill defines "truck-trailer unit" as a motor vehicle with at least three axles paired with a trailer having at least two axles (e.g., dump trucks). It amends a section of the General Laws to include "truck-trailer unit" in legal vehicle classifications alongside existing terms like "semi-trailer unit." The bill is procedural and does not impose new emission limits or operational requirements. It solely updates terminology for future regulatory or enforcement purposes.
Maddy summarySD 1424, "An Act to increase opportunity by ending debt-based driving restrictions," removes criminal penalties for driving without a license when the suspension results from unpaid administrative fees (e.g., reinstatement fees), rather than traffic violations. This directly affects drivers whose licenses were suspended solely for failing to pay such fees, eliminating prosecution for driving under these circumstances. The bill adds a new process allowing applicants to request fee reductions or waivers based on financial hardship when renewing or reinstating a license. It also requires the Registry of Motor Vehicles to send electronic notifications about unpaid assessments to drivers, improving transparency and access to hardship requests.
By Mr. Mark, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 65) of Paul W. Mark for legislation to establish regulations defining post-construction healthy soil standards. Agriculture.
