Sen. Paul Mark

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the official name of Williamsburg's town governing body from "Board of Selectmen" to "Select Board" and updates member titles from "selectmen" to "select board members." It directly affects Williamsburg's local government operations by requiring the town to revise its by-laws to reflect these naming changes. The bill contains no substantive policy changes - it only updates terminology to align with the new names, with the town able to make this adjustment via majority vote under existing procedures. The change takes effect immediately upon passage.

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1921) of John C. Velis, Simon Cataldo, Sean Garballey, Vanna Howard and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to retirement equity for parenting teachers. Public Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve the sustainability of birth centers and the midwifery workforce by ensuring that midwives receive payment rates equal to those of physicians for the same services. It directly affects certified nurse-midwives and licensed certified professional midwives who provide care to employees of the Commonwealth and individuals covered by various health insurance plans. The key mechanism requires insurance companies, Medicaid managed care organizations, and other health plans to pay midwifery services at rates no lower than what would be paid if a doctor performed them, regardless of where the care is given. Additionally, the legislation mandates that these payment standards apply to both prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum care provided by midwives. By establishing these parity rules across different types of insurance and service agreements, the bill seeks to support the financial viability of midwifery practices.

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1817) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, Vanna Howard, Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation to provide fair and affordable public retiree benefits. Public Service.

By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 784) of Joan B. Lovely, Susannah M. Whipps, Bruce E. Tarr, Hannah Kane and others for legislation to promote and enhance the sustainability of birth centers and the midwifery workforce. Financial Services.

Maddy summaryHD 4988 authorizes the town of Charlemont to impose a 3% tax on fees for commercial recreation services, such as skiing, ziplining, rafting, and mountain biking, provided by businesses operating within the town. Vendors must charge this tax separately from the service price and submit monthly reports to the town collector detailing total sales and tax collected. The town can enforce payment through penalties for late filings or payments, interest on overdue amounts, and liens on vendors' property for unpaid taxes.

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. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 690) of Brendan P. Crighton, Marcus S. Vaughn, Steven George Xiarhos, Paul K. Frost and other members of the General Court for legislation to mandate access to cancer screenings for firefighters through health care benefits plans or programs provided by the public employer. Financial Services.

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 summaryThis bill (HD 4607) authorizes the town of Conway to allow residents aged 16 and 17 to vote in local municipal elections. It grants Conway the legal authority to extend voting rights to these younger residents, but does not automatically require it. The town must first approve the change locally, which has already been done per the bill's abstract. The policy change directly affects Conway residents aged 16-17 who would gain voting eligibility in town elections.