Senate, January 5, 2026 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 234) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to revitalize agriculture, conditioning and simulcasting, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2820).
Maddy summaryHD 4087 creates a PFAS Remediation Trust Fund to address contamination from harmful chemicals (PFAS) in Massachusetts drinking water and environmental media. The fund, financed by settlements with PFAS manufacturers and other sources like grants and donations, will cover costs for public water systems, private well owners, municipalities, and regional water systems to test, treat, and remediate PFAS in water, soil, and groundwater. The Department of Environmental Protection will administer the fund, prioritizing vulnerable communities and requiring applicants to disclose any third-party payments to avoid duplicate funding. The fund operates without annual appropriation, with leftover balances carrying over to future years to ensure sustained support for PFAS cleanup efforts.
By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 234) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to revitalize agriculture, conditioning and simulcasting. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 240) of Paul R. Feeney and Adam J. Scanlon for legislation to establish a standardized problem gambling disclaimer and helpline. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates Massachusetts Routes 1, 20, and 6 as "historic United States Routes." It requires the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to install and maintain clear markers along these routes, following department standards. The law directly affects MassDOT's responsibilities for highway signage and applies specifically to those three state routes. The change is purely administrative, focusing on route identification without altering traffic laws or funding.
Maddy summaryThis bill changes how veterans' healthcare reimbursements are treated for benefit eligibility. It requires that payments veterans receive for out-of-pocket medical costs be excluded from gross household income calculations used to determine eligibility for certain state programs. The key provision adds these specific reimbursements to the official list of excluded income items in the state's regulations (760 CMR 6.05(3)). This directly affects veterans who receive such reimbursements, ensuring these payments no longer reduce their eligibility for income-based benefits. The change takes effect immediately upon the bill's passage.
The committee on Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 428) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., Lindsay N. Sabadosa, David Paul Linsky and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to school library standards, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2865).
By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2122) of Brendan P. Crighton, Paul W. Mark, Patrick Joseph Kearney, Vanna Howard and other members of the General Court for legislation to increase transparency in public construction. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 428) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., Lindsay N. Sabadosa, David Paul Linsky and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to school library standards. Education.
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 418) of Patrick M. O'Connor, John J. Marsi, Hannah Kane, Ryan C. Fattman and other members of the General Court for legislation to improve augmentative and alternative communication opportunities for children with disabilities. Education.
