Sen. Jason Lewis

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.

Senate, March 23, 2026 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill fostering agricultural resilience in Massachusetts (Senate, No. 2801),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 3029).

By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Patricia D. Jehlen, Rebecca L. Rausch, James K. Hawkins, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation to ensure law enforcement identification for public safety. The Judiciary.

Maddy summaryMassachusetts bill S 2801 requires the state emergency management agency to create a plan supporting agricultural, seafood, and food production during emergencies, coordinating with agencies like Agriculture Resources and Public Health. It mandates annual reports tracking local food (grown or processed in Massachusetts) distributed through state-funded programs like food banks, school meals, and senior nutrition programs, including detailed metrics on volume, types, and sources. The bill also updates agricultural preservation goals to consider factors like soil health, access for marginalized communities, and environmental benefits, requiring public input and 3-year reviews. These provisions directly affect farmers, food assistance programs, and state agencies managing food supply chains. The bill aims to strengthen food system resilience and transparency through concrete reporting and planning requirements.

By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 478) of Joan B. Lovely, Jason M. Lewis, Brendan P. Crighton, Natalie M. Higgins and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to disclosing continuing care retirement community entrance fees. Elder Affairs.

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1484) of Joanne M. Comerford, Mark C. Montigny, Danillo A. Sena, Paul K. Frost and other members of the General Court for legislation to reduce incidence and death from pancreatic cancer. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires home care agencies providing state-funded home care services to enter into labor peace agreements with labor organizations representing their workers, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery. Agencies must submit regular attestations to the Department of Elder Affairs detailing their labor relations status, including whether agreements exist, negotiations are underway, or no union representation is sought. Failure to comply may result in contract termination and a four-year ban on future state contracts for repeated violations. The policy directly affects home care agencies, workers, and the state's home care program participants.

Maddy summaryHD 2707 creates the "Nature for All Fund" to finance nature-based climate and conservation projects across Massachusetts. The fund, financed by specific sales tax revenues (codes 459110, 441210, and 713910), will support parks, trails, water protection, farm/forest conservation, and indigenous land access - prioritizing underserved communities and environmental justice areas. It establishes a 15-member board to oversee spending, requiring annual reports on funds directed to environmental justice populations. The fund will supplement, not replace, existing conservation programs and may issue bonds secured solely by its revenues.

Senate, March 26, 2026 -- The committee on Revenue to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2027) of Jason M. Lewis and Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation to provide for settlements of tax liability, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3010).

Maddy summaryHD 4103 amends Massachusetts law to clarify how courts determine custody and parenting arrangements for children in family court cases. It defines key terms like "shared decision-making responsibility" (both parents making major decisions) and "shared residential responsibility" (child spending significant time with both parents), replacing previous terms. The bill requires courts to prioritize the child's best interest using specific factors - such as the child's relationship with each parent and school adjustments - without presuming either shared or sole custody. It mandates detailed parenting plans covering education, healthcare, dispute resolution, and schedules, while ensuring child support follows existing guidelines regardless of custody type. This directly affects parents, judges, and family court proceedings involving child custody in Massachusetts.