Sen. Jason Lewis

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal framework to address abusive lawsuits between family or household members where one party has been found to have committed abuse. It defines "controlling and abusive litigation" as legal actions primarily intended to harass, intimidate, or maintain contact with a victim, often involving repetitive claims or lacking legal merit. Victims can request court orders restricting such litigation, which would require courts to verify abuse history and litigation patterns before imposing penalties. If found abusive, the case is dismissed with prejudice, and the perpetrator must pay all costs, attorney fees, and faces a 48-72 month ban on filing new lawsuits.

Maddy summaryHD 2894 creates a new legal process for victims of economic abuse - defined as debts incurred due to identity theft, fraud, or coercion by family/household members (per G.L. c. 209A) or caretakers of elders/disabled individuals (per G.L. c. 265, §13K) - to challenge debts. Victims can submit a "Statement of Debt incurred through Economic Abuse" with supporting documentation (e.g., police reports, court orders, or verified statements from qualified third parties like healthcare providers or law enforcement). Upon receipt, creditors must immediately stop collection efforts, remove negative credit reports, return any payments made, and notify victims in writing within 10 business days. This law directly affects victims of abuse and their creditors, requiring clear, bilingual (English/Spanish) communication and streamlined resolution of disputed debts.

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2032) of Jason M. Lewis for legislation relative to a universal basic income pilot. Revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission to study the issue of reparations for descendants of enslaved people in Massachusetts. It would create a 15-member commission appointed by the governor and legislature to research the historical and ongoing impacts of slavery and systemic racism in the state. The commission would examine potential reparative measures and submit a final report with recommendations to the legislature by 2025. The bill does not implement any reparations program itself, only authorizes a study of the topic for Massachusetts residents.

Maddy summaryH 4684 would require law enforcement officers to identify themselves clearly during public interactions and impose penalties for officers wearing masks or personal disguises while performing duties. It directly affects police officers and other law enforcement personnel during routine public encounters. The key provision establishes specific penalties for violating this identification requirement during public interactions. The bill focuses on ensuring transparency in officer-public interactions by mandating visible identification.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new requirements for state correctional facilities to provide detained individuals with written notices of their legal rights, including access to counsel and confidential communication procedures. It mandates that facilities maintain updated records of detained individuals within six hours of intake or transfer and provide verified phone lines for attorneys to contact their clients. The legislation also restricts law enforcement officers from inquiring about immigration status unless it is directly material to a specific criminal investigation and prohibits state agencies from using resources for federal civil immigration enforcement. Additionally, the bill prevents most local law enforcement agencies from entering into agreements that deputize them to perform civil immigration enforcement functions.

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill expands protections for people regardless of immigration status by limiting civil immigration enforcement activities within state facilities and requiring clear guidelines for interactions with law enforcement. The legislation allows the governor to restrict immigration enforcement in nonpublic areas of state buildings and mandates that correctional facilities provide detained individuals with written notices about their legal rights in their primary language. Additionally, the bill requires facilities to ensure confidential attorney-client communications and maintain detailed records of immigration-related detentions. State agencies and private organizations must also follow multilingual guidelines on how to verify law enforcement authority and document immigration enforcement interactions.

By Representatives Vargas of Haverhill and Garcia of Chelsea, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Andres X. Vargas, Judith A. Garcia and others for legislation to further regulate state and local participation in federal civil immigration enforcement. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryHD 1243 requires private gas and distribution companies to increase transparency when awarding construction contracts over $100,000 for work on public ways. Companies must notify all qualified bidders within two business days of their decision, including the award criteria, bidder score, and winning amount. They must also post the contractor name, project location, and work duration on their website. This applies to all such contracts except single-bid situations or when disclosure would harm law enforcement, public interest, or commercial interests. The state department enforces these requirements.

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).