Senate November 19, 2025 -- The committee on Environment and Natural Resources, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 618) of Jason M. Lewis, Michael O. Moore, Michael D. Brady, James K. Hawkins and other members of the General Court for legislation to ban the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in pet shops; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 650) of Patrick M. O'Connor, Michael O. Moore, Michael D. Brady, James K. Hawkins and other members of the General Court for legislation banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet shops; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 651) of Patrick M. O'Connor, Michael O. Moore, Marcus S. Vaughn, Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation to ban the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in new pet shops, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2720).
Sen. Jason Lewis
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHD 2620 modernizes Massachusetts' licensing system for dietitians and nutritionists by creating a new 11-member Dietetics and Nutrition Board within the executive office of health and human services. The bill clarifies professional scope by defining "medical nutrition therapy" (for disease treatment) separately from "general non-medical nutrition information" (public education on basics like nutrients and healthy eating). It affects licensed dietitians and nutritionists by requiring the Board of Registration to appoint members with specific expertise and updating practice standards. The changes aim to align licensure with current healthcare needs and professional roles.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires hospitals in Massachusetts to give at least one year's notice before closing or discontinuing essential health services. Hospitals must notify patients, staff, unions, local officials, and state departments 30 days prior to submitting closure plans, and provide detailed community engagement plans. The state department must review closures to ensure continued access, requiring hospitals to create a community oversight committee (with patient, staff, and municipal representatives) if services are discontinued. Hospitals that skip these steps face legal action to maintain services and lose eligibility for new hospital licenses for three years.
Maddy summaryThis bill restricts the use of anticoagulant rodenticides, which are blood-thinning pesticides, by limiting their registration and allowing emergency use only under strict conditions. It directly affects pest control professionals, public health officials, and property owners who manage rodent infestations. The key provisions ban the registration of these chemicals except for emergencies, require their use to be limited to 14 days in a single location, mandate non-chemical pest control methods, and require detailed reporting to the state department. Additionally, the bill establishes annual public reporting on where and how these pesticides were used during emergency situations. The restrictions will take effect on January 1, 2028.
Senate, January 15, 2026 -- The committee on Public Health to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1569) of Jason M. Lewis, Sal N. DiDomenico, James B. Eldridge and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to improve oral health for all Massachusetts residents, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2854).
By Mr. Fernandes, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1539) of Dylan A. Fernandes, Rodney M. Elliott, James B. Eldridge, Jason M. Lewis and others for legislation to address conflicts of interest in the use of temporary nursing agencies at skilled nursing facilities. Public Health.
By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1573) of Joan B. Lovely, Jason M. Lewis, Paul K. Frost, Ryan C. Fattman and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to newborn screenings for congenital cytomegalovirus. Public Health.
By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1393) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, Jason M. Lewis, John F. Keenan and other members of the Senate for legislation relative to preventing overdose deaths and increasing access to treatment. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.
Maddy summaryThis bill restricts the use of certain rodent poisons (like Warfarin and Brodifacoum) to only short-term public health emergencies. It requires licensed pest control professionals to first use non-chemical methods, limits emergency use to 14 days, and mandates detailed reporting on locations, amounts used, and follow-up rodent control plans. The law directly affects pest control applicators and public health agencies managing rodent-related health risks. It also requires annual public reporting of all emergency rodenticide use by the state department. The restrictions take effect January 1, 2027.
Maddy summaryThis bill (H 4643) authorizes the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to transfer a specific 12,500-square-foot parcel of land in Stoneham - taken for highway use in 1958 - to Wakefield Investments, Inc. The land, currently landlocked, will be used to reconstruct an off-ramp from I-93 northbound to Montvale Avenue and Maple Street. Key provisions require an independent appraisal to determine fair market value, mandate the buyer cover all conveyance costs (including appraisals and deed preparation), and require the Inspector General to review the appraisal before final transfer. The transfer occurs "as is" with no warranties.