Sen. Jason Lewis

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Massachusetts state and local government agencies (including police departments, sheriff's offices, and correctional facilities) from entering new agreements with federal immigration authorities for immigration enforcement or detention. It also requires all existing agreements of this type to end within 30 days (for enforcement agreements) or 90 days (for detention agreements) after the law takes effect. The Attorney General can enforce the law by seeking court orders to stop violations. The bill directly affects how Massachusetts law enforcement interacts with federal immigration authorities regarding detention and enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a task force to explore replacing gas taxes with mileage-based fees for road funding. It directs Massachusetts to develop a pilot program testing technology that charges drivers based on miles traveled, including privacy protections and data security measures. The pilot will involve 1,000 volunteers across vehicle types and regions for at least one year, with participants refunded for fuel tax payments. The task force must gather public input through hearings and report findings to the legislature within three years, including feasibility analysis and recommendations for permanent implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new process for taxpayers to settle past state tax debts through binding agreements with the tax commissioner. It allows settlements when there's doubt about the tax amount owed, doubt about the taxpayer's ability to pay, or for fair tax administration reasons - provided the taxpayer is current on all tax filings. Taxpayers must pay 10% upfront for lump-sum offers (paid in 5 or fewer installments) or the first installment for periodic payment plans, and must maintain 3 years of future compliance. Large settlements over $50,000 require Attorney General review, and rejected offers trigger independent administrative review before notification to the taxpayer.

Senate, February 12, 2026 -- Text of the Senate Bill regarding fair housing practices in the Commonwealth (Senate, No. 2959) (being the text of Senate, No. 2947, printed as amended)

Maddy summaryHD 2949 bans most employers from requiring employees to attend meetings or listen to communications primarily about religious or political topics, or from disciplining them for refusing such participation. Employees who face discipline for refusing can seek damages, including lost wages and attorney fees, and report violations without retaliation. The law excludes religious employers and allows employers to share legally required information, job-related communications, or academic discussions at institutions of higher education. Employers must post a notice of these employee rights within 30 days of the law taking effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Children's Vision and Eye Health Advisory Council within the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to advise on vision programs and recommend improvements. It also establishes a statewide confidential registry where healthcare providers must report children's vision screening results and follow-up care, with strict privacy protections limiting data sharing to authorized healthcare providers, school nurses, and specific state agencies. The registry will track screening data to address vision disparities affecting students, particularly in underserved communities, and allow parents to correct errors or view access records. The law amends school health screening requirements to include this registry system.

Senate, February 5, 2026 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill to end housing discrimination in the Commonwealth (Senate, No. 2671),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft entitled "An Act regarding fair housing practices in the Commonwealth" (Senate, No. 2947).

By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1454) of Joan B. Lovely, David T. Vieira, Jason M. Lewis, Dylan A. Fernandes and others for legislation relative to PEG access and cable related funds. Municipalities and Regional Government.

Senate, November 13, 2025 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 245) of Adam Gomez, Robyn K. Kennedy and Joan B. Lovely for legislation to end housing discrimination in the Commonwealth, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2671).

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a confidential statewide registry for children's vision screenings and eye health care (Section 38A). It requires licensed healthcare providers to report screening results to the registry, which will track vision data to identify disparities. The bill also creates a 13-member advisory council (including health officials, medical professionals, and parent representatives) to advise the state on improving children's eye health programs and reporting annually to legislative committees (Section 38). The registry protects privacy by limiting data access to authorized healthcare providers, school nurses, and state agencies involved in children's health services, with strict confidentiality rules preventing public disclosure or use in legal proceedings.