Sen. Jason Lewis

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special commission to review Massachusetts' affordable housing efforts. The commission, consisting of three members appointed by the Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker (all with housing expertise), will assess the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency's performance over the past five years specifically regarding affordable and low-income housing in gateway cities. The commission must complete its review within 30 days of the bill's effective date and submit a report with recommendations to the legislature within one year. This directly affects the Housing Finance Agency's operations and accountability for housing outcomes in designated gateway cities.

Senate, December 8, 2025 -- Text of the Senate amendment (Senator Lewis) to the House Bill amending the charter of the city of Malden (House, No. 4233).

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 86) of Jason M. Lewis and Manny Cruz for legislation to support cannabis equity businesses by creating a searchable online database of all operational cannabis dispensaries. Cannabis Policy.

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 55) of Joanne M. Comerford, Hannah Kane, Jason M. Lewis, James B. Eldridge and others for legislation to strengthen local food systems. Agriculture.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts municipalities with over 5,000 residents to implement an automated "Smart Residential Solar Permitting Platform" by July 2027 for home solar installations. The platform must allow online applications, automatic code-compliant approvals within 10 business days (if no deficiencies are found), instant permit issuance, and eliminate manual reviews for residential systems under 200-amp capacity. It directly affects local governments and homeowners installing solar on single- or two-family homes, including systems with battery storage or panel upgrades. The law mandates that platforms process at least 75% of residential solar permits and requires annual reporting to track compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill gives tenants in multi-family residential buildings (excluding certain types like single-family homes or shelters) a first right to purchase their property if the owner sells due to foreclosure, short sale, or deed in lieu. To qualify, at least 51% of tenant-occupied units must form a Tenant Association. If the association meets requirements, it gets priority to buy the property before outside buyers, and the property must later be maintained as long-term affordable housing for 30 years through recorded deed restrictions. Municipalities can choose to adopt this local option.

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 64) of Jason M. Lewis, James K. Hawkins, Sal N. DiDomenico, James B. Eldridge and others for legislation to improve pesticide protections for Massachusetts schoolchildren. Agriculture.

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1717) of Jason M. Lewis for legislation relative to the membership of the forensic science oversight board. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates new regulations for companies that facilitate peer-to-peer car sharing (like Turo or Getaround) in Massachusetts. It requires these companies to share vehicle registration details with the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) and MassDOT, provide clear cost estimates to renters, and display a DPU-approved symbol on shared vehicles. The DPU gains authority to enforce safety inspections, issue fines for violations (considering company size and prior compliance), and establish appeal processes. These rules directly affect car-sharing platforms operating in Massachusetts and their users, focusing on transparency, safety, and regulatory oversight.

Maddy summarySD 129 requires gas and distribution companies to increase transparency for private utility construction contracts exceeding $100,000 on public ways. Companies must notify all responsible bidders within two business days of their award decision and post the winning bid details (contractor name, amount, project location) on their website. The law defines key terms like "responsible bidder" and "score," and allows companies to withhold information only if disclosure would impede law enforcement, harm public interest, prejudice commercial interests, or interfere with competition. Exceptions include single-bid situations, and the Department of Public Utilities enforces these requirements.