Sen. Jason Lewis

Maddy summaryHD 1552 requires shelters, schools, and correctional facilities to provide free disposable menstrual products (like pads, tampons, and liners) to menstruating individuals without stigma. It applies to temporary housing providers (e.g., domestic violence shelters, emergency hotels), all public primary/secondary schools, and correctional facilities (jails, prisons). The bill mandates these products be available in convenient, non-stigmatizing ways, such as in restrooms. This directly affects menstruating people experiencing homelessness, attending school, or in detention. The law creates a new requirement for these specific institutions to cover the cost of products.

Senate, October 9, 2025 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill to increase access to disposable menstrual products (Senate, No. 2546),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 2640).

By Mr. Lewis (by request), a petition (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 521) of Vincent Dixon, for legislation to support ratification of Federal Child Labor Constitutional Amendment. Election Laws.

Senate, July 10, 2025 -- The committee on Public Health to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1549) of Patricia D. Jehlen, John F. Keenan, Michael J. Barrett, Patrick M. O'Connor and other members of the Senate for legislation to increase access to disposable menstrual products, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2546).

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1483) of Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch, John F. Keenan, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the Senate for legislation relative to menstrual product ingredient disclosure. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 1285) is a proposed constitutional amendment submitted to the legislature, specifically addressing the process for renewing legislative terms. It does not change current election rules but proposes a formal amendment to the state constitution regarding how legislators' terms are renewed. The proposal, introduced by Senator Lewis on behalf of Vincent Dixon, is currently under review by the Judiciary Committee. As a constitutional amendment proposal, it requires specific legislative approval steps before it could become law, and it does not yet affect any current term limits or procedures.

By Representative Sabadosa of Northampton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 100) of Lindsay N. Sabadosa and others for an investigation by a special commission (including members of the General Court) relative the inequity of digital access through the recruitment and implementation of digital navigators. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.

Maddy summaryH 4596 establishes a Massachusetts Digital Navigation Commission to study how to create a statewide credentialing program for digital navigators - trusted community guides who help residents access affordable internet, devices, and digital skills. The commission, made up of state agency representatives and community organizations, will examine funding models, qualifications for navigators, and how digital navigation services impact health and equity. It will also analyze existing regional initiatives and collect data to inform recommendations. The commission must submit a report with its findings and proposed legislation within six months, but the bill itself does not create the credentialing program or mandate changes.

Maddy summarySD 155 amends a Massachusetts adoption law by replacing "state or the country where it was executed" with "commonwealth or the laws of the place where it was executed." This change clarifies that Massachusetts law must consider both its own regulations (referred to as the "commonwealth") and the applicable laws of the location where an adoption was completed, including international or out-of-state adoptions. It directly affects adoption agencies, courts, and families navigating cross-jurisdictional adoptions. The amendment is a technical correction to legal language for improved clarity, without altering adoption requirements or processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens protections for library materials and student expression in Massachusetts schools. It requires school libraries to select materials based on educational value and age-appropriateness (not personal views), and mandates that challenged materials remain available until a school committee reviews them after a public hearing. School committees must follow specific procedures to remove materials, requiring "clear and convincing evidence" they lack educational value. The bill directly affects school librarians, school committees, and students by safeguarding library access and providing legal protections for librarians who follow approved selection policies.