Sen. Bruce Tarr

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2526) of Bruce E. Tarr, Kristin E. Kassner and Sally P. Kerans (by vote of the town) for legislation to authorize the town of Topsfield to convert 4 licenses for sale of wine and malt beverages not to be drunk on the premises to 4 licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises and to prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages in the containers less than 200 milliliters. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. [Local Approval Received.]

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for supported decision-making agreements (SDMAs), allowing adults (18+) with disabilities to voluntarily choose supporters (like family or friends) to help them make life decisions - such as housing, healthcare, or finances - without replacing guardianship. It requires the state to create a training program for supporters on rights, obligations, and dispute resolution, and updates education and legal processes to recognize SDMAs (e.g., informing students about SDMAs during IEP meetings). The bill directly affects adults needing decision support, their chosen supporters, and state agencies like the Department of Developmental Services. Key provisions define "supported decision-making," set rules for agreement execution/termination, and prohibit supporters who have abused the decision-maker or been removed as conservators.

By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1527) of Ryan C. Fattman and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to arbovirus in the Commonwealth. Public Health.

By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 227) of Ryan C. Fattman and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to expand options for EMT paramedics. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts laws to improve safety training and enforcement for workers involved in cutting, welding, and hot works processes. It requires state-approved training programs that include digital verification systems, multilingual instruction, and ongoing education, while also creating a public record of non-compliance that alerts property owners and insurers. The legislation significantly increases penalties for violations, raising fines up to $10,000 for repeat offenders and introducing potential prison time, and it establishes stricter criminal charges for reckless actions that result in serious injury or death.

By Representatives Kassner of Hamilton and Kerans of Danvers, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 5435) of Kristin E. Kassner, Sally P. Kerans and Bruce E. Tarr (by vote of the town) that the town of Topsfield be authorized to continue to employment of police chief Neal Hovey. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts unemployment insurance rules to adjust eligibility and coverage requirements. It changes the base period wage requirement so workers must have earned wages in at least two quarters (instead of the full period) equaling 30 times their weekly benefit rate. It also raises the employee threshold for mandatory coverage from 25 to 50 employees and clarifies that employers of covered entities (like government agencies) don't count toward this employee total. These changes directly affect workers seeking benefits and employers required to provide unemployment insurance coverage.

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1776) of Bruce E. Tarr, Hannah Kane and Steven George Xiarhos for legislation to empower law enforcement to cooperate with the United States to transfer custody of convicted criminals. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Senate, August 10, 2026 -- The committee on Public Health, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1485) of Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch, Jason M. Lewis, Julian Cyr and other members of the Senate for legislation to prohibit nonconsensual intimate examinations of anesthetized or unconscious patients; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1491) of Brendan P. Crighton, Rory McCarthy, James B. Eldridge and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation relative to chaperones for medical exams, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3197).

Maddy summaryThis bill allows police officer Richard Kassiotis in the town of Middleton to continue working until he turns 67, rather than retiring at age 65. To ensure he remains fit for duty, the town's select board can require annual medical exams at the town's expense, and he must be mentally and physically capable of performing his job. Additionally, the bill stops any further deductions from his salary after age 65 and guarantees he receives a full retirement benefit if he retires at age 67.