Sen. Bruce Tarr

By Mr. Durant, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1831) of Peter J. Durant, Kimberly N. Ferguson, Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr. and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to provide killed in the line of duty benefits to Joanne Songy, surviving spouse of Detective John D. Songy, a police officer of the town of Rutland. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]

Senate, July 24, 2025 -- Text of the Senate Bill amending certain laws relative to individuals with disabilities (Senate, No. 2563) (being the text of Senate, No. 137, printed as amended)

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 4040) requires all welding, cutting, and hot works training programs in Massachusetts to use a specific National Fire Protection Association program or an equivalent system with an electronic worker status database, multilingual classes, identity verification, and annual refresher training. It adds "criminal negligence" to define repeated, reckless failure to follow safety rules, making such non-compliance potentially punishable as a crime. Penalties for violating welding/cutting rules escalate with offenses: first offense up to $1,000, second up to $2,000 or 1 year in jail, and third+ offenses up to 0.25% of project value or $10,000. The bill also mandates a public system (online database, quarterly reports) to track and notify about safety violations affecting workers and property owners.

Senate, October 23, 2025 -- The committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 107) of Joanne M. Comerford and Nick Collins for legislation to establish a bill of rights for children in foster care; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 125) of Ryan C. Fattman, Joseph D. McKenna and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to create an electronic backpack for foster children; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 127) of Paul R. Feeney and Michael S. Chaisson for legislation to authorize the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to establish additional mandated reporters for the purpose of the protection and care of children; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 129) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to require that mandated reporters complete training at least every two years to recognize and report suspected child abuse or neglect; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 133) of Adam Gomez for legislation relative to child fatality review; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 148) of Robyn K. Kennedy for legislation to enhance child welfare protections; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 159) of Joan B. Lovely for legislation relative to supporting families dealing with sudden unexplained death in pediatrics; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2585) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michael O. Moore for legislation to establish compliance with federal education reporting requirements for out of home placement students, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2659).

Maddy summaryThis resolution establishes a special commission to study how combat experience affects motherhood, parenting, and long-term outcomes for children of female veterans in Massachusetts. The commission, composed of veterans, committee chairs, and experts in veterans' affairs and mental health, will examine these impacts over an 18-month period. It will submit findings and potential legislative recommendations to the legislature by the deadline. The study directly focuses on female veterans with combat experience and their children residing in the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the role of Massachusetts' Office of the Military and Veteran Advocate, creating an independent office to better support veterans and military families receiving state services. It requires the office to ensure humane treatment, coordinate benefits access, review care systems across state agencies, investigate serious incidents (like fatalities), and advise state leaders on improving veteran services. The office will be led by a full-time advocate appointed through a nonpartisan committee of veterans' leaders and agency heads, serving a 5-year term. The bill directly affects veterans and military families using state health, housing, or social services, and mandates annual public reports to state leaders on service improvements.

Senate, May 19, 2026 -- Text of amendment (9) (offered by Senator Tarr) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 4) to the House Bill making appropriations for the fiscal year 2027 for the maintenance of the departments, boards, commissions, institutions, and certain activities of the Commonwealth, for interest, sinking fund, and serial bond requirements, and for certain permanent improvements.

By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 819) of Pavel M. Payano and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to prohibit discrimination against 340b drug discount program participants. Financial Services.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Middleton's town charter to update governance procedures. Key changes include: (1) establishing a new recall process allowing voters to petition to remove officials with signatures equal to 12% of registered voters, requiring a majority vote of those participating plus 12% of total voters; (2) changing the Select Board to five members elected to three-year terms; and (3) adding requirements for Town Meeting notices (mailed 7 days in advance) and limiting re-voting on defeated zoning proposals for two years. These changes directly affect Middleton residents who attend Town Meetings and elect local officials, as well as all town boards and officers. The bill focuses on procedural clarity and voter engagement within the town's existing governance structure.

By Mr. Tarr and Ms. Ferrante of Gloucester, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2596) of Bruce E. Tarr and Ann-Margaret Ferrante (with approval of the mayor and city council) for legislation relative to the appropriation and expenditure of funds for the maintenance, repair and improvement of private roads under certain conditions. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local approval received.]