Sen. Bruce Tarr

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legislative commission to study small modular reactors (SMRs) as a potential baseload power source. The commission will specifically examine how SMRs can work with renewable energy to improve grid stability, and evaluate non-light water coolants for safety and operational effects. The commission includes key energy committee chairs, legislative leaders, and state agency heads, and must submit a report within one year of the bill's passage. The bill itself creates no new regulations or funding but directs a formal study to inform future energy policy decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an advisory council to minimize harm to wildlife - like North Atlantic right whales and coastal habitats - from offshore wind projects, requiring input on monitoring and mitigation plans. It creates a program giving priority access to state grants (such as MassWorks and Housing Choice) for communities hosting offshore wind facilities, aiming to support local economic development. A special commission will study Massachusetts' offshore wind supply chain, manufacturing jobs, and equity impacts, reporting by June 2026. The bill directly affects wildlife protection agencies, coastal communities hosting projects, and the offshore wind industry, with key changes focused on environmental safeguards and community benefits.

Senate, April 1, 2026 -- The committee on Transportation to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2414) of Joan B. Lovely, Bruce E. Tarr and Bradley H. Jones, Jr. for legislation to establish a tunnel to connect the campuses of Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical school, report the accompanying resolve (Senate, No. 3011).

Senate, April 2, 2026 -- The committee on Public Health to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1504) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, James B. Eldridge, John F. Keenan and others for legislation to protect Massachusetts public health from Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) a group of chemicals that are used in many consumer products and industrial processes, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3034).

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1628) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to allow an independent health care practice to have ultimate control over clinical decision making. Public Health.

By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 690) of Brendan P. Crighton, Marcus S. Vaughn, Steven George Xiarhos, Paul K. Frost and other members of the General Court for legislation to mandate access to cancer screenings for firefighters through health care benefits plans or programs provided by the public employer. Financial Services.

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1504) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, James B. Eldridge, John F. Keenan and others for legislation to protect Massachusetts public health from Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) a group of chemicals that are used in many consumer products and industrial processes. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill closes a regulatory gap by redefining "smokeless tobacco" to explicitly include non-combustion nicotine products like nicotine pouches, snus, and similar items marketed to youth. It directly affects manufacturers and retailers selling these products, bringing them under existing tobacco regulations that previously excluded them. The key provision expands the definition to cover all non-combustion nicotine products intended for human consumption, while specifically excluding e-cigarettes (taxed under Section 7E) and FDA-approved nicotine cessation products. This change aims to prevent youth access to flavored nicotine products that exploited the prior loophole.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how Massachusetts maintains voter registration lists. It replaces automatic removal of voters after two years of inactivity with a new "inactive voters list" system. Registrars must send voters a notice if their address appears outdated, giving them 2 years to confirm continued residency by voting, returning a notice card, or submitting written affirmation. Voters on the inactive list can restore their status without penalty during this period. The bill directly affects residents whose addresses may no longer match registration records, ensuring they aren't removed without opportunity to verify eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 172) changes Massachusetts' Emergency Assistance shelter program rules. It prohibits individuals convicted or charged with violent felonies or sexual offenses (under Chapter 265) from continuing to receive shelter benefits while using the program, unless they get a written waiver from the program director. The key provision automatically blocks benefit eligibility for these individuals, removing a prior exception that allowed continued aid. This directly affects shelter users facing specific criminal charges under the state's violent crime statutes. The change takes effect immediately without requiring new legislation for each case.