Sen. Bruce Tarr

Senate, January 29, 2026 -- The committee on Financial Services to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2738) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kelly A. Dooner, Norman J. Orrall, Bruce E. Tarr, Kelly W. Pease and other members of the General Court for legislation to address rising insurance costs for manufactured home residents, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2919).

By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1573) of Joan B. Lovely, Jason M. Lewis, Paul K. Frost, Ryan C. Fattman and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to newborn screenings for congenital cytomegalovirus. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Town of Newbury to create a local bylaw restricting the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (a type of potent rat poison) on private property within the town. It directly affects Newbury residents and property owners who currently use these rodenticides for pest control. The key provision is granting the town legal authority to adopt such a restriction, without mandating it, and the bill takes effect immediately upon state approval. The measure focuses on enabling local environmental or safety decisions regarding these chemicals.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 817) protects tenants with pets from eviction during emergencies and standardizes pet policies in housing. Landlords cannot evict tenants for having pets during a state of emergency (for one year after it ends) unless pets cause actual harm, and hotels cannot unreasonably refuse pets during emergencies. It bans housing rules that restrict pets based on breed, size, or appearance, and allows landlords to charge a capped additional rent (max 1% of rent per dog or total for other pets), excluding service animals. These changes directly affect renters, landlords, and housing authorities, aiming to prevent pet-related housing discrimination.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts the use of certain rodent poisons (like Warfarin and Brodifacoum) to only short-term public health emergencies. It requires licensed pest control professionals to first use non-chemical methods, limits emergency use to 14 days, and mandates detailed reporting on locations, amounts used, and follow-up rodent control plans. The law directly affects pest control applicators and public health agencies managing rodent-related health risks. It also requires annual public reporting of all emergency rodenticide use by the state department. The restrictions take effect January 1, 2027.

By Representative Jones of North Reading, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others relative to a municipal tax amnesty program. Revenue.

By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 640) of Mark C. Montigny, John F. Keenan, Joanne M. Comerford, Michael O. Moore and other members of the General Court for legislation to promote humane cosmetics and other household products by limiting the use of animal testing. Environment and Natural Resources.

Maddy summarySD 1398 expands protections for domestic animals by defining "cruel conditions" to include exposure to waste, lack of food/water, or inadequate weather protection, and explicitly includes livestock under "domestic animal." It imposes tiered fines for violations: up to $50 for a first offense, $200 for a second, and $500 for third or subsequent offenses, with possible animal impoundment or loss of ownership for repeat violations. The bill affects owners or keepers of all domestic animals, including livestock, by establishing clearer standards for animal care. Fines collected under this law must be deposited into the Homeless Animal Prevention and Care Fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new "Reserves Scientific Advisory Council" to guide Massachusetts' forest reserve system. The eight-member council, including experts from environmental organizations and universities, will oversee reserve management, recommend new acquisitions, and ensure minimal human intervention in reserves. It requires public hearings for major changes and mandates that management plans for all reserves include public input and protect natural resources. The bill directly affects how state forests and protected lands are managed across Massachusetts, particularly within the urban parks district areas defined in the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts state agencies to transition their medium- and heavy-duty truck fleets to zero-emission vehicles (specifically battery electric models). Starting July 1, 2025, all new purchases or leases for such vehicles must be zero-emission, with the entire fleet fully converted by June 30, 2035. Exceptions are allowed if battery electric trucks don’t meet operational needs or charging infrastructure can’t support them, but agencies must explain each exception annually. The bill also mandates yearly reports detailing fleet composition, vehicle specifications, and justification for non-zero-emission purchases.