By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 172) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to mandated reporters of disabled persons abuse. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 155) of Joan B. Lovely, Sean Garballey, Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida, James K. Hawkins and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to supported decision-making agreements for certain adults with disabilities. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
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 requires manufacturers selling menstrual products (like tampons, pads, cups, and underwear) in Massachusetts to disclose all ingredients on product packaging and online. Labels must list ingredients in order of predominance using visible 10-point font, and manufacturers must update both packaging and online disclosures when ingredients change. The law applies to all manufacturers whose products are sold in the state, with violations punishable by a $1,000 fine per offense. It takes effect 12 months after passage and supplements existing labeling requirements.
Senate, July 28, 2025 -- Substituted as a new draft (Senator Tarr) for the Senate Bill establishing the Gloucester Fisheries Commission (Senate, No. 2507).
By Representative Vargas of Haverhill, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 876) of Andres X. Vargas and Bruce E. Tarr relative to the post-election audit process. Election Laws.
By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1168) of Joan B. Lovely, Peter J. Durant, Todd M. Smola, David T. Vieira and other members of the General Court for legislation to set rates for transcripts of notes and fees taken at a trial or hearing by a transcriber. The Judiciary.
Maddy summaryThis bill sets specific fees for court transcripts in Massachusetts. It establishes rates of $4.50 per page for original transcripts (reduced to $0.15 per page for low-income individuals) and $1.50 per page for copies, with higher "rush" fees of $6.75 and $2.25. The bill also requires annual fee adjustments starting in 2030 based on the Consumer Price Index. These fees apply when parties request transcripts, while court-ordered transcripts (e.g., by a judge or district attorney in criminal cases) are paid by the court. The law directly affects individuals, attorneys, and courts involved in legal proceedings requiring transcript copies.
Maddy summarySD 133 standardizes how courts handle pet custody in divorce or separation cases. It requires courts to prioritize the "best interests of the animal" when deciding pet custody, considering factors like the pet's health, safety, well-being, each party's history with the pet (including time spent and expenses), emotional bonds, and any history of abuse toward animals or humans. The bill establishes clear guidelines for sole or shared custody, including dividing care responsibilities and expenses, and prohibits transferring or disposing of pets without court approval during proceedings. This directly affects divorcing couples with pets by treating companion animals as living beings requiring consideration, not just property.
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.
