By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1983) of Ryan C. Fattman and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to promote student loan repayment. Revenue.
Senate, July 13, 2026 -- The committee on The Judiciary to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1205) of Michael O. Moore, Joanne M. Comerford, Jacob R. Oliveira, Joan B. Lovely and other members of the Senate for legislation relative to controlling and abusive litigation, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3158).
Maddy summarySD 94 creates new legal protections for victims of abuse in family or household disputes by defining and addressing "controlling and abusive litigation." It allows courts to issue restraining orders against parties who file lawsuits primarily to harass, intimidate, or maintain contact with an abuse victim - after verifying the parties' relationship and prior abuse findings. If found guilty, the court can dismiss the case with prejudice, award the victim court costs and attorney fees, and impose 48-72 months of prefiling restrictions on the offending party. This bill directly affects individuals in domestic disputes where lawsuits are weaponized as tools of abuse, not the broader public.
Maddy summaryH 5022 prohibits health insurance companies from denying payment for covered services solely because a patient received a referral from a doctor outside the insurance network. This affects patients seeking care from non-network providers and requires insurers to cover services under the same terms as network referrals. The bill amends multiple sections of Massachusetts health insurance laws (including Chapters 32A, 32B, 94C, 175, 176A, 176B, 176G, and 176I) to include this uniform rule. It takes effect one year after enactment for all new, renewed, or amended insurance contracts.
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2074) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to the taxation of historic property. Revenue.
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2077) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to tax credits for affordable housing. Revenue.
By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1938) of Joanne M. Comerford, Jason M. Lewis, Michael D. Brady, Jacob R. Oliveira and other members of the Senate for legislation to establish an advisory council on family caregiving. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state program to help towns reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon storage on natural lands like forests, wetlands, and farms. Municipalities qualify for grants, loans, and technical assistance by adopting specific local policies - such as tree protection ordinances, land conservation zoning, or fees for development that harms natural areas. The program uses existing funding from the Global Warming Solutions Trust Fund to support these local climate actions. It directly affects participating towns that choose to implement qualifying land management strategies.
By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 549) of Joanne M. Comerford, James B. Eldridge, James K. Hawkins, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation to invest in natural and working lands. Environment and Natural Resources.
Senate, July 1, 2026 -- Text of the Senate Bill to improve outdoor lighting, conserve energy, and increase dark-sky visibility (Senate, No. 3162) (being the text of Senate, No. 3145, printed as amended)
