By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 229) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to further regulate thoroughbred breeding. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 237) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to limit the amount of self-checkout stations located in grocery establishments and impose fines for multiple violations. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 264) of Mark C. Montigny for legislation to protect consumers interacting with artificial intelligence chatbots. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 263) of Mark C. Montigny, Michael O. Moore, James K. Hawkins, James B. Eldridge and other members of the General Court for legislation to protect consumers from contributing to inhumane animal testing for cosmetics. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 433) of Pavel M. Payano for legislation relative to substance use education in public schools. Education.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits new gas facilities or expansions within 5 miles of environmental justice neighborhoods, except when required for public safety. It mandates that Massachusetts gas companies submit detailed "just transition plans" by 2026, covering workforce training, retention, and pipeline retirement timelines through 2050 to align with net-zero emissions goals. These plans must address maintaining safe service while shifting to renewable energy alternatives and include measures for employee support during the transition. The requirements apply to all gas distribution companies operating in Massachusetts under Chapter 164.
By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 430) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Joanne M. Comerford, Vanna Howard, Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation for a special commission to review and valuate the commonwealth’s current special education financing structure. Education.
Senate, December 11, 2025 -- The committee on Housing to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1021) of Pavel M. Payano for legislation to update and modernize appropriations to smart growth zoning and housing production, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2827).
Maddy summaryMassachusetts bill SD 1200 requires broadband providers to offer high-speed internet service to eligible low-income households at $15 per month. Eligibility includes households participating in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or federal housing assistance, or earning under 200% of the federal poverty level. The service must provide at least 100 Mbps download speed, and providers must report annually to the state telecom department on enrollment and compliance. Violations can be enforced through court actions by the Attorney General.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts' Chapter 40R to modernize housing incentives. It establishes tiered payments for cities/towns with approved "smart growth" or "starter home" zoning districts based on projected new housing units (e.g., $20,000 for up to 20% growth, $1.2 million for over 500% growth). It also adds a $6,000 per-unit bonus for new housing constructed in these districts. The bill requires the department to analyze these incentives against housing costs (using the Consumer Price Index) and mandates that increased incentives revert to original levels 10 years after enactment. The changes apply to tax years starting January 1, 2025.
