By Mr. Mark, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 940) of Paul W. Mark, Vanna Howard, Michael D. Brady, Jacob R. Oliveira and other members of the General Court for legislation to improve the working conditions and benefits of part-time and adjunct faculty at public institutions of higher education Commonwealth. Higher Education.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes special "Fallen Firefighter Memorial" motorcycle license plates in Massachusetts, similar to existing automobile plates established in 2006. Motorcycle owners can purchase these plates for a $40 fee, with $28 directly supporting the Massachusetts Fallen Firefighter Memorial at Ashburton Park and $12 covering plate manufacturing costs. The plates are issued by the state registrar and fund the nonprofit-managed memorial at the State House. This is a commemorative program, not a policy change affecting firefighter benefits or safety regulations.
By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2122) of Brendan P. Crighton, Paul W. Mark, Patrick Joseph Kearney, Vanna Howard and other members of the General Court for legislation to increase transparency in public construction. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires state-aided public housing for the elderly to allow pet ownership under specific, non-discriminatory rules. It prohibits outright bans on dogs (including breed-based restrictions), declawing, or evictions solely for having a pet, while permitting reasonable requirements like pet deposits (max $160 or one month’s rent), spaying/neutering, and emergency care plans. Housing authorities must develop written policies for different housing types (apartments, single-family homes, etc.) and establish pet committees for grievance handling. An advisory group will help update regulations and create guidance for implementing these policies, with violations subject to penalties under existing law.
Senate, December 22, 2025 -- The committee on Revenue to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1973) of James B. Eldridge, James K. Hawkins and Jason M. Lewis for legislation relative to the imposition of an excise tax to provide for climate change adaptation infrastructure and affordable housing investments in the Commonwealth, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2751)
By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1973) of James B. Eldridge, James K. Hawkins and Jason M. Lewis for legislation relative to the imposition of an excise tax to provide for climate change adaptation infrastructure and affordable housing investments in the Commonwealth. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 1307) formalizes pet-friendly policies for elderly residents in state-aided public housing across Massachusetts. It directly affects elderly tenants by prohibiting housing authorities from banning dogs based on breed, size, or appearance, requiring declawing, charging pet deposits over $160 or one month’s rent, or evicting solely for having a pet. Key provisions include banning breed restrictions, limiting deposits, and requiring housing authorities to update pet ownership regulations. An advisory group, including tenant advocates and animal welfare representatives, will help develop housing-specific pet policies and guidance for housing authorities. The bill aims to standardize pet access while ensuring housing authorities comply with these new requirements.
By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1364) of Pavel M. Payano, Vanna Howard, Michael D. Brady, James K. Hawkins and other members of the General Court for legislation to streamline state employee collective bargaining. Labor and Workforce Development.
Senate, December 18, 2025 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to whom was referred the 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, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2744).
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 24-month nurse practitioner residency program at community health centers to recruit and retain new nurse practitioners. It requires centers (those receiving federal grants under 42 USC 254b) to offer supervised patient care under physicians or experienced nurses, and mandates participants to commit to at least 18 months of employment at the center. The state must fund the program with $2.5 million annually and seek federal Medicaid reimbursement for this training. The program does not affect existing nursing licensure requirements under Chapters 94C or 112.
