By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 272) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation relative to telemarketing solicitation. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 374) creates two specific recognition measures for Massachusetts merchant mariners who served in active war zones. First, it requires that cemetery displays honoring veterans include a Merchant Marine flag alongside military branch flags, and mandates installing the Merchant Marine flag in the State House's Memorial Hall. Second, it establishes a Massachusetts Merchant Mariner Medal for eligible residents who served after December 6, 1941, with criteria aligned to federal standards. The award process will be managed by a commission including the Veterans Affairs Secretary, a Massachusetts Maritime Academy representative, and a licensed merchant mariner appointed by the Governor. The bill directly affects living and deceased Massachusetts merchant mariners who served in wartime.
Senate, December 31, 2025 -- The committee on Transportation to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2368) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, David Paul Linsky, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation to end debt-based driving restrictions and remove economic roadblocks, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2874).
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes safety glass standards for motor vehicle windshields and windows. It requires the state motor vehicle agency to maintain a list of approved safety glass products and adopt regulations ensuring aftermarket replacements meet or exceed original equipment manufacturer standards and federal safety rules (like ANSI Z26.1 and FMVSS 205). Vehicles must be equipped with approved safety glass to receive or maintain registration, with non-compliant vehicles facing registration suspension until corrected. The bill directly affects vehicle owners, repair shops performing glass replacements, and the state agency overseeing vehicle registrations.
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 68) of Patrick M. O'Connor and Joan B. Lovely for legislation relative to lobster closure mitigation. Agriculture.
Maddy summarySD 1424, "An Act to increase opportunity by ending debt-based driving restrictions," removes criminal penalties for driving without a license when the suspension results from unpaid administrative fees (e.g., reinstatement fees), rather than traffic violations. This directly affects drivers whose licenses were suspended solely for failing to pay such fees, eliminating prosecution for driving under these circumstances. The bill adds a new process allowing applicants to request fee reductions or waivers based on financial hardship when renewing or reinstating a license. It also requires the Registry of Motor Vehicles to send electronic notifications about unpaid assessments to drivers, improving transparency and access to hardship requests.
By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 69) of Jacob R. Oliveira and Ryan C. Fattman for legislation to promote economic opportunities for cottage food entrepreneurs. Agriculture.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for handicap parking placards to include individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and their parents or guardians. It allows these individuals or their caregivers to receive placards, but restricts parent/guardian use to only when transporting the autistic individual. The change modifies existing Massachusetts parking access law to specifically include autism-related needs. This directly affects autistic residents and their families seeking accessible parking during transportation. The policy update provides concrete access for a specific disability group under current handicap parking regulations.
By Mr. Fernandes, a petition (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 540) of Dylan A. Fernandes that provisions be made to examine and report on the potential negative environmental and economic impacts of radioactive materials. Emergency Preparedness and Management.
Senate, December 29, 2025 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 377) of Patricia D. Jehlen and James B. Eldridge for legislation relative to the board of elementary and secondary education; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 443) of Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to modernize the board of elementary and secondary education, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2868).
