Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the town of Hingham to transfer specific parcels of land, including areas currently used for parks and recreation, to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for highway construction. To offset this loss, the town must dedicate approximately eight acres of municipal land to its conservation commission under state environmental protections. Additionally, the transportation department is required to pay the town at least 110 percent of the appraised fair market value of the transferred lands, with these funds restricted to a dedicated land conservation fund. The legislation also mandates that an inspector general review the property appraisals and report findings to legislative committees before the land transfer is finalized.
Sen. Patrick O'Connor
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits insurance companies and non-admitted insurers from including policy terms that block insureds from hiring public adjusters (as defined by law) to handle claims. It makes any such restrictive language unenforceable and requires its removal from policies, while leaving other policy terms intact. The bill amends two sections of Massachusetts insurance law: it adds a new section (2C) to Chapter 175 and updates Chapter 176D to explicitly ban policy provisions that prevent insureds from using public adjusters. This directly affects policyholders who wish to work with public adjusters for property or casualty insurance claims.
Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts state resolution urges the state's congressional delegation to support federal resolutions that would adopt the "Back from the Brink" platform for nuclear policy. The proposed federal actions include embracing the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, renouncing first-use policies, and removing U.S. nuclear weapons from hair-trigger alert status. The bill also directs that copies of these resolutions be sent to key federal leaders, including the President, Vice President, and congressional leadership.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts DMV to ask applicants aged 16-26 to authorize registration with the Selective Service System when applying for or renewing a driver's license, learner's permit, or ID card. Applicants who are 16-17 will be notified about their future obligation to register at age 18, while those 18-25 will be asked to consent to DMV forwarding their information to Selective Service upon turning 18. The bill explicitly states that refusing this authorization cannot lead to denial of driving privileges or discrimination, and it prohibits DMVs from creating or sharing lists of those who decline. Implementation depends on securing federal funds for necessary computer system updates.
By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by resolutions, Senate, No. 1649) of Joanne M. Comerford, Patrick M. O'Connor, Samantha Montaño, Patrick Joseph Kearney and others for the adoption of resolutions to embrace the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and move the US back from the brink of nuclear war. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 423) of Patrick M. O'Connor and Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation relative to student financial literacy. Education.
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 421) of Patrick M. O'Connor and Deborah B. Goldberg, Treasurer and Receiver General, for legislation to require financial education in schools. Education.
By Mr. Gómez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 374) of Adam Gómez, Joanne M. Comerford, Patricia D. Jehlen, John F. Keenan and other members of the General Court for legislation to empower students and schools to thrive. Education.
Maddy summaryThis bill ensures teachers who move from classroom roles to positions at the Executive Office of Education or the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education retain their status in the teacher retirement system (or Boston retirement system), avoiding a switch to the state employees' retirement system. It requires such employees to pay makeup contributions for the difference in retirement payments between systems during their time in state education roles. Additionally, it creates a one-time 180-day opportunity for eligible teachers (who began contributing before July 2001 and didn’t choose an alternative retirement program) to join a specific retirement benefit program. The bill directly affects current and future educators transitioning to state education agency jobs, focusing on maintaining retirement benefits and contribution continuity.
Senate, March 19, 2026 -- Text of the Senate Bill promoting pet equity, treatment and safety (Senate, No. 3028) (being the text of the Senate, No. 3014, printed as amended)