Sen. Adam Gómez

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the law to exclude woody biomass from being classified as an "alternative energy supply" for most power plants. It directly affects intermediate and large power generation facilities that currently use woody biomass as fuel, requiring them to find other energy sources to meet alternative energy requirements. The bill includes an exception: facilities already certified as alternative energy units by the Department of Energy Resources as of January 1, 2026, are exempt from this change. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summarySD 2049 expands Massachusetts' low-income home energy assistance program to include cooling support. It provides up to $500 per household for air conditioners, ceiling fans, or box fans, plus electric bill assistance during hot weather, targeting households earning under 60% of state median income. The bill requires 10% of annual LIHEAP funds to support this program, prioritizing underserved communities based on income, housing conditions, and climate vulnerability. The Department of Housing must report annually on program participation, equipment distributed, and costs to relevant legislative committees.

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.

Senate, December 11, 2025 -- The committee on Housing to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1008) of Joan B. Lovely, James K. Hawkins, James B. Eldridge, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to the Massachusetts rental voucher program, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2826).

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 summaryMassachusetts Bill SD 1573 establishes the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), providing rental assistance to low-income households (with 75% of vouchers targeted to households earning 30% or less of area median income) to help them afford decent, stable housing. The program sets payment standards at 100-110% of local market rent rates, limits tenant rent payments to 30% of income (with a temporary 40% exception), and requires unit inspections for safety compliance. It mandates annual data collection on voucher usage, including household demographics and location, to be reported to state legislators. The bill also sets a minimum $80 monthly administrative fee per voucher and ensures unspent funds carry over to the next fiscal year.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special commission to review Massachusetts' affordable housing efforts. The commission, consisting of three members appointed by the Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker (all with housing expertise), will assess the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency's performance over the past five years specifically regarding affordable and low-income housing in gateway cities. The commission must complete its review within 30 days of the bill's effective date and submit a report with recommendations to the legislature within one year. This directly affects the Housing Finance Agency's operations and accountability for housing outcomes in designated gateway cities.

Filed by Mr. Gómez -- Order relative to granting the committee on Cannabis Policy until January 27, 2026 within which time to make its final report on a certain current Senate document relative to cannabis policy.

By Mr. Gómez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 62) of Adam Gómez and Homar Gómez for legislation to establish community fridges to address food insecurity. Agriculture.

Maddy summarySD 1771 establishes a statewide Access to Counsel Program in Massachusetts to provide free legal representation to low-income tenants and owner-occupants facing housing-related legal actions, such as evictions or termination of housing subsidies. Eligible individuals must qualify as indigent (e.g., receiving public assistance, earning ≤80% of area median income, or unable to afford legal fees without hardship). The program, funded by dedicated state appropriations and administered by the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, requires landlords to provide a standardized form explaining legal aid eligibility to tenants. Designated nonprofit organizations will deliver full legal counsel through partner attorneys, with oversight from an advisory committee and a phased 5-year implementation.