By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1563) of Robyn K. Kennedy, Rebecca L. Rausch, Joanne M. Comerford, Susannah M. Whipps and other members of the General Court for legislation to prioritize patient access to care based upon the professional judgment of the physician.. Public Health.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes 14 peer-run respite centers across Massachusetts, requiring at least one per county. It mandates two specialized centers for LGBTQIA+ individuals (run by LGBTQIA+ staff with lived experience) and two for BIPOC communities (run by BIPOC staff with lived experience), all operating as non-clinical, short-term, community-based programs. Centers must provide voluntary, trauma-informed support focused on recovery and social connection, not clinical services, with staff trained in peer support. The state department must fund these centers to cover staffing, training, and operations while ensuring compensation rates support retention of qualified peer supporters. The bill directly affects individuals experiencing mental distress seeking crisis support and peer supporters with lived experience in behavioral health.
Maddy summarySD 969 prohibits landlords from using credit reports for tenant screening when applicants or tenants receive government rent subsidies (like Section 8 housing vouchers). It directly affects landlords, property managers, and tenants with such subsidies by banning the use, request, or requirement of credit checks for rental decisions. Key provisions include requiring written consent for any credit check (with specific disclosures), preventing landlords from passing credit check costs to tenants, and banning retaliation against tenants who challenge violations. The law also enforces anti-discrimination protections and makes non-compliance an unfair practice under Chapter 93A.
By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 640) of Mark C. Montigny, John F. Keenan, Joanne M. Comerford, Michael O. Moore and other members of the General Court for legislation to promote humane cosmetics and other household products by limiting the use of animal testing. Environment and Natural Resources.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a court-supervised outpatient treatment program for adults (18+) with severe mental illness who are at substantial risk of harm to self or others and unable to meet basic needs due to their condition, and who have a history of treatment non-adherence (including multiple hospitalizations or violent behavior). Authorized individuals - such as doctors, family members, or probation officers - can petition a court for a "critical community mental health service treatment plan," which must include supervision, medication, and assistance with housing, food, and other essentials. The court must determine this outpatient care is the least restrictive alternative before approving the plan, with initial orders limited to 180 days and renewals to 365 days. The program aims to prevent hospitalizations by providing structured community-based support.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes specific rights for people experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts. It defines "persons experiencing homelessness" broadly to include those in shelters, cars, parks, or temporary housing, and guarantees their right to use public spaces without discrimination based on housing status. Key provisions include protections against discrimination in medical care (including pandemic services), voting access (explicitly stating lack of fixed residence won't block voter registration), and employment, while requiring employers to consider housing status as a protected category under anti-discrimination law. The bill also mandates reasonable privacy for personal property in public spaces and prohibits harassment by officials. These changes directly affect homeless individuals and require state/municipal agencies and employers to adjust policies to comply.
Maddy summaryThis bill restructures the governance of the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission by requiring its board of directors to consist of seven members: four appointed by Springfield's mayor (including one required to be a minority appointee per state law) and three appointed by an advisory board. The advisory board, representing seven cities/towns and the Little River watershed area, holds voting power weighted by each municipality's water/sewer service costs. Board members serve six-year terms with staggered expirations, and the commission is formally designated as a state agency under specific Massachusetts laws. The bill directly affects the Commission's leadership structure and oversight but does not change its operational responsibilities.
Senate, February 12, 2026 -- Text of the Senate Bill regarding fair housing practices in the Commonwealth (Senate, No. 2959) (being the text of Senate, No. 2947, printed as amended)
Senate, February 5, 2026 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill to end housing discrimination in the Commonwealth (Senate, No. 2671),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft entitled "An Act regarding fair housing practices in the Commonwealth" (Senate, No. 2947).
Senate, November 13, 2025 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 245) of Adam Gomez, Robyn K. Kennedy and Joan B. Lovely for legislation to end housing discrimination in the Commonwealth, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2671).
