By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2742) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Rebecca L. Rausch, James K. Hawkins, Brian M. Ashe, Michael O. Moore and others for legislation to enhance safety and security for candidates and professionals. Election Laws.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires public employers (like state fire departments, cities, towns, or fire districts) to provide full-time firefighters with cancer screenings starting three years after they begin working and every three years thereafter. It directly affects firefighters employed by Massachusetts fire departments, including those at military reservations, air bases, and specific regional zones. The screenings must cover 11 specific cancers (such as colon, lung, breast, and prostate), with all costs covered by the employer's health plan - no co-pays, deductibles, or out-of-pocket expenses for firefighters. This mandates a regular, employer-funded health benefit without requiring firefighter contributions.
Maddy summaryHD 781 establishes an advisory committee to study and improve access to fresh food retail in underserved urban and rural communities across Massachusetts. The committee, composed of state health and economic officials, community representatives (including supermarket, farmers market, and hunger relief groups), and a nutritionist, will identify communities lacking fresh food access, investigate causes, assess health impacts, and develop concrete solutions like new laws, incentives, or transportation improvements. It must submit a report with recommendations to key legislative committees within 18 months of the bill's passage. This bill creates a structured process for addressing food access gaps but does not enact immediate policy changes.
Senate, January 15, 2026 -- The committee on Public Health, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1611) of Jacob R. Oliveira and Paul W. Mark for legislation to offer natural organic reduction as an environmentally-friendly burial alternative; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1612) of Jacob R. Oliveira for legislation relative to burial alternatives that protect the environment, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2851).
By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 816) of Jacob R. Oliveira and Steven Owens for legislation to support businesses where employees have ownership stakes within initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth in a community. Financial Services.
By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 815) of Jacob R. Oliveira for legislation to establish the Massachusetts loan loss guarantee program for community development financial institutions. Financial Services.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts regional transit authorities to transition their bus fleets to electric vehicles by 2035, with specific procurement targets: 40% of new buses must be electric by 2028, 60% by 2030, and 80% by 2032. Authorities must prioritize electric buses on routes serving environmental justice communities (as defined in state law) and conduct community outreach with residents, municipal officials, and advocates in these areas. The bill establishes a new state office within the Department of Transportation by 2026 to support planning, procurement, and worker retraining for the transition, while mandating annual reports on progress and reasons for any continued use of fossil fuel vehicles.
Maddy summaryHD 1043 establishes Massachusetts' Farm to School Program to connect schools with local food producers. It directly affects K-12 schools and licensed childcare programs participating in federal meal programs (National School Lunch Program or Child and Adult Care Feeding Program) across Massachusetts. The bill creates two key mechanisms: (1) a grant program funding kitchen equipment, staff training, and food literacy curriculum, and (2) a reimbursement incentive that pays schools $1 for every $2 spent on Massachusetts-grown food or $1 for every $3 on New England/New York regional food. The program also sets up an advisory committee and a dedicated fund to manage grants and ensure equitable access for schools and socially disadvantaged producers.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Massachusetts-Poland Trade Commission within the state's international trade office to strengthen economic ties between Massachusetts and Poland. The commission will study trade opportunities, promote business and academic exchanges, and make recommendations to advance bilateral investments and infrastructure projects. It requires a 21-member commission appointed from the legislature, state officials, higher education, and Polish-American organizations, with no member compensation but expense reimbursement. The commission must annually report findings and recommendations to state leadership by August 31st.
By Mr. Mark, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 786) of Paul W. Mark and Manny Cruz for legislation to create a climate bank in Massachusetts. Financial Services.
