Sen. Jo Comerford

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1504) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, James B. Eldridge, John F. Keenan and others for legislation to protect Massachusetts public health from Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) a group of chemicals that are used in many consumer products and industrial processes. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow the town of Sunderland to legally permit residents aged 16 and 17 to vote in local town elections, directly affecting young residents living in Sunderland. It grants the town the authority to implement this change, but requires approval by the Sunderland town meeting before it could take effect. The bill specifically modifies municipal election rules for Sunderland only, not for other towns or state-level elections. It does not automatically lower the voting age statewide but provides a local option for Sunderland to adopt.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Northampton's city charter to allow non-citizen residents to vote in local city elections. It directly affects non-citizen residents living in Northampton who are not disqualified under state law. The key provision removes citizenship requirements for voting in preliminary, special, and regular city elections, including elections for ward councilors and school committee members. The change applies only to local city elections, not state or federal elections. The bill updates the city's voting qualifications section to explicitly include noncitizens as eligible voters.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Northampton's city charter to allow residents aged 16 or older to vote in all city elections, including preliminary, special, and regular elections. It directly affects Northampton residents who are 16 years old or older, expanding voting eligibility beyond the current standard age. The key change adds a new voting qualification section to the city charter, stating that such residents are eligible to vote unless disqualified under state law. This policy change applies only to local city elections, not state or federal elections.

Senate, March 23, 2026 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill fostering agricultural resilience in Massachusetts (Senate, No. 2801),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 3029).

Maddy summaryMassachusetts bill S 2801 requires the state emergency management agency to create a plan supporting agricultural, seafood, and food production during emergencies, coordinating with agencies like Agriculture Resources and Public Health. It mandates annual reports tracking local food (grown or processed in Massachusetts) distributed through state-funded programs like food banks, school meals, and senior nutrition programs, including detailed metrics on volume, types, and sources. The bill also updates agricultural preservation goals to consider factors like soil health, access for marginalized communities, and environmental benefits, requiring public input and 3-year reviews. These provisions directly affect farmers, food assistance programs, and state agencies managing food supply chains. The bill aims to strengthen food system resilience and transparency through concrete reporting and planning requirements.

By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 478) of Joan B. Lovely, Jason M. Lewis, Brendan P. Crighton, Natalie M. Higgins and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to disclosing continuing care retirement community entrance fees. Elder Affairs.

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1484) of Joanne M. Comerford, Mark C. Montigny, Danillo A. Sena, Paul K. Frost and other members of the General Court for legislation to reduce incidence and death from pancreatic cancer. Public Health.

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Bruce E. Tarr, Ryan C. Fattman, Patrick M. O'Connor, Peter J. Durant and others for legislation to prevent false impersonation of a federal official. The Judiciary.

By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 763) of Adam Gomez, Lindsay N. Sabadosa, Manny Cruz, Sal N. DiDomenico and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to telehealth and digital equity for patients. Financial Services.