Sen. Jo Comerford

Senate, December 31, 2025 -- The committee on Aging and Independence to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 477) of Robyn K. Kennedy, Joanne M. Comerford and Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation to establish the program of all-inclusive care for the elderly, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2825).

Senate, January 5, 2026 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 284) of Pavel M. Payano for legislation to enable trained dental hygienists to administer dermal fillers and botox, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2822).

Senate, January 8, 2025 -- The committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1385) of Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to expand loan repayment assistance for primary care physicians, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2884).

By Representative Domb of Amherst, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 933) of Mindy Domb relative to plastic bag reduction. Environment and Natural Resources.

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1503) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, Susannah M. Whipps, Manny Cruz and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to the closing of hospital essential services. Public Health.

Maddy summarySD 1388 requires nursing homes to report quarterly on the use of psychotropic medications (like antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety drugs) to federal agencies. Nursing homes must publicly post these reports online and document in each resident's care plan the prescriber's details, evaluation date, medical justification, and proof of informed consent. Failure to submit reports can result in fines, and repeated failures may lead to suspending new admissions. The bill directly affects nursing homes, residents receiving these medications, and prescribers by increasing transparency and accountability. It focuses on administrative reporting and documentation requirements without changing medication protocols.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts' 529 college savings program rules to allow the inclusion of "fossil fuel free" investment options. It defines a "fossil fuel free portfolio" as one with less than 0.25% fossil fuel investments (excluding companies involved in exploration, extraction, or processing of fossil fuels) and a reasonable fee structure. The amendment updates the law to explicitly permit these options within state-run college savings programs, even if not otherwise offered through the standard MEFA program. This directly affects MEFA (the state's 529 administrator) and investors in Massachusetts' college savings plans, providing a new investment choice meeting specific environmental criteria.

Maddy summaryHD 2792 prohibits food establishments and retail stores in Massachusetts from using, selling, or distributing polystyrene containers and packaging starting one year after the law takes effect. It specifically bans foam and rigid polystyrene for disposable food service ware (like takeout containers), meat/fish trays, packing materials (including peanuts), and certain products like coolers or pool toys. The law exempts personal use of polystyrene bought outside Massachusetts, prepared food packaged elsewhere without repackaging, and allows up to six months of temporary relief for businesses facing undue hardship. This directly affects restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores, and food trucks operating within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Massachusetts state and local government agencies (including police departments, sheriff's offices, and correctional facilities) from entering new agreements with federal immigration authorities for immigration enforcement or detention. It also requires all existing agreements of this type to end within 30 days (for enforcement agreements) or 90 days (for detention agreements) after the law takes effect. The Attorney General can enforce the law by seeking court orders to stop violations. The bill directly affects how Massachusetts law enforcement interacts with federal immigration authorities regarding detention and enforcement.

Senate, December 31, 2025 -- The committee on Transportation to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2366) of Julian Cyr and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to establish a special commission on micro-transit to study existing and emerging micro-transit services and its funding in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2873).