Senate, March 19, 2026 -- Text of the Senate Bill promoting pet equity, treatment and safety (Senate, No. 3028) (being the text of the Senate, No. 3014, printed as amended)
Maddy summaryThis bill restructures the Commission of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren by changing how its 21 members are appointed and defining its core responsibilities. It requires that 5 members (including 3 nominated by the commission and appointed by majority vote) have direct experience as grandparents or relatives raising children, ensuring the commission includes those with lived expertise. The commission must now assess state agency programs affecting these families, advise on relevant legislation, and investigate creating a dedicated state agency for grandparents' issues. These changes aim to strengthen the commission's representation and role in shaping policies that support grandparents and relatives raising children.
By Representative Blais of Deerfield and Senator Comerford, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Natalie M. Blais and Joanne M. Comerford (by vote of the town) for legislation to authorize the release or exclusion of certain land from conservation restrictions in the town of Deerfield. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. [Local Approval Received.]
Maddy summaryH 4419 establishes a special commission to study the sustainability of Massachusetts' emergency food pantries within the state's food assistance program. The commission, including state officials, food bank leaders, and diverse pantry representatives from urban, suburban, rural, and non-urban areas, will examine challenges like workforce development, state funding adequacy, and capacity to meet community needs. It must produce a report with specific recommendations - including draft legislation - within 18 months, focusing on strengthening the emergency food network's long-term viability. This bill directly affects food pantries, state agencies managing the program, and residents relying on emergency food assistance.
Senate, July 23, 2026 -- Text of amendment (193) (offered by Senator Howard) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 3178) to the House Bill relative to economic development in the commonwealth.
Senate, July 23, 2026 -- Text of amendment (141) (offered by Senator Brownsberger) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 3178) to the House Bill relative to economic development in the commonwealth.
Senate, July 23, 2026 -- Text of amendment (511) (offered by Senator Creem) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 3178) to the House Bill relative to economic development in the commonwealth.
Senate, July 23, 2026 -- Text of amendment (110) (offered by Senator Mark) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 3178) to the House Bill relative to economic development in the commonwealth.
Maddy summaryH 5015 requires Massachusetts health insurers and health plans to reimburse community health centers at rates equivalent to MassHealth payments for the same services. It applies to all entities paying for Federally Qualified Health Center services, including private insurers, HMOs, and dental corporations. The law mandates that reimbursement must match MassHealth's payment methodology as of January 1, 2025, ensuring community health centers receive the same revenue they would get through Medicaid. Insurers must annually report compliance with this standard to the state insurance division.
Senate, January 15, 2026 -- Text of the Senate Bill improving campaign finance reporting for statewide ballot questions (Senate, No. 2916) (being the text of Senate, No. 2898, printed as amended)
