By Representative Sabadosa of Northampton and Senator Comerford, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Lindsay N. Sabadosa and Joanne M. Comerford relative to taxation of certain foreign government pension benefits. Revenue.
Maddy summarySD 94 creates new legal protections for victims of abuse in family or household disputes by defining and addressing "controlling and abusive litigation." It allows courts to issue restraining orders against parties who file lawsuits primarily to harass, intimidate, or maintain contact with an abuse victim - after verifying the parties' relationship and prior abuse findings. If found guilty, the court can dismiss the case with prejudice, award the victim court costs and attorney fees, and impose 48-72 months of prefiling restrictions on the offending party. This bill directly affects individuals in domestic disputes where lawsuits are weaponized as tools of abuse, not the broader public.
By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1430) of Brendan P. Crighton and Vanna Howard for legislation relative to the taxation of certain land and zoning ordinances owned by religious organizations. Municipalities and Regional Government.
By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1447) of Patricia D. Jehlen, Adam Gomez, Mike Connolly, Paul W. Mark and other members of the General Court for legislation to enable cities and towns to stabilize rents and protect tenants. Municipalities and Regional Government.
Senate, July 9, 2026 -- The committee on Environment and Natural Resources to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 551) of Cynthia Stone Creem, Joanne M. Comerford, Michael O. Moore, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation to prohibit the sale of newly farmed fur products, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3153).
Senate, July 9. 2026 -- The committee on Environment and Natural Resources to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 547) of Joanne M. Comerford, Michael O. Moore, James B. Eldridge and Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation to establish an ecologically-based mosquito management program in the Commonwealth to protect public health, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3152).
Maddy summaryH 5022 prohibits health insurance companies from denying payment for covered services solely because a patient received a referral from a doctor outside the insurance network. This affects patients seeking care from non-network providers and requires insurers to cover services under the same terms as network referrals. The bill amends multiple sections of Massachusetts health insurance laws (including Chapters 32A, 32B, 94C, 175, 176A, 176B, 176G, and 176I) to include this uniform rule. It takes effect one year after enactment for all new, renewed, or amended insurance contracts.
By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1718) of Joan B. Lovely, Vanna Howard, Hannah Kane, Paul W. Mark and other members of the General Court for legislation to require health care employers to develop and implement programs to prevent workplace violence. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1938) of Joanne M. Comerford, Jason M. Lewis, Michael D. Brady, Jacob R. Oliveira and other members of the Senate for legislation to establish an advisory council on family caregiving. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the legal definition of "office-based surgical center" in Massachusetts law. It defines such centers as offices or facilities owned/operated by medical practitioners (solo or group) providing surgical services, while explicitly excluding hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and facilities following specific surgical guidelines. The definition also clarifies that dental practices and oral/maxillofacial surgery by licensed dentists are not covered under this definition. This change directly affects medical practices operating in non-hospital settings seeking to provide surgical services.
