By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 549) of Joanne M. Comerford, James B. Eldridge, James K. Hawkins, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation to invest in natural and working lands. Environment and Natural Resources.
By Ms. Comerford, a 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. Environment and Natural Resources.
By Mr. Mark, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2694) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Paul W. Mark, Joanne M. Comerford and Joan B. Lovely for legislation to promote fair tax treatment for zero-emission vehicles. Revenue.
By Ms. Creem, a 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. Environment and Natural Resources.
Senate, July 1, 2026 -- Text of the Senate Bill to improve outdoor lighting, conserve energy, and increase dark-sky visibility (Senate, No. 3162) (being the text of Senate, No. 3145, printed as amended)
Maddy summaryHD 4770 would authorize the town of Amherst to impose a real estate transfer fee on property sales within its boundaries. This fee directly affects property buyers and sellers in Amherst when they transfer ownership of real estate. The bill establishes the mechanism for the town to collect this fee, with the revenue generated intended for local use. Local approval for the fee has already been secured by the town.
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2083) of Bruce E. Tarr, Hannah Kane, Joanne M. Comerford and James B. Eldridge for legislation to increase the conservation land tax credit. Revenue.
Senate, June 25, 2026 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill to improve outdoor lighting, conserve energy, and increase dark-sky visibility (Senate, No. 2243),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 3145).
By Mr. Mark, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2861) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Paul W. Mark and Lindsay N. Sabadosa for legislation to create a special commission to examine school bus safety. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new governing charter for the Town of Orange, Massachusetts, replacing any previous charter. It directly affects all Orange residents by defining how their local government operates under Massachusetts' home rule authority. Key provisions include adopting an "Open Town Meeting-Select Board-Town Manager" structure, requiring a minimum of 75 registered voters for a quorum at Town Meetings, and mandating that budget and capital improvement proposals be included in combined "omnibus" articles. The charter also outlines specific procedures for Town Meeting notices, warrant preparation, and requires committee reviews for financial and land-use matters before voting. This document serves as the town's foundational governing framework.
