By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 392) of Jason M. Lewis, Joanne M. Comerford, Sal N. DiDomenico, Jacob R. Oliveira and others for legislation relative to food literacy. Education.
By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 412) of Liz Miranda and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to establish a permanent commission on American Indian and Alaska Native education. Education.
By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 588) of James B. Eldridge, Steven Owens, Mike Connolly, Patricia D. Jehlen and other members of the General Court for legislation to create a Climate Adaptation Superfund. Environment and Natural Resources.
By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 444) of Rebecca L. Rausch and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation relative to celebrate and teach Native American culture and history. Education.
Senate, November 17, 2025 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 326) of John J. Cronin and John F. Keenan for legislation to expand student opportunities in career technical education; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 329) of John J. Cronin for legislation to construct vocational education annexes in gateway cities; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 330) of John J. Cronin and Vanna Howard for legislation to ensure that all students have an equal chance of being admitted to vocational programs; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 332) of John J. Cronin for legislation to expand student access to a vocational-technical education; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 358) of Paul R. Feeney, Steven George Xiarhos, James B. Eldridge, Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation to improve access, opportunity, and capacity in Massachusetts vocational-technical education; and (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 384) of Edward J. Kennedy that provisions be made for an investigation and study by a special commission (including members of the General Court) to establish a commission to examine expanding vocational and technical high school access, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2690).
Senate, September 18, 2025 -- The committee on Aging and Independence to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 495) of John C. Velis, Paul K. Frost, Susannah M. Whipps, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation to codify the Hospital to Home Partnership Program, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2607).
Maddy summaryH 4746 establishes Massachusetts' first comprehensive consumer data privacy law, directly affecting businesses operating in the state that collect personal data ("controllers"). The law requires businesses to obtain clear "affirmative consent" from Massachusetts residents before collecting or selling their personal data, prohibiting manipulative "dark patterns" and ensuring consent requests are transparent, specific, and accessible. Key provisions include strict definitions for data types (like biometric data), rules for "contextual advertising" that doesn't track individuals, and requirements for businesses to honor consumer rights to access, delete, or opt out of data processing. The law applies to all businesses serving Massachusetts residents, with specific protections for children's data and health/wellness information.
By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 607) of Patricia D. Jehlen and Michael J. Barrett for legislation to respond to the threat of invasive species. Environment and Natural Resources.
By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 761) of Cindy F. Friedman, Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch, Manny Cruz and other members of the General Court for legislation to ensure access to full spectrum pregnancy care. Financial Services.
Maddy summaryS 1592 updates Massachusetts optometry licensure rules to modernize practice standards. It requires optometrists licensed before specific dates (1984, 1994, or 2021) to retake and pass exams by 2022 or 2025 to legally use certain eye medications (like glaucoma treatments and oral medications). The bill also clarifies that "practice of optometry" includes diagnosing related systemic conditions and adds requirements for annual continuing education and participation in state medical assistance programs. These changes directly affect older-licensed optometrists seeking to expand their scope of practice.
