Sen. Jamie Eldridge

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2665) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Jason M. Lewis, James B. Eldridge, Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch and other members of the General Court for legislation to require employers to notify current employees of an I-9 employment eligibility verification form, or other employment records, within 72 hours of receiving the notice from a government agency. Labor and Workforce Development.

Maddy summaryS 1122 prohibits Massachusetts state and local law enforcement agencies from entering new agreements with federal immigration authorities regarding detention. It requires existing collaboration agreements to end, limiting state involvement in federal immigration enforcement. This directly affects police departments, sheriffs' offices, and detention facilities that previously shared information or resources with federal immigration enforcement. The bill changes Massachusetts' approach to immigration enforcement cooperation under the framework of state sovereignty.

Maddy summaryS 1127 creates a state-funded Immigrant Legal Defense Fund to provide free legal representation for immigrants facing deportation in Massachusetts courts. It directly affects low-income immigrants who cannot afford attorneys during immigration proceedings. The bill establishes the fund through the Judiciary Committee, allocating state resources to cover legal services for eligible individuals. This replaces the current reliance on limited pro bono services with a dedicated, accessible resource. The policy change ensures equitable access to legal counsel in immigration cases, a key factor in fair judicial outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special commission to study how electronic textbooks affect students and consumers in Massachusetts. The commission will examine pricing, resale options, contract clarity, and the impact of institutional incentives on student choices. It will include members from universities, student groups, the publishing industry, and government agencies, and must submit its findings and recommendations by December 31, 2028.

Senate, April 23, 2026 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 189) of Michael D. Brady, Joanne M. Comerford and James B. Eldridge for legislation relative to digital right to repair; report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3062).

By Representatives Donaghue of Westborough and Kushmerek of Fitchburg, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2206) of Kate Donaghue, Michael P. Kushmerek and others for legislation to enable physician assistants to authorize psychiatric holds and ensure adequate training on their use. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.

By Mr. Brady, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 189) of Michael D. Brady, Joanne M. Comerford and James B. Eldridge for legislation relative to digital right to repair. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1186) of Mark C. Montigny and Tram T. Nguyen for legislation to provide compensation for loss of income for victims of forced labor and sexual servitude. The Judiciary.

By Representatives Holmes of Boston and Uyterhoeven of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2636) of Russell E. Holmes, Erika Uyterhoeven and others for legislation to authorize an independent correctional oversight office to facilitate the recommendations of the Special Legislative Commission on Structural Racism in Correctional Facilities of the Commonwealth. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Representative Kerans of Danvers, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2216) of Sally P. Kerans and Carmine Lawrence Gentile relative to anti-psychotic or other psychotropic. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.