Sen. Jamie Eldridge

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a nine-member Advisory Commission to study sand mining activities in Massachusetts and their effects on drinking water, air quality, public health, and environmental justice. The commission includes representatives from state agencies, environmental organizations, universities, Indigenous tribes, and legislative leadership, and will meet monthly to investigate current and potential impacts over a two-year period. The group will produce recommendations for possible changes to existing mining laws and regulations to better protect public health and the environment.

Senate, March 12, 2026 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet shops (Senate, No. 2720),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft entitled "An Act promoting pet equity, treatment and safety" (Senate, No. 3014).

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Acton residents aged 16-17 to vote in local elections, including town meetings and ballot questions, despite being ineligible under state law due to age. It creates a separate voter registration list managed by the town clerk, requiring a special form for 16-17 year olds. Once they turn 18, they are removed from this list and must register as regular voters. The bill explicitly states these voters cannot participate in state or federal elections or ballots.

By Representative Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 489) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others for legislation to establish a student entrepreneurial and economic investment fund. Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a primary seat belt law in Massachusetts, requiring drivers and passengers aged 16 or older to wear seat belts, with fines of $50 for violations. It also imposes an additional $50 fine for each passenger under 16 but over 12 not wearing a seat belt. The law prohibits police from searching vehicles or drivers solely due to seat belt violations and ensures fines do not increase insurance premiums. Revenue from citations will fund the Head Injury Treatment Services Trust Fund, and the law takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill streamlines wetlands restoration by removing permit requirements for certain projects, such as restoring salt marshes, provided they're approved by state agencies, don't block public access, and avoid building structures. It also simplifies rules for manually removing invasive plants from natural areas, requiring new state regulations to protect native habitats. The bill mandates a 12-month review of state laws affecting wetland projects to cut permitting costs and time, and launches a 5-year pilot program to fast-track eco-friendly restoration projects like living shorelines. These changes directly affect environmental agencies, restoration contractors, and coastal communities working on wetland conservation.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes definitions for "Nature Services" (including clean air, water, recreation, and carbon storage) and "Reforestation," and amends land protection laws to prioritize "natural and working lands." It creates a voluntary municipal program requiring communities to adopt specific land protections - like zoning ordinances for conservation, tree canopy rules, and agricultural planning - to qualify as "natural and working lands friendly communities." State agencies must avoid converting protected lands, prioritize conservation in projects, and coordinate with the environmental office. The program aims to protect land for climate resilience, biodiversity, and equitable access to nature benefits, particularly in environmental justice communities, using state, federal, and private funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale of fur products made from animals raised on fur farms (such as mink or fox) within Massachusetts. It directly affects sellers of new fur products, including retailers and online businesses operating in the state, but excludes used fur items, religious items, and products legally sold under federal law. The law defines "fur product" broadly (covering clothing, accessories, and home goods) but exempts items converted to leather or made from certain animals like sheep or deer. Sellers violating the ban face civil penalties of $500-$5,000 per product, enforced by the Attorney General, with rules to be issued within six months. The law takes effect one year after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the town of Acton to use ranked choice voting (RCV) for all town elections (annual and special) starting in 2025, with exceptions for single-seat races with two or fewer candidates or multi-seat races where candidates equal the number of seats. Under RCV, voters rank candidates by preference, and votes are counted in rounds: lowest-ranked candidates are eliminated, and their votes are redistributed until a winner achieves a majority (for single seats) or all seats are filled (for multi-seat races). The bill includes specific rules for handling ties, batch elimination of candidates, and allows the Select Board and Town Clerk to make minimal procedural adjustments to ensure election integrity. It directly affects Acton residents voting in town elections and candidates running for local office.

Senate November 19, 2025 -- The committee on Environment and Natural Resources, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 618) of Jason M. Lewis, Michael O. Moore, Michael D. Brady, James K. Hawkins and other members of the General Court for legislation to ban the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in pet shops; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 650) of Patrick M. O'Connor, Michael O. Moore, Michael D. Brady, James K. Hawkins and other members of the General Court for legislation banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet shops; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 651) of Patrick M. O'Connor, Michael O. Moore, Marcus S. Vaughn, Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation to ban the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in new pet shops, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2720).