Sen. Jamie Eldridge

By Representative Meschino of Hull, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 9) of Joan Meschino and others for legislation to create a climate bank to facilitate innovative financing solutions for climate and clean energy innovations in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Financial Services.

Senate, February 12, 2026 -- Text of the Senate Bill regarding fair housing practices in the Commonwealth (Senate, No. 2959) (being the text of Senate, No. 2947, printed as amended)

December 15, 2025 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 383) of John F. Keenan for legislation to create a facilities loan program for private special education schools; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 430) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Joanne M. Comerford, Vanna Howard, Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation for a special commission to review and valuate the commonwealth’s current special education financing structure; (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 442) of Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to establish a special commission on special education funding; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 454) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to conduct a study on the delivery of special education services; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 455) of Bruce E. Tarr relative to the foundation funding of special education, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2864).

Maddy summaryThis bill declares free public higher education a right for Massachusetts residents. It creates a state grant program covering tuition and mandatory fees at public colleges, universities, and vocational programs for eligible students. Eligibility requires graduating from a Massachusetts high school (or equivalent) after three years of attendance, or qualifying for in-state tuition under federal rules. The grants supplement, but do not replace, existing federal aid like Pell Grants and state scholarships, with no restrictions on academic programs.

Maddy summaryHD 1480 requires Massachusetts colleges and universities to create clear policies about adding notations to student academic transcripts related to sexual misconduct cases. During disciplinary proceedings, a temporary notation must appear on a student's transcript stating the alleged violation and that resolution is pending. After a final decision, a permanent notation must be added showing the violation and outcome (e.g., suspension, expulsion), but must be removed if the student is found not guilty. Institutions must also annually report the number of such notations to the state, which will publish aggregated data.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 1237) prohibits cities, towns, and landlords from imposing unreasonable restrictions on family child care homes operating in residential properties. It bans zoning rules that block such homes, prevents landlords from refusing to rent to providers based on their use, and invalidates lease clauses restricting home-based child care. The law requires cities to document costs related to these homes and treats family child care as a residential use for zoning purposes. It directly affects family child care providers, landlords, and local governments, aiming to make it easier to operate these homes in residential areas.

Maddy summaryHD 356 requires grocery stores, supermarkets, and warehouse clubs to offer paper coupons of equal value when providing digital coupons for retail goods. It mandates that stores apply digital coupons to purchases for customers aged 65+ upon showing government-issued photo ID, and allows customers to request digital coupons when using store loyalty cards. Stores violating these rules face civil penalties of up to $2,500 for a first offense and $5,000 for repeat violations. The Attorney General’s office will establish rules to implement these requirements. This bill directly affects stores selling groceries or similar items and their customers, particularly seniors.

Maddy summaryHD 2660 bans the use of painful procedures and the denial of basic human needs in facilities serving people with disabilities. The bill prohibits any Commonwealth-funded program, agency, or facility from administering procedures causing physical pain (like hitting, pinching, or electric shock) to change behavior, or denying reasonable access to sleep, food, shelter, or bathroom facilities. It directly affects all facilities receiving state funding that serve individuals with physical, intellectual, or developmental disabilities. The law mandates humane treatment by explicitly prohibiting practices that would be illegal if used on non-disabled individuals.

Maddy summaryHD 847 establishes a bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness, defining this group to include those in shelters, vehicles, parks, or transitional housing. It guarantees specific rights such as free use of public spaces without discrimination based on housing status, access to medical care (including pandemic-related services), and the ability to vote without requiring a fixed address. The law also prohibits discrimination in employment and housing based on housing status and protects privacy of information shared with shelters. It amends existing anti-discrimination laws (chapters 151B and 51) to explicitly include "housing status" as a protected category.

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 313) of Joanne M. Comerford, Hannah Kane, James K. Hawkins, Sal N. DiDomenico and other members of the General Court for legislation to strengthen transitional planning for persons with disabilities after high school graduation or the age of twenty-two. Education.