By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 340) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Michael J. Barrett, Cindy F. Friedman, Manny Cruz and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to healthy youth. Education.
By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 336) of Julian Cyr and James B. Eldridge for legislation relative to LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum. Education.
By Mr. Brownsberger, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 544) of William N. Brownsberger, Joanne M. Comerford, Dylan A. Fernandes and Jason M. Lewis for legislation to prohibit the mistreatment of birds. Environment and Natural Resources.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 2562) creates a property tax exemption for small urban farms in qualifying cities and towns. It exempts up to 100% of the assessed value of real estate used for agriculture or horticulture, provided the land is under 2 acres, the farm generated at least $500 in annual sales, and the property is used primarily for farming. Cities or towns with 50,000+ residents or designated as "gateway municipalities" must choose to adopt the exemption, and they can set the exemption percentage and decide if rooftop/container farms qualify. The exemption applies only to the agricultural portion of the property, not the entire parcel.
By Mr. Mark, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2169) of Paul W. Mark, David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf, Joanne M. Comerford, Michael D. Brady and others for legislation to authorize cultural facilities owned by tribal governments to be financed on the same basis as projects which are municipally owned. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
Senate, November 13, 2025 -- The committee on Higher Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 945) of Michael O. Moore and James B. Eldridge for legislation to assist low-income students success through work-study, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2704).
Senate, November 13, 2025 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 256) of Joan B. Lovely for legislation relative to the occupational therapist interstate licensure compact, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2672).
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Massachusetts Community College Career Pathways Trust Fund to support low-income students, particularly those receiving Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC), in earning certificates or associate degrees. It creates education opportunity coordinators at every community college to help students access career planning, financial aid, childcare, and work-study programs. The fund provides state work-study jobs (capped at 15 hours/week) at colleges, career-related off-campus sites, or community service roles, prioritizing TAFDC recipients. Annual reports will track student enrollment, success rates, and post-graduation employment to evaluate the program’s effectiveness.
Maddy summarySD 117 establishes a State Board of Building Regulations and Standards to develop a statewide building code that requires climate resilience and energy efficiency in new construction. The bill mandates that building standards address climate risks like flooding, extreme weather, and sea-level rise using science-based floodplain maps and historical data. Local towns and cities can adopt "expanded floodplain maps" (beyond federal FEMA maps) to determine flood risks and enforce flood-resistant building requirements. The bill also directs the board to eliminate outdated regulations that increase construction costs without improving climate resilience or public safety.
By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 256) of Joan B. Lovely for legislation relative to the occupational therapist interstate licensure compact. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
