Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 4212) creates legal protections for harm reduction programs aimed at reducing overdose deaths and improving access to treatment. It defines "harm reduction programs" to include services like needle exchanges, overdose reversal, and referrals to treatment, and grants immunity from arrest, lawsuits, and property seizures for program operators, participants, and property owners when operating under department approval. The law also prohibits searches based on program use, requires annual department reports on program effectiveness, and exempts approved programs from certain registration requirements under Chapter 94C. It directly affects program operators, people accessing services, property owners, and government employees involved in approvals.
Sen. John Keenan
Sponsored bills
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1230) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to establish medical civil rights.The Judiciary.
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).
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).
Senate, March 18, 2026 -- (Filed by Mr. Keenan) Order relative to a special committee to canvass the votes for Senator to fill a vacancy in the First Middlesex district
By Mr. Keenan, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2157) of John F. Keenan and Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation relative to Massachusetts time zones and sunshine protection. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1573) of Joan B. Lovely, Jason M. Lewis, Paul K. Frost, Ryan C. Fattman and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to newborn screenings for congenital cytomegalovirus. Public Health.
By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1393) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, Jason M. Lewis, John F. Keenan and other members of the Senate for legislation relative to preventing overdose deaths and increasing access to treatment. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.
By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1537) of Paul R. Feeney and Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to establish testing protocol and care for victims of date rape drugs. Public Health.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes 14 peer-run respite centers across Massachusetts, requiring at least one per county. It mandates two specialized centers for LGBTQIA+ individuals (run by LGBTQIA+ staff with lived experience) and two for BIPOC communities (run by BIPOC staff with lived experience), all operating as non-clinical, short-term, community-based programs. Centers must provide voluntary, trauma-informed support focused on recovery and social connection, not clinical services, with staff trained in peer support. The state department must fund these centers to cover staffing, training, and operations while ensuring compensation rates support retention of qualified peer supporters. The bill directly affects individuals experiencing mental distress seeking crisis support and peer supporters with lived experience in behavioral health.