By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to repeal archaic laws criminalizing pregnancy. The Judiciary.
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. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1563) of Robyn K. Kennedy, Rebecca L. Rausch, Joanne M. Comerford, Susannah M. Whipps and other members of the General Court for legislation to prioritize patient access to care based upon the professional judgment of the physician.. 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.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 817) protects tenants with pets from eviction during emergencies and standardizes pet policies in housing. Landlords cannot evict tenants for having pets during a state of emergency (for one year after it ends) unless pets cause actual harm, and hotels cannot unreasonably refuse pets during emergencies. It bans housing rules that restrict pets based on breed, size, or appearance, and allows landlords to charge a capped additional rent (max 1% of rent per dog or total for other pets), excluding service animals. These changes directly affect renters, landlords, and housing authorities, aiming to prevent pet-related housing discrimination.
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 an honorary "choreographer laureate" position for Massachusetts. The governor appoints a resident choreographer from a list of three nominees selected by a committee representing major Massachusetts dance organizations. The laureate promotes dance in the state through community engagement, choreographing for state events, and elevating the arts - serving a 4-year term with no salary but limited expense reimbursement ($1,000 annually) and no state employee status.
By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1898) of Rebecca L. Rausch (by vote of the town) for legislation to authorize the appointment of retired police officers to perform police details in the town of Plainville. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]
Maddy summarySD 2130 creates a new independent Commission on Workplace Harassment and Sexual Assault in the Legislature to address misconduct within legislative workplaces. The bill directly affects all state house personnel - including legislators, staff, interns, and executive branch employees working in the state house - by establishing formal procedures for reporting harassment, sexual harassment, or sexual assault. Key mechanisms include defining terms like "workplace harassment," requiring the commission to investigate complaints, and prohibiting retaliatory actions against those who report incidents. The commission, composed of 13 appointed members representing diverse expertise and legislative leadership, will operate independently with authority to investigate and report without executive branch oversight. This bill focuses on internal legislative workplace policies rather than broader public laws.
Filed by Ms. Rausch -- Order relative to granting the committee on Municipalities and Regional Government until March 31, 2026 within which time to make its final report on current Senate documents relative to municipalities and regional government.
