Senate, December 11, 2025 -- The committee on Housing to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 992) of Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation to expand housing options through homesharing, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2834).
By Mr. Fernandes, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 992) of Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation to expand housing options through homesharing. Housing.
By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2185) of Michael O. Moore, Michael D. Brady, James K. Hawkins, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. and other members of the General Court for legislation to responsibly reducing emissions in the transportation sector. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
Maddy summaryThis bill changes Sandwich's town charter to replace the elected town clerk position with an appointed one. The current elected clerk will become the first appointed clerk and serve out the remainder of their term, after which future appointments will follow the new process. The change abolishes the elected position upon the bill's effective date, with no further elections for town clerk. (Procedural change; summary limited to 2 sentences as requested.)
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Sandwich's town charter to replace all references to "board of selectmen" with "select board" across 22 sections of the charter, standardizing the governing body's name. It also adds transparency requirements for town budgets, mandating that budget articles include comparative figures (previous year's actuals, current year's appropriations, next year's requests) and detailed information posted online. Additional changes include increasing the required notice period for budget meetings from 10 to 50 days and prohibiting select board members from holding other town offices during their term. These provisions directly affect Sandwich's local government operations, budget processes, and the structure of its governing board.
Maddy summaryMassachusetts SD 317 establishes the "Massachusetts Smart Work Week Pilot" program to test a four-day work week for private employers. It allows qualifying private businesses (with at least 15 employees) to adopt a four-day schedule without reducing pay, benefits, or status, while requiring them to collect employee data through surveys and interviews. The program includes a two-year pilot with annual reports on impacts, and participating employers may receive a tax credit for maintaining the schedule for at least one year. Public employers cannot join the pilot or claim the tax credit.
By Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 192) of Nick Collins for legislation to adopt regulations for the licensing of pipefitters and refrigeration technicians. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
Maddy summaryHD 5140 allows the Town of Pembroke to issue one new retail license for alcohol beverages at 256 Church Street (Parcel ID: G15-38), overriding certain existing licensing rules. This directly affects the town's licensing authority and future applicants seeking to operate at that specific location. The license cannot be moved to another site, and new applicants must provide proof from tax and unemployment departments that all fees are paid. If the license is cancelled or unused, it must be returned to the town, which may then issue it to a new applicant at the same or a different location.
Maddy summarySD 1771 establishes a statewide Access to Counsel Program in Massachusetts to provide free legal representation to low-income tenants and owner-occupants facing housing-related legal actions, such as evictions or termination of housing subsidies. Eligible individuals must qualify as indigent (e.g., receiving public assistance, earning ≤80% of area median income, or unable to afford legal fees without hardship). The program, funded by dedicated state appropriations and administered by the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, requires landlords to provide a standardized form explaining legal aid eligibility to tenants. Designated nonprofit organizations will deliver full legal counsel through partner attorneys, with oversight from an advisory committee and a phased 5-year implementation.
By Mr. Fernandes (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 360) of Zorianna Petrosyan, for legislation relative to school start times for middle and high school students. Education.
