Sen. Dylan Fernandes

Maddy summaryThis bill changes Falmouth's local government structure by replacing the elected Town Clerk position with an appointed one. The current elected Town Clerk becomes the first appointed clerk for the remainder of their term, after which the Town Manager (with Select Board approval) will appoint future Town Clerks. The bill amends Falmouth's charter to remove "and a Town Clerk" from the list of elected positions and updates the appointment process to align with other town management roles. These changes take effect immediately upon the bill's passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the charter of Sandwich, Massachusetts, primarily to replace all references to "board of selectmen" with "select board" throughout the town's governing document (Sections 1-26). It also adds minor procedural requirements, such as requiring budget articles to include comparative figures and historical data, and mandating that each warrant article include a short summary. The changes standardize terminology and clarify roles for the town's governing body, with no substantive policy shifts beyond updating language. This is a purely procedural update affecting Sandwich's local governance structure.

By Representative Xiarhos of Barnstable, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Steven George Xiarhos that a certain overpass on State Route 6 in the town of Sandwich be designated as the U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Tourville veterans memorial overpass. Transportation.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Town of Bourne to issue a specific non-transferable annual license to Sea State Foods, LLC (d/b/a Cataumet Fish) for selling all alcoholic beverages for takeout only (not to be consumed on the premises). It overrides a standard rule (Section 17 of Chapter 138) that would normally prevent this type of license. The license must follow all other alcohol sales rules in Chapter 138, but the business cannot transfer the license or serve alcohol on-site. This directly affects only Cataumet Fish and its ability to sell packaged alcohol.

Senate, April 2, 2026 -- The committee on Public Health to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1504) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, James B. Eldridge, John F. Keenan and others for legislation to protect Massachusetts public health from Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) a group of chemicals that are used in many consumer products and industrial processes, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3034).

By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 690) of Brendan P. Crighton, Marcus S. Vaughn, Steven George Xiarhos, Paul K. Frost and other members of the General Court for legislation to mandate access to cancer screenings for firefighters through health care benefits plans or programs provided by the public employer. Financial Services.

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1504) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, James B. Eldridge, John F. Keenan and others for legislation to protect Massachusetts public health from Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) a group of chemicals that are used in many consumer products and industrial processes. Public Health.

By Mr. Fernandes, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation to support men's mental health. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts public pension funds (like state employee retirement systems) to sell investments in fossil fuel companies and shift toward fossil fuel-free investments. It authorizes these funds to divest from companies in coal, oil, or gas sectors (defined by specific industry codes) and invest in index funds or other options without fossil fuel holdings. The change requires following the fund's existing procurement process under Chapter 32, Section 23B. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

By Representatives Badger of Plymouth and LaNatra of Kingston, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michelle L. Badger relative to early intervention services for children with prenatal exposure to opioids. Public Health.