Sen. Joan Lovely

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the city of Salem to issue a new license allowing Gulu-Gulu Cafe (at 247 Essex Street) to serve all types of alcoholic beverages to be consumed on the premises. It requires the cafe to return its existing wine and malt beverage license (under Chapter 67 of 2008) and restricts the new license to the dining room and reasonable public areas. The license cannot be transferred to a new location, must be returned if terminated, and reverts to the city for potential reissuance at the same site under specific conditions. The bill repeals Chapter 67 of 2008 and sets an effective date of January 1, 2027.

Senate, July 13, 2026 -- The committee on The Judiciary to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1205) of Michael O. Moore, Joanne M. Comerford, Jacob R. Oliveira, Joan B. Lovely and other members of the Senate for legislation relative to controlling and abusive litigation, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3158).

Maddy summarySD 94 creates new legal protections for victims of abuse in family or household disputes by defining and addressing "controlling and abusive litigation." It allows courts to issue restraining orders against parties who file lawsuits primarily to harass, intimidate, or maintain contact with an abuse victim - after verifying the parties' relationship and prior abuse findings. If found guilty, the court can dismiss the case with prejudice, award the victim court costs and attorney fees, and impose 48-72 months of prefiling restrictions on the offending party. This bill directly affects individuals in domestic disputes where lawsuits are weaponized as tools of abuse, not the broader public.

By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1447) of Patricia D. Jehlen, Adam Gomez, Mike Connolly, Paul W. Mark and other members of the General Court for legislation to enable cities and towns to stabilize rents and protect tenants. Municipalities and Regional Government.

Senate, July 9. 2026 -- The committee on Environment and Natural Resources to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 547) of Joanne M. Comerford, Michael O. Moore, James B. Eldridge and Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation to establish an ecologically-based mosquito management program in the Commonwealth to protect public health, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3152).

By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1718) of Joan B. Lovely, Vanna Howard, Hannah Kane, Paul W. Mark and other members of the General Court for legislation to require health care employers to develop and implement programs to prevent workplace violence. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1938) of Joanne M. Comerford, Jason M. Lewis, Michael D. Brady, Jacob R. Oliveira and other members of the Senate for legislation to establish an advisory council on family caregiving. Revenue.

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 547) of Joanne M. Comerford, Michael O. Moore, James B. Eldridge and Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation to establish an ecologically-based mosquito management program in the Commonwealth to protect public health. Environment and Natural Resources.

Senate, October 16, 2025 -- The committee on Aging and Independence to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 476) of Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation to establish a special commission on a statewide long-term services and supports benefit program, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2645).

By Mr. Mark, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2694) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Paul W. Mark, Joanne M. Comerford and Joan B. Lovely for legislation to promote fair tax treatment for zero-emission vehicles. Revenue.