Senate, November 6, 2025 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill regarding free expression (Senate, No. 2328),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 2696).
By Representative Marsi of Charlton and Senator Fattman, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of John J. Marsi, Ryan C. Fattman and Paul K. Frost for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Candy J. Pike, an employee of the Department of Developmental Services. Public Service.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends a section of state law to add "Air Medal" to the list of military honors eligible for specialty license plates. It directly affects residents who wish to display license plates honoring military service, specifically allowing the "Air Medal" designation to be included alongside existing options like the "Distinguished Flying Cross." The key mechanism is a simple textual update to the law, inserting "Air Medal" after "Distinguished Flying Cross" in the relevant sections. This is a procedural change to license plate designations, not a new benefit or policy.
By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 596) of Ryan C. Fattman for legislation relative to hunting near a dwelling. Environment and Natural Resources.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Crumbling Concrete Assistance Fund to help Massachusetts homeowners repair or replace residential foundations damaged by minerals like pyrite or pyrrhotite. The fund, managed by the Secretary of Housing, provides direct financial assistance to affected homeowners, reimburses those who already paid for repairs (up to the fund's coverage limit), and minimizes financial strain on municipalities. Key provisions include tax exemptions on repaired foundations, annual reporting requirements, and a requirement for the Secretary to seek federal funding to support the program. A stakeholder working group must also develop long-term recommendations by 2026 on funding models and consumer protections. The bill directly affects homeowners with deteriorated foundations and local governments facing related costs.
By Mr. Durant, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 576) of Peter J. Durant, David F. DeCoste, Christopher M. Markey, Joseph D. McKenna and others for legislation relative to outdoor heritage. Environment and Natural Resources.
By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 594) of Ryan C. Fattman and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to improve veteran access to state parks. Environment and Natural Resources.
By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 125) of Ryan C. Fattman, Joseph D. McKenna and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to create an electronic backpack for foster children. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
By Ms. Dooner, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1439) of Kelly A. Dooner, David F. DeCoste, David F. DeCoste, Colleen M. Garry and others for legislation to exempt certain adjacent communities without direct access to MBTA services from zoning laws. Municipalities and Regional Government.
By Ms. Dooner, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1437) of Kelly A. Dooner, David F. DeCoste, Colleen M. Garry and Steven S. Howitt for legislation to provide exemptions under the MBTA communities law. Municipalities and Regional Government.
