Sen. Peter Durant

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the town of Rutland to issue a special alcohol license to a specific business, Varahi Foods Inc., allowing it to sell beverages for off-premises consumption. The license is restricted to this single location and cannot be transferred to a different address, though it may be renewed at the same site if the business maintains good standing with state tax and unemployment agencies. If the license is not renewed or is cancelled, the town retains the right to reissue it to a new applicant at that location within three years. The law requires the town to issue this license within one year of the bill's passage and becomes effective immediately upon approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Kenneth M. Antanavica to continue serving as the Police Chief of the Town of Leicester until April 30, 2028, or until he retires, is removed from office, or is no longer reappointed, whichever happens first. The law requires that he remain mentally and physically capable of performing his duties throughout this extended period. Additionally, the bill ensures he receives a retirement allowance equivalent to what he would have earned had he retired on April 30, 2025, without any further deductions to his salary.

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1776) of Bruce E. Tarr, Hannah Kane and Steven George Xiarhos for legislation to empower law enforcement to cooperate with the United States to transfer custody of convicted criminals. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Senate, July 2, 2026 -- Substituted as a new draft (Senator Durant) for the Senate Bill relative to the dissolution of the Holmes Park Water District (Senate, No. 2505).

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 236) designates specific segments of existing Massachusetts highways as the "General Lafayette Trail" and requires the Department of Highways to install markers. It directly affects the Department of Highways, which must erect and maintain the signage. The designated routes include portions of Route 9, Route 32, Route 20, and Stafford Street across Belchertown, Ware, Worcester, and Sturbridge. The bill creates no new policies or regulations - only a name change for existing roadways.

Maddy summaryThis bill reorganizes the Town of Barre's public services by abolishing the existing public works commission and creating a new Department of Public Works. The new department will combine the functions of the current highway, water, sewer, and parks departments into a single entity. It establishes a superintendent appointed by the town's select board to oversee the department, with the town administrator managing the superintendent's employment contract and daily supervision. All existing contracts, records, and equipment from the old departments will automatically transfer to the new department without disrupting current operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures teachers who move from classroom roles to positions at the Executive Office of Education or the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education retain their status in the teacher retirement system (or Boston retirement system), avoiding a switch to the state employees' retirement system. It requires such employees to pay makeup contributions for the difference in retirement payments between systems during their time in state education roles. Additionally, it creates a one-time 180-day opportunity for eligible teachers (who began contributing before July 2001 and didn’t choose an alternative retirement program) to join a specific retirement benefit program. The bill directly affects current and future educators transitioning to state education agency jobs, focusing on maintaining retirement benefits and contribution continuity.

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2085) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to improve long-term care staffing and dignity for caregivers through training, tuition reimbursements, tax credits and other programs. Revenue.

Senate, July 23, 2026 -- Text of amendment (410) (offered by Senator Edwards) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 3178) to the House Bill relative to economic development in the commonwealth.

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2082) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to the taxation of rolling stock for trucking and railcars. Revenue.