Massachusetts Bills

Report of the Office of the Comptroller (pursuant to Section 2 of Chapter 214 of the Acts of 2024) submitting its Stabilization Fund Interest Transfer FY26 report

Order relative to authorizing the committee on the Judiciary to make an investigation and study of a certain House document relative to school employee screenings.

Report of the Department of Public Health (pursuant to 105 CMR 451.403) submitting the inspection report for Essex County Women in Transition, the Plan of Correction from the facility and the Plan of Correction acceptance letter from the Division of Environmental Health Regulations and Standards (EHRS)

Order relative to authorizing the committee on Environment and Natural Resources to make an investigation and study of certain House documents relative to deer population control and park fee exemptions for veterans.

Report of the Greater Attleboro-Taunton Regional Transit Authority (pursuant to Section 222 of Chapter 6 of the General Laws) submitting its Fiscal Year 2025 Audited Financial Statements, Single Audit report and Attleboro Commuter Rail Station and Parking Lot Statement

Report of Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (pursuant to line item 7004-9316 of Section 2 of Chapter 9 of the Acts of 2025) submitting it Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program first quarter FY26 report

This procedural bill authorizes the Municipalities and Regional Government committee to investigate three related bills (H2248, H2276, H2330) concerning municipal administrative matters. The committee must study these bills and report its findings, recommendations, and draft legislation to the General Court by December 31, 2026. It does not change current law but sets a process for future legislative action on municipal governance issues.

This bill (H 5119) authorizes the Municipalities and Regional Government committee to investigate current travel mileage rate fees for sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, and constables. It directs the committee to study House Document 2279 on this topic and report recommendations, including draft legislation, to the General Court by December 31, 2026. The bill itself does not change fees or create new policies - it only sets up a formal review process. This procedural step affects local law enforcement personnel whose travel reimbursement rates are under examination. The committee must complete its study and propose any changes by the 2026 deadline.

H 5131 allows municipalities to hold meetings with remote participation for all members, requiring clear audio, roll call voting for remote attendees, and public access via free technology like video or phone. It creates a new "Double Pole Municipal Fund" to distribute certain existing revenues (from section 34B of chapter 164) directly to towns without annual appropriations, with annual reports to lawmakers. The bill also clarifies that "select board" includes mayors and town boards, and updates complaint rules for open meeting law violations. These changes directly affect all cities and towns operating under Massachusetts municipal laws.