H 4997 modifies Massachusetts criminal sentencing rules for accomplices involved in specific assault cases. It changes the law so that when the underlying crime is a violation of Chapter 265, Section 1 (assault), accomplices can be punished either as the main offender or with a prison term. This directly affects individuals charged as accomplices in assault offenses under Chapter 265. The bill clarifies sentencing options without altering the definition of the crime itself.
HD 5534 requires the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to submit an annual report on the Economic Empowerment Trust Fund for fiscal year 2025, as mandated under Section 35QQ of Chapter 10 of the General Laws. This report will detail the fund's activities, including participant data and outcomes, for the 2025 fiscal year. The bill directly affects the agency responsible for producing the report, with no changes to the fund's existing programs or eligibility. It is a procedural requirement focused solely on transparency and accountability for the fund's operations.
By Representative Madaro of Boston, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Adrian C. Madaro relative to access to the court system and judicial proceedings and processes. The Judiciary.
This bill (H 4996) amends Massachusetts law to increase penalties for organized retail crimes. It adds a specific sentencing option allowing courts to impose up to 2.5 years in a house of correction for certain retail theft offenses, updating two sections of the criminal code (Chapter 266, Section 30D and Chapter 218, Section 26). The change directly affects individuals convicted of organized retail theft, providing judges with a new sentencing tool. The bill focuses on modifying existing criminal penalties rather than creating new programs or policies.
Report of the Office of the Comptroller (pursuant to line item 1595-4506 of Section 2E of Chapter 9 of the Acts of 2025) submitting its Fiscal Year 2026 transfer schedule for the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Trust Fund
Bill H 4998 increases penalties for drivers who operate a vehicle while their license is suspended or revoked and cause harm. It establishes three penalty tiers based on injury severity: up to 2.5 years in jail or $1,000 for minor injury, up to 5 years in prison or $3,000 for serious injury, and up to 10 years in prison or $5,000 for causing death. The bill mandates automatic license revocation for 60 days to 2 years after conviction (longer for severe cases) and prohibits probation or parole for serious violations. It applies specifically to drivers who were ineligible for a license or had a suspended license due to prior violations.
HD 5535 requires the Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership to submit its 2025 annual report to the Massachusetts Legislature, as mandated by Section 17 of Chapter 23D of the General Laws. The report details the Center's activities promoting employee ownership (such as regional symposiums, advisory board work, and marketing initiatives) and includes an inventory of employee-owned businesses across the state. This procedural bill ensures transparency about the Center's efforts to support the transition of businesses to employee ownership models. The requirement applies to the Executive Office of Economic Development and its Center for Employee Ownership, with no new policy changes beyond the reporting obligation.
Report of the Department of Public Health (pursuant to 105 CMR 451.403) submitting the inspection report for Old Colony Correctional Center, the Plan of Correction (POC) from the facility and the POC acceptance letter from the Division of Environmental Health Regulations and Standards (EHRS)
Senate, January 29, 2026 -- The committee on Election Laws to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2742) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Rebecca L. Rausch, James K. Hawkins, Brian M. Ashe, Michael O. Moore and others for legislation to enhance safety and security for candidates and professionals, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2918)
This bill amends Massachusetts retirement law to clarify the process for handling convictions that could lead to losing pension or retirement benefits. It requires the retirement commission to first confirm that a conviction meets specific legal criteria (under Chapters 30 or 268A) before notifying an individual's retirement board or employer about the conviction. The commission must determine forfeiture is legally required before sharing details, preventing premature notifications. This directly affects retirement system members facing conviction-related benefit reviews and ensures the commission reviews cases before action is taken.
Report of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (pursuant to Section 30 of Chapter 285 of the Acts of 2024) submitting its report on the Plan to End Operations at MASAC - December 2025
Report of the Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association (pursuant to line item 8910-7110 of Section 2 of Chapter 9 of the Acts of 2025) submitting its MSA FY25 Grants Awarded report
