Massachusetts Bills

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 2, 2026

H 863: An Act establishing same-day voter registration

HD 2105, titled "An Act establishing same-day voter registration," would allow Massachusetts voters to register to vote on Election Day itself. The bill amends Chapter 51 of the General Laws by removing the existing requirement to register 10 days before an election (specifically revising Sections 26 and repealing Sections 31 and 50). This change directly affects all Massachusetts residents seeking to register to vote, enabling them to complete registration at their polling place on Election Day. The key mechanism is eliminating the prior registration deadline, streamlining the process for new voters.

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 2, 2026

H 4095: An Act granting the town of Conway the authority to provide legal voting rights in municipal elections for town of Conway residents aged 16 and 17 years old

This bill (HD 4607) authorizes the town of Conway to allow residents aged 16 and 17 to vote in local municipal elections. It grants Conway the legal authority to extend voting rights to these younger residents, but does not automatically require it. The town must first approve the change locally, which has already been done per the bill's abstract. The policy change directly affects Conway residents aged 16-17 who would gain voting eligibility in town elections.

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 2, 2026

H 3197: An Act relative to the sustainability of the family child care sector

HD 2355 creates a $3,300 annual tax credit (adjusted for inflation) for family child care providers who meet the definition in Chapter 15D. The credit can be carried forward for up to three years if it exceeds the provider's current tax liability. This directly supports family child care providers by offering financial relief to help sustain their businesses. The provision amends Chapter 62 of the General Laws to add this credit and carryover mechanism. It does not change existing definitions or require new administrative processes.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 2, 2026

H 3918: An Act granting the city of Somerville the authority to provide legal voting rights in municipal elections for City of Somerville residents aged 16 and 17 years old

HD 4486 allows Somerville residents aged 16 and 17 to vote in local city elections and ballot questions, despite being ineligible under state law due to age. The bill creates a separate voter list managed by Somerville's election board, requiring a special registration form for 16-17 year olds. Once voters turn 18, they are transferred to the regular voter list and must register under state law. The measure specifically limits voting rights to local elections only - excluding state or federal offices and ballots - and requires the city to cover all associated costs for the separate registration and ballot processes.

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 2, 2026

H 3218: An Act establishing tax credits for health care preceptorship

This bill establishes a state tax credit for Massachusetts health care practitioners (like doctors, nurses, and physician assistants) who serve as unpaid mentors ("preceptors") for students in approved health care training programs. Practitioners in areas designated as having health care workforce shortages can claim up to $5,000 annually ($1,000 per eligible student rotation, requiring 100+ hours per rotation across three rotations). The credit is claimed via an application to the Department of Public Health, which issues tax credit certificates to eligible practitioners. Unused credits cannot be carried forward, and the Department of Public Health must annually report on the program's usage, including regional and profession-specific data.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 2, 2026

H 4223: An Act lowering the voting age in municipal elections in the town of Arlington

This bill allows 16- and 17-year-old Arlington residents who are otherwise eligible to vote to register for local elections. It requires the town clerk to create a separate voter list for these "local voters," who can then participate in municipal elections, town meetings, and local ballot questions. Once they turn 18, they are automatically removed from this list and must register as regular voters under state law. The bill explicitly states that these voters cannot participate in state or federal elections or ballot questions.

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 2, 2026

H 3072: An Act for an enabling authority - Vaccination Tax Credit

This bill creates a state tax credit of at least $100 for Massachusetts residents who provide medical documentation proving they received approved vaccines for diseases designated by the Department of Public Health (DPH). It directly affects individuals who get required vaccines for diseases the DPH identifies as eligible. The key mechanism requires taxpayers to attach their vaccination records to their state income tax return to claim the credit. The credit aims to encourage vaccination by offering financial incentive, based on DPH-approved vaccines, without mandating vaccination.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 2, 2026

H 3014: An Act establishing tax credits for the adoption of cats and dogs

This bill creates tax credits for taxpayers who adopt cats or dogs. It provides a $300 credit for adopting a cat and a $500 credit for adopting a dog in the taxable year of adoption. The credit directly reduces state income tax liability for qualifying adopters. The provision amends the tax code to include these specific adoption incentives, applying to all eligible taxpayers who adopt from shelters or rescues during the tax year.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 2, 2026

H 4209: An Act granting the town of Sunderland the authority to provide legal voting rights in municipal elections for town of Sunderland residents aged 16 and 17 years old

This bill would allow the town of Sunderland to legally permit residents aged 16 and 17 to vote in local town elections, directly affecting young residents living in Sunderland. It grants the town the authority to implement this change, but requires approval by the Sunderland town meeting before it could take effect. The bill specifically modifies municipal election rules for Sunderland only, not for other towns or state-level elections. It does not automatically lower the voting age statewide but provides a local option for Sunderland to adopt.

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Apr 2, 2026

S 561: An Act to streamline permitting for rail electrification

By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 561) of Brendan P. Crighton for legislation to streamline permitting for rail electrification. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 2, 2026

H 4241: An Act granting the town of Whately the authority to provide legal voting rights in municipal elections for town of Whately residents aged 16 and 17 years old

This bill allows 16- and 17-year-old Whately residents to vote in local town elections and ballot questions, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements (like residency) but are ineligible under current state age rules. It requires the town's board of registrars to create a separate voter list and special registration form for these "local voters," who must be removed from the list upon turning 18. The bill explicitly states these voters cannot participate in state or federal elections or ballot questions. The town must cover all costs for the separate registration forms and ballots for local questions. This is limited to Whately's municipal elections only, with no impact on state or federal voting rights.

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 2, 2026

H 4033: An Act providing for legal voting rights in municipal elections for non-citizen residents of the city of Somerville

This bill allows non-citizen residents of Somerville who meet all other voter eligibility requirements (like residency) to register and vote in local elections and ballot questions. It creates a separate voter registration list managed by Somerville's election board, requiring a special form and a sworn declaration of residency. Non-citizens voting under this law can only participate in city-level elections (e.g., mayor, city council, local ballot measures), not state or federal elections. The city must cover costs for the special registration forms and separate ballots if local questions appear on state election ballots, while maintaining clear separation from state voter lists.

Topics ✓ Immigration

Bill results