Senate, July 31, 2026 -- The committee on Financial Services, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 688) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation to prohibit card interchange fees on tax or gratuity, report the accompanying Order (Senate, No. 3246).
Senate, July 31, 2026 -- The committee on Transportation, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2363) of John J. Cronin for legislation to establish a separate fund to be known as the InterCity Regional Passenger Rail Fund; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2372) of Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation relative to mobile carrying devices; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2379) of William J. Driscoll, Jr. for legislation relative to fully autonomous vehicle and human drivers; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2393) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation relative to the safety and standards of autonomous vehicles; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2429) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to ensure benefits through enhanced Selective Service registration; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2905) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Julian Cyr for legislation to provide for mobile driver’s licenses in the commonwealth, report the accompanying Order (Senate, No. 3245).
This bill authorizes the city of Holyoke to create local rules banning the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, a type of pesticide used to kill rodents. It specifically allows the city to prohibit these chemicals even if they are applied by licensed commercial pest control companies. The legislation overrides existing state laws that might otherwise permit such use and takes effect immediately upon passage.
By Ms. Howard, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3118) of Vanna Howard (by vote of the town) for legislation to provide for the filling of a vacancy on the Groton-Dunstable School Committee. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]
By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3138) of Rebecca L. Rausch (by vote of the town) for legislation to authorize the town of Medfield to utilize alternative methods for notice of public hearings. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]
By Mr. Tarr and Ms. Kassner of Hamilton, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3147) of Bruce E. Tarr and Kristin E. Kassner (by vote of the town) for legislation to amend the town charter of Ipswich. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]
This bill grants the Town of Lincoln the authority to ban the use of anticoagulant rodenticides, which are a specific type of poison used to kill rodents. The law applies to all users, including licensed commercial pest control companies, though the town's Board of Health retains the power to allow exceptions if necessary to address immediate public health emergencies. By overriding existing state laws, the legislation enables the town to enforce its own local rules regarding these pesticides without needing further state approval.
This bill grants the town of Sharon the authority to pass local rules banning the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, a type of poison commonly used to kill rodents. The law applies to all users, including licensed commercial pest control companies, with the only exception being situations where the town's Board of Health permits its use to fix an immediate public health issue. By overriding state laws that might otherwise allow these chemicals, the legislation enables Sharon to restrict these substances within its borders. The measure takes effect immediately upon passing, giving the town direct control over this specific pest control method.
This bill establishes a new process for filling vacancies on the Marlborough city council for ward councilors. If a vacancy happens in the first 12 months of a term, the council must immediately order an election to fill the remaining time. If a vacancy occurs in the last 12 months of a term, the remaining council members will vote to fill the position directly without an election. The changes apply specifically to the City of Marlborough and take effect immediately upon passage.
This bill defines "serious mental illness" using the DSM criteria (including conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and PTSD) to clarify which patients qualify for protections. It prohibits health insurers and state health programs from requiring prior authorization, step therapy, or other delays for FDA-approved medications treating these conditions. The law directly affects patients with qualifying mental health conditions by removing insurance barriers to accessing necessary medications. It applies to both private insurance plans and state-managed health programs under Massachusetts law.
H 4335 requires Massachusetts' Group Insurance Commission to cover medically necessary cognitive rehabilitation services for Commonwealth employees (active and retired) with an acquired brain injury (ABI). The bill mandates coverage for specific therapies including cognitive rehabilitation therapy, neurocognitive therapy, community reintegration services, and neurofeedback therapy, without lifetime or unreasonable annual limits. It prohibits insurers from denying coverage solely because services occur outside a hospital and requires insurers to train staff on these benefits. The law also specifies that providers must hold appropriate licenses and accreditation for these services. This directly affects Commonwealth employees with ABI by ensuring comprehensive insurance coverage for their rehabilitation needs.
This bill prohibits health insurance carriers from lowering reimbursement rates for doctors' evaluation/management or procedural services solely because the provider also billed other covered services (like minor surgery) on the same day. It directly affects medical providers and insurers by voiding any contract terms allowing such payment reductions. The key provision ensures providers aren't penalized financially for delivering multiple covered services during a single patient visit, promoting fair payment for comprehensive care.
