Senate, April 15, 2026 -- Text of the Senate Bill to build resilience for Massachusetts communities (Senate, No. 3064) (being the text of Senate No. 3050, printed as amended)
This bill authorizes the city of Newton to place liens on properties for unpaid local charges, fees, or fines, including those imposed by city ordinances or court orders. The liens become active once recorded with the registry of deeds and can be added to property tax bills if unpaid by the assessment deadline. Property owners are responsible for all costs related to recording or removing the liens, and the city council must vote to specify which charges apply before enforcement begins.
This bill allows the town of South Hadley to issue six new alcohol licenses to specific businesses located in four designated economic development zones. The four additional on-premises licenses would be for establishments where alcohol is consumed on-site, while the two off-premises licenses are for places where alcohol is sold for consumption elsewhere. These licenses are restricted to specific districts identified on a town zoning map and must be marked with their respective zone names. The town's licensing authority will manage the issuance, transfer, and renewal of these licenses, ensuring that all applicable taxes and fees are paid before approval.
By Representative Berthiaume of Spencer and Senator Durant, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr., that Bradford G. Merkel be authorized to take the state police examination notwithstanding the maximum age requirement. Public Service.
Senate, January 22, 2026 -- Report of the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission PERAC (under the provisions of Section 50 of Chapter 7 of the General Laws) submitting proposed amendments to the rules and regulations governing retirement of public employees in Massachusetts (840 CMR 28.00).
By Mr. Mark, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2861) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Paul W. Mark and Lindsay N. Sabadosa for legislation to create a special commission to examine school bus safety. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1662) of Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation relative to requirements for seatbelts on school buses. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 560) of Brendan P. Crighton for legislation to facilitate climate resiliency. Environment and Natural Resources.
This bill designates the "Honor and Remember" flag as a symbol representing Massachusetts' commitment to honoring U.S. military members who died in service and their families. It specifies the flag's symbolic elements (e.g., red for blood shed, gold star for ultimate sacrifice) and requires it to be displayed below the American flag when flown together, never larger than the American flag. The bill lists eight specific days for optional display (including Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Gold Star Mother's Day) and clarifies that no individual, organization, or government entity is mandated to purchase or display the flag. The measure focuses solely on recognition and voluntary display, with no enforcement or cost implications.
This bill updates Massachusetts' legal definition of "veteran" to expand eligibility for state benefits. It adds two key categories: (1) members of the American Merchant Marine who served during WWII (1941-1946) with honorable discharge, and (2) veterans awarded service-connected disabilities by the U.S. Veterans Administration. The revised definition also clarifies that "active duty" includes training periods where service members were disabled. This change directly affects veterans seeking state benefits who previously may not have qualified under the older definition, while maintaining existing exclusions like dishonorable discharges.
Senate, March 6, 2025 -- Report of the Massachusetts Capital Resource Company (under the provisions of Section 20 of Chapter 816 of the Acts of 1977) submitting its forty-eighth annual report
By Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1041) of Nick Collins for legislation to allow the attorney general to pursue civil action against a company or individual who violates the civil rights of Massachusetts citizen whose rights were violated in another state. The Judiciary.
