Massachusetts Bills

By Representative Higgins of Leominster and Senator Cronin, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4702) of Natalie M. Higgins and John J. Cronin (with the approval of the mayor and city council) that the positions of police lieutenant and police sergeant in the city of Leominster be exempt from the civil service law. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]

This law provides $7.7 billion in temporary funding to state departments and agencies to cover necessary expenses for fiscal year 2027 before the main budget is finalized. It allows the state treasurer to make early payments to local cities, towns, and school districts that face an emergency cash shortage, provided they are certified by state officials. Additionally, the bill reauthorizes unused funds from capital accounts that would normally expire at the end of 2026 so they can be used for obligations in 2027. The provisions take effect on June 30, 2026, and will stop applying once the general appropriation act for the fiscal year is enacted.

By Representative Davis of Great Barrington and Senator Mark, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Leigh Davis for legislation to authorize the Dalton Fire District to continue the employment of interim fire chief Christopher Francis Cachat. Municipalities and Regional Government.

By Representative Biele of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 899) of David Biele for legislation to dedicate certain park and field space in the South Boston section of the city of Boston. Environment and Natural Resources.

Senate, June 1, 2026 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill Toxic-Free Medical Devices Act of 2025 (Senate, No. 2579),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft entitled "An Act relative to toxic-free medical devices" (Senate, No. 3050).

By Representative Blais of Deerfield and Senator Mark, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2250) of Natalie M. Blais for legislation to dissolve the Whately Water District. Municipalities and Regional Government.

By Mr. O'Connor and Mr. Kearney of Scituate a joint petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2577) of Patrick M. O'Connor (by vote of the town) relative to parking fines in the town of Scituate. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

Senate, February 26, 2026 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill providing for the ownership and maintenance of the Town Line Brook and Linden Brook culverts and dams (Senate, No. 620),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 2967).

Senate, December 18, 2025 -- Substituted as a new draft (Senator Brady) for the Senate Bill further regulating the amendment of a conservation restriction in the town of Hanson (Senate, No. 1425).

By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2628) of Robyn K. Kennedy and Kate Hogan (by vote of the town) to provide for alcoholic beverage licenses in the town of Bolton. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. [Local Approval Received.]

Senate, January 8, 2026 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means to whom was referred the Senate Bill enhancing the safety of first responders (Senate, No. 1719) (also based on Senate, No. 2449),-- reported, in part, a "Bill honoring Blue Star Families" (Senate, No. 2903).

This bill authorizes the town of Bridgewater to issue a new license to KOTAK LLC for selling alcohol that must be consumed off the premises. The law allows the town to grant this specific license to the business at its current location while restricting any future transfers to different addresses. If the current license holder stops operating or fails to renew the permit, the town can reissue it to a new applicant at the same spot within three years, provided all taxes and fees are paid. The legislation also requires the business to return its existing on-premises alcohol license to the town once this new off-premises license is active.