H 4903 establishes a pilot program at Madison Park Technical Vocational High School in Boston to train adults for transit driving careers through classroom and off-site instruction. The program, administered by the school, will provide commercial driver’s license (CDL) training specifically for transit driving roles. The Registry of Motor Vehicles, working with MassDOT, will create rules for the program and collect fees from participating adults. This bill directly affects adult job seekers in Boston seeking transit driving careers through this targeted vocational training initiative.
Order relative to authorizing the committee on Election Laws to make an investigation and study of a certain House document relative to the recall of any holder of elective office in the city of Chicopee
Order relative to authorizing the committee on Public Service to make an investigation and study of a certain House document relative to Stoneham police maximum age requirement
Senate, November 24, 2025 -- The committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2155) of Patricia D. Jehlen, Lindsay N. Sabadosa, James B. Eldridge and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to establish a permanent commission on the status of transgender people to conduct an ongoing study of all matters concerning transgender people, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2725).
This bill allows public employees who took unpaid parental leave (for birth or adoption) exceeding one month to count that time toward their retirement benefits by making payments. Employees can pay the retirement system the equivalent of what they would have contributed during the leave period, plus interest, either as a lump sum or in installments. The buyback is limited to a maximum of two years of unpaid leave and applies only to leave taken for childbirth or adoption. This directly affects public sector workers on extended parental leave who wish to maintain full retirement credit for that time.
Senate, January 8, 2025 -- The committee on Agriculture and Fisheries to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 54) of Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to regulate the sale of hemp products and establish the Hemp Product Education Fund, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2800).
Senate, January 8, 2025 -- The committee on Revenue to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2034) of Jason M. Lewis and Michael J. Barrett for legislation to promote healthy alternatives to sugary drinks, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2752).
This bill establishes a special legislative task force to study creating an Underground Railroad, Civil Rights, and Black Heritage Museum and Cultural Center in Springfield. The task force will examine local history, recommend a location, funding options, and operational requirements, with a final report due by July 2027. It directly involves Springfield residents, cultural institutions, and state officials through designated members including legislative leaders, the mayor, and museum representatives. The bill does not fund or create the museum itself but authorizes a study to inform future decisions. (Note: The bill is pending further legislative action after committee referral.)
This bill requires the state to cover health insurance premiums for qualifying adjunct faculty at public higher education institutions. It defines eligible faculty as those teaching at least two 3-credit courses per semester (or four annually), regardless of funding source or employment term. The state will gradually increase its share of premium costs over five years, starting at 25% in the first year and reaching 75% by the sixth year. A working group must study adjunct faculty retirement benefits, compensation, and career pathways, reporting findings by December 2026. The bill directly affects adjunct faculty at state universities, community colleges, and UMass campuses.
Senate, January 7, 2026 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 194) of Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to limit credit card surcharges on credit card transactions in the commonwealth; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 204) of John J. Cronin for legislation relative to transparency in credit card fees; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 278) of Jacob R. Oliveira relative to credit card surcharges, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2819).
This bill allows public colleges with at least 25% of undergraduates in on-campus housing to create substance-free dormitory programs for students in recovery from addiction. These programs must provide on-site counseling, peer support, and trauma-informed services to help students maintain sobriety. Colleges are required to train staff on using overdose reversal drugs (opioid antagonists) and make them accessible to trained personnel during emergencies. Institutions may seek grants to fund these programs, with the state higher education and public health departments providing implementation guidance.
Senate, January 7, 2026 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 258) of Paul W. Mark for legislation to protect the privacy of individuals’ social care information, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2821).
