Rep. Steven Howitt

Senate, March 12, 2026 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet shops (Senate, No. 2720),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft entitled "An Act promoting pet equity, treatment and safety" (Senate, No. 3014).

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill requires owners of electric bikes and micromobility devices (like e-scooters) powered by lithium-ion batteries to store non-certified devices outdoors. Certified devices tested to UL safety standards (UL 2849 for e-bikes, UL 2272 for micromobility) may be stored indoors. Non-certified devices cannot be stored indoors in any buildings, must be kept at least 10 feet from exits, and can only be stored in UL 1487-certified enclosures if outdoor storage isn't feasible. Violations carry a $500 fine, and the bill mandates a public safety awareness campaign about battery risks.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale of fur products made from animals raised on fur farms (such as mink or fox) within Massachusetts. It directly affects sellers of new fur products, including retailers and online businesses operating in the state, but excludes used fur items, religious items, and products legally sold under federal law. The law defines "fur product" broadly (covering clothing, accessories, and home goods) but exempts items converted to leather or made from certain animals like sheep or deer. Sellers violating the ban face civil penalties of $500-$5,000 per product, enforced by the Attorney General, with rules to be issued within six months. The law takes effect one year after passage.

Senate November 19, 2025 -- The committee on Environment and Natural Resources, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 618) of Jason M. Lewis, Michael O. Moore, Michael D. Brady, James K. Hawkins and other members of the General Court for legislation to ban the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in pet shops; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 650) of Patrick M. O'Connor, Michael O. Moore, Michael D. Brady, James K. Hawkins and other members of the General Court for legislation banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet shops; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 651) of Patrick M. O'Connor, Michael O. Moore, Marcus S. Vaughn, Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation to ban the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in new pet shops, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2720).

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 40% state tax credit for Massachusetts homeowners who connect their primary residence to newly installed municipal sewage lines (installed in 2019 or later). It directly affects residential property owners who replace septic systems or cesspools with municipal sewer connections, covering up to $25,000 in connection costs per taxpayer. The credit is limited to $4,000 per tax year, with unused portions carryable forward for up to five years, totaling no more than $10,000. The credit amount is reduced by any state grants or subsidies received for the same connection project.

Maddy summaryHD 1595 creates tax credits for restaurants meeting specific environmental standards. Restaurants certified as "Green" by the Department of Environmental Protection can earn a $5,000 tax credit upon certification, plus up to $5,000 annually for three years if they use reusable dishes, utensils, and bulk condiments while providing dine-in or take-out service (with items like napkins only provided upon request). Counties with enough certified restaurants can become "Green Dining Destinations" for promotional use, and state agencies must prefer certified restaurants when booking meals. Only 250 restaurants can claim the credit each year, with existing certified restaurants getting priority over new applicants.

Maddy summaryHD 1185 exempts barber shops operating exclusively under Section 87T of Chapter 112 from sewage flow design criteria currently applied to beauty salons. It requires the department to treat barber shops as separate from beauty salons for sewage system design purposes. Barber shops must apply to the department for a unique sewage system design determination. The exemption remains in effect until the department formally classifies barber shops and beauty salons as distinct commercial uses.

Maddy summaryHD 2228 establishes a special commission to study and improve emergency medical services (EMS) as an essential service across Massachusetts. The commission, composed of state officials, EMS agency representatives, public health experts, and community members, will assess current EMS coverage, funding, workforce challenges, and disparities in underserved areas. It will develop recommendations for sustainable funding, regional collaboration, workforce recruitment strategies, and performance standards, while holding public hearings for community input. The commission must submit a final report with its findings and recommendations to state officials within 15 months of the bill's effective date.

By Representative Davis of Great Barrington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4118) of Leigh Davis for legislation to establish an emergency medical services treatment-in-place pilot program. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires out-of-state private schools or educational organizations owning property in Massachusetts to negotiate payments in lieu of property taxes (PILOT) with local land use authorities. It directly affects non-Massachusetts-based educational entities with physical property in the state. The key provision mandates these entities meet with local officials to establish PILOT agreements, overriding any existing laws that might exempt them from such negotiations. This creates a new requirement for out-of-state educational property owners to contribute financially to local communities where they operate. The bill does not set specific payment amounts or create new tax rates, only the process for negotiation.