Maddy summaryThis bill establishes specific rights for people experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts. It defines "persons experiencing homelessness" broadly to include those in shelters, cars, parks, or temporary housing, and guarantees their right to use public spaces without discrimination based on housing status. Key provisions include protections against discrimination in medical care (including pandemic services), voting access (explicitly stating lack of fixed residence won't block voter registration), and employment, while requiring employers to consider housing status as a protected category under anti-discrimination law. The bill also mandates reasonable privacy for personal property in public spaces and prohibits harassment by officials. These changes directly affect homeless individuals and require state/municipal agencies and employers to adjust policies to comply.
Sen. Robyn Kennedy
Sponsored bills
By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1116) of Cindy F. Friedman for legislation to strengthen justice and support for sex trade survivors. The Judiciary.
Senate, February 12, 2026 -- Text of the Senate Bill regarding fair housing practices in the Commonwealth (Senate, No. 2959) (being the text of Senate, No. 2947, printed as amended)
By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 313) of Joanne M. Comerford, Hannah Kane, James K. Hawkins, Sal N. DiDomenico and other members of the General Court for legislation to strengthen transitional planning for persons with disabilities after high school graduation or the age of twenty-two. Education.
Senate, February 5, 2026 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill to end housing discrimination in the Commonwealth (Senate, No. 2671),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft entitled "An Act regarding fair housing practices in the Commonwealth" (Senate, No. 2947).
Senate, November 13, 2025 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 245) of Adam Gomez, Robyn K. Kennedy and Joan B. Lovely for legislation to end housing discrimination in the Commonwealth, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2671).
Senate, February 9, 2026 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 359) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to promote a healthy culture and climate within schools; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 368) of Adam Gomez, Michael J. Barrett, Joanne M. Comerford, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the Senate for legislation to reduce exclusionary discipline for grooming and dress code violations; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 376) of Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation to promote the education success of court involved children; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 380) of Patricia D. Jehlen and James B. Eldridge for legislation to establish statewide targets for addressing persistent disparities in achievement and suspension and expulsion in public schools; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 387) of Robyn K. Kennedy for legislation relative to safer schools, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2955).
By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 368) of Adam Gomez, Michael J. Barrett, Joanne M. Comerford, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the Senate for legislation to reduce exclusionary discipline for grooming and dress code violations. Education.
By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2116) of Joanne M. Comerford and Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to establish gender-neutral bathrooms. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts school safety policies by restricting school resource officers (SROs) to only address serious criminal conduct (like violence or property damage), prohibiting them from handling routine discipline or non-violent disruptions. It requires school districts to annually report detailed data on student interactions with SROs (including arrests and referrals) and budgets for mental health support, with public disclosure of this information. Additionally, the bill creates grants for schools to adopt "holistic school health and safety practices" that avoid law enforcement involvement, such as restorative justice programs and relationship-building initiatives. These changes directly affect all public school districts, charter schools, and regional districts in Massachusetts, aiming to shift safety approaches away from punitive measures.