Sen. Jo Comerford

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3268) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to authorize the Montague Center Fire District and the Turners Falls Fire District to continue the membership of members John Annear, Lawrence William Peters Jr., David Rehorka, Richard Sawin and Sallie Sawin. Public Service.

Senate, July 16, 2026 -- Substituted as a new draft (Senator Comerford) for the Senate Bill providing equal opportunity for residents to vote on establishment of the Great River Regional School District (Senate, No. 3026).

Text of an amendment, offered by Mr. Walsh of Peabody, to the Senate Bill providing equal opportunity for residents to vote on establishment of the Great River Regional School District (Senate, No. 3181). August 20, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for supported decision-making agreements (SDMAs), allowing adults (18+) with disabilities to voluntarily choose supporters (like family or friends) to help them make life decisions - such as housing, healthcare, or finances - without replacing guardianship. It requires the state to create a training program for supporters on rights, obligations, and dispute resolution, and updates education and legal processes to recognize SDMAs (e.g., informing students about SDMAs during IEP meetings). The bill directly affects adults needing decision support, their chosen supporters, and state agencies like the Department of Developmental Services. Key provisions define "supported decision-making," set rules for agreement execution/termination, and prohibit supporters who have abused the decision-maker or been removed as conservators.

By Mr. Rush, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1620) of Michael F. Rush and Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to protect children from harmful diet pills and muscle-building supplements. Public Health.

By Ms. Comerford and Ms. Whipps of Athol, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3261) of Joanne M. Comerford and Susannah M. Whipps (with approval of the mayor and city council) for legislation to authorize the city of Greenfield to grant an additional liquor license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. [Local Approval Received.]

Senate, August 10, 2026 -- The committee on Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 341) of Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation to expand access to family, friend, and neighbor-provided childcare administered by the Department of Early Education and Care, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3239).

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the town of Athol to issue five extra licenses for businesses that sell alcoholic beverages for consumption off-site. It overrides a state law that normally caps the number of such licenses a municipality can grant. The new licenses must still follow all other existing state alcohol regulations. The measure takes effect immediately upon its passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Town of Athol in Massachusetts to issue five extra permits for businesses that sell wine and beer for customers to take home. It overrides a state law that normally limits how many such licenses a town can grant. The new permits must still follow all other state alcohol regulations, but they are exempt from the specific numerical cap set by the existing statute.

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3155) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to authorize the South Deerfield Fire District to continue the employment of fire department member Steven Kolakoski. Public Service.