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).
Sen. Pat Jehlen
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHD 3139 requires schools and healthcare providers to implement education programs focused on preventing sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) and related seizure-related deaths. It mandates training for school staff on recognizing seizures and emergency response protocols, while promoting public awareness campaigns about epilepsy safety. The bill directly affects students, families, and school personnel by improving seizure management practices in educational settings. This legislation aims to reduce preventable deaths through concrete, evidence-based education and preparedness measures.
By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1547) of Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation relative to the board of registration in naturopathy. Public Health.
By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1563) of Robyn K. Kennedy, Rebecca L. Rausch, Joanne M. Comerford, Susannah M. Whipps and other members of the General Court for legislation to prioritize patient access to care based upon the professional judgment of the physician.. Public Health.
By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1393) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, Jason M. Lewis, John F. Keenan and other members of the Senate for legislation relative to preventing overdose deaths and increasing access to treatment. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 817) protects tenants with pets from eviction during emergencies and standardizes pet policies in housing. Landlords cannot evict tenants for having pets during a state of emergency (for one year after it ends) unless pets cause actual harm, and hotels cannot unreasonably refuse pets during emergencies. It bans housing rules that restrict pets based on breed, size, or appearance, and allows landlords to charge a capped additional rent (max 1% of rent per dog or total for other pets), excluding service animals. These changes directly affect renters, landlords, and housing authorities, aiming to prevent pet-related housing discrimination.
By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1537) of Paul R. Feeney and Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to establish testing protocol and care for victims of date rape drugs. Public Health.
By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1016) of Michael O. Moore, Patricia D. Jehlen and James B. Eldridge for legislation to establish the Preventing Algorithmic Rent Fixing in the Rental Housing Market Act. Housing.
By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 640) of Mark C. Montigny, John F. Keenan, Joanne M. Comerford, Michael O. Moore and other members of the General Court for legislation to promote humane cosmetics and other household products by limiting the use of animal testing. Environment and Natural Resources.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates all Commonwealth watershed lands as either "Parks" (for recreation with strict resource protection) or "Reserves" (for minimal human interference to protect ecosystems). It establishes a Reserves Scientific Advisory Council of eight scientific experts to oversee Reserve management and provide biennial reports to the governor. The bill requires the commissioner to develop public-input watershed management plans every five years, focusing on forest protection, climate resilience, carbon storage, and water quality. These plans must align with the new land classifications and prohibit selling or removing natural resources except for specific management needs like erosion control or public safety. The bill directly affects how Massachusetts manages its watershed systems, including the Quabbin Reservoir area.