Sen. John Cronin

Maddy summaryThis bill extends firefighter Steven A. Hilliger's employment in Lancaster until age 70, retirement, or removal by the Fire Chief, provided he remains mentally and physically capable. The Select Board may require a medical exam to verify his fitness, and the town must cover this cost. The bill also ensures Hilliger receives no salary deductions for service after age 65 and guarantees a retirement allowance equal to what he would have received had he retired at 65. It directly affects only Steven A. Hilliger, a Lancaster firefighter.

Maddy summaryThis bill modernizes how Massachusetts municipalities conduct local meetings and elections. It allows town meetings and select boards to hold remote sessions via phone or video, requiring free public access without subscription fees and mandating roll call voting for remote participants. The bill also gives select boards authority to postpone elections during emergencies (like weather or public health crises) with specific rules for rescheduling, including adjustments to voter deadlines and materials. Municipalities must provide transcripts online if remote access isn't feasible, ensuring transparency in public proceedings.

Senate, October 23, 2025 -- The committee on Housing to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 964) of John J. Cronin, Patricia D. Jehlen, Mike Connolly and Manny Cruz for legislation to study single-stair residential buildings, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2647).

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (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. Environment and Natural Resources.

By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 283) of Pavel M. Payano, Joan B. Lovely, Jason M. Lewis, Brendan P. Crighton and other members of the Senate for legislation to expand licensure opportunity for school counselors. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (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. Environment and Natural Resources.

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 644) of Michael O. Moore, Carmine Lawrence Gentile, David T. Vieira, Paul W. Mark and other members of the General Court relative to pesticides. Environment and Natural Resources.

By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (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. Environment and Natural Resources.

Senate, November 19, 2025 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 283) of Pavel M. Payano, Joan B. Lovely, Jason M. Lewis, Brendan P. Crighton and other members of the Senate for legislation to expand licensure opportunity for school counselors, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2706).

Senate, November 19, 2025 -- The committee on Environment and Natural Resources to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 644) of Michael O. Moore, Carmine Lawrence Gentile, David T. Vieira, Paul W. Mark and other members of the General Court restricting the use of rodenticides in the environment, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2721).