State Bills: Massachusetts

Massachusetts Pension Reserve Investment Management Requirements

Representative Erika Uyterhoeven introduced Massachusetts Bill H.2983 to establish requirements concerning investments of the Massachusetts Pension Reserve Investment Management (PRIM). The bill was referred to the Joint Committee on Public Service on February 27, 2025, with a public hearing scheduled for July 16, 2025. The bill accompanies a study order (H5312) and remains in the legislative process.

Private Bill Authorizing Brittany Sproule to Take Firefighter Exam Despite Age Requirement

The Massachusetts General Court passed H.2987, a private bill authorizing Brittany Sproule of Haverhill to take the civil service examination for firefighter position despite the maximum age requirement. The bill received local approval from the mayor and city council of Haverhill. This is a narrow individual waiver that does not change the general age requirement for civil service exams.

Fair Worker Representation on Joint Purchasing Group Committees

The Massachusetts General Court is considering H.2999, a bill sponsored by Representative Steven George Xiarhos that would require fair worker representation on joint purchasing group committees. The bill was referred to the Joint Committee on Public Service on February 27, 2025, and has been accompanied by a study order (H5312) for further consideration.

Universal Breakfast and Lunch at Senior Centers

Massachusetts House Bill H.4039 proposes requiring the Department of Aging and Independence to provide universal breakfast and lunch at senior centers, centers for active living, and councils on aging. The bill was referred to study order H5310 after committee review. A public hearing was held May 12, 2025.

Chicopee charter gender neutral act passes

Chicopee charter gender neutral act passes

Special Town Meetings Petitioned by Residents of Andover

Massachusetts General Court passed Senate Bill S.2544, a local act affecting special town meetings in the town of Andover. Sponsored by Senator Barry Finegold with local approval from Andover voters, the bill modifies procedures for residents petitioning for special town meetings. This is a routine municipal governance matter with no external impact beyond the town of Andover.

Boston Emergency Telecommunicators Group 2 Retirement Classification

Massachusetts Senator Michael F. Rush has introduced Senate Bill 2750 to add certified emergency telecommunicators employed by the City of Boston to the Group 2 retirement classification. The bill requires approval from both the Boston mayor and city council. The legislation is currently advancing through the Public Service Committee after being reported favorably.

Repeal of Archaic Pregnancy Criminalization Laws

Massachusetts House Bill H.5244 proposes to repeal archaic criminal statutes that historically penalized unmarried women for concealing the death of a child born out of wedlock. The bill has been introduced by Representatives Sabadosa and Livingstone and referred to the Joint Committee on the Judiciary, with a public hearing scheduled for April 7, 2026.

An Act Financing Long-Term Improvements to Municipal Roads and Bridges

The Massachusetts General Court is advancing Bill H.5279 through the 194th legislative session to finance long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges via bonding authorization. The bill passed favorably from the Joint Committee on Transportation and has been referred to the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. A public hearing is scheduled for April 7, 2026.

Establishing a Massachusetts Reparations Study Commission

Massachusetts Senate Bill S.1181, sponsored by Sen. Liz Miranda and companion House bill H.1753, proposes establishing a commission to study reparations for descendants of American slavery in Massachusetts. The Joint Committee on the Judiciary reported the bill favorably on February 5, 2026, and the Senate committee recommended ought to pass on March 31, 2026. A public hearing was held on November 25, 2025. If enacted, the commission would examine the legacy of slavery and potential remedies.