Press Room

Ways and Means Committee Advances Bills to Remove Toxic Chemicals from Medical Devices, Foster Interior Design Industry

(BOSTON—6/1/2026) The Senate Committee on Ways and Means today advanced two separate bills: one to remove toxic chemicals from the manufacture of intravenous (IV) bags; and one to promote the growth of the commercial interior design industry in Massachusetts.

Both bills were reported out of the Ways and Means Committee as new drafts this morning and will debated by the full Senate during a formal session on Thursday, June 4.

An Act Relative to Toxic-Free Medical Devices

The toxic-free medical devices legislation, S.3106, would ban the use of DEHP—a toxic chemical—in intravenous bags and tubing in Massachusetts. Many IV bags currently contain DEHP, which is added to improve the plastic’s flexibility but can leach into patients. It has been linked to breast, liver, lung, and testicular cancer.

This bill was given a favorable report by the Joint Committee on Public Health on September 23, 2025, with a 5-0 vote following an opportunity for public input at a hearing held September 10, 2025. The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing then endorsed the bill with a 6-0 vote on December 15, 2025.

An Act Relative to Advancing the Profession of Commercial Interior Design

Legislation to create optional state licensure for commercial interior designers, S.3107, would help grow the industry by enabling smaller designers to bid individually for certain projects rather than having to contract with larger firms that have architectural licenses.

This bill was previously reported by the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure with a 5-0 vote on September 26, 2025, following a public hearing held July 14, 2025. The Senate supported similar legislation last session.

Both bills were originally sponsored by Senator Joan B. Lovely. Full details are available in fact sheets in the Senate press room and all committee votes are publicly posted on the Legislature’s website. The Senate will hold its next formal session on Thursday, June 4.

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