Press Room

Today, the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Massachusetts Senate announced their respective appointments to the Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions, which the Legislature established last week to conduct public hearings and issue recommendations related to each of the 11 initiative petitions that may appear on the ballot before voters in November.

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means today advanced three consumer protection and professional licensure bills for consideration next week by the full Senate, including a measure to combat unfair discrimination in the housing market.

An Act regarding fair housing practices in the Commonwealth advances the goal of ensuring every Massachusetts resident has a fair opportunity to access housing.

An Act relative to modernizing the pathway to becoming a certified public accountant would uphold the professionalism of certified public accountants (CPAs) in Massachusetts while opening the door for more people to pursue this career.

An Act modernizing protections for consumers in automobile transactions bolsters consumers’ rights and protections when buying a vehicle in Massachusetts. It expands the existing Lemon Law, increases used car warranties, and strengthens consumer protection surety bonds. The legislation also grants people who lease a vehicle the right to cure a payment default, giving them some parity with people who finance the purchase of a vehicle.

The Massachusetts Senate today passed legislation that supports young learners by ensuring reading instruction is rooted in proven, evidence-based practices.

The Massachusetts Senate today passed legislation designating January 30 of each year as Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution, and reaffirms the Commonwealth’s commitment to protecting constitutional freedoms.

(BOSTON—1/27/2026) Today the Massachusetts Legislature honored International Holocaust Remembrance Day, formally recognizing the lives of the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust.