Resolve establishing a special commission on the Dover amendment

This legislation establishes a special commission to study the use and effectiveness of the zoning approval process of educational uses under the so-called Dover Amendment. The commission would study the impact of the education exemption provided by the Dover Amendment on municipalities and nonprofit education institutions, which shall include a review of the types of building projects sited under the protection of the Dover Amendment and the case law decided on the educational exemption.

While the Dover Amendment is an important piece of state law, some believe that the education provision is overly broad and can be falsely invoked by those looking to circumvent local zoning requirements.    

An Act to reimburse the George L. Darey Inland Fisheries and Game Fund

This bill would require that the George L. Darey inland fisheries and game fund be reimbursed for all losses of revenue for any license provided for free or at a discount.

I was able to successfully get a one-time reimbursement signed into law during Fiscal Year 2025, however this bill would make this reimbursement policy permanent.

An Act to further clear titles to real property affected by technical irregularities in recorded instruments

This bill was filed on behalf of the Mass Land Title Association and would set a 10-year period after which technical defects in real estate documents are deemed cured. Currently, technical defects need to be cured by going to land court, which can take months and can derail pending real estate transactions — primarily affecting titles for 1 to 4 family homes. This bill provides Massachusetts with an additional resource to increase our housing stock and allow more residents to own property.

An Act to add law enforcement councils to the Massachusetts TORT Claims Act

This legislation would add law enforcement councils to the definition of public employer in GL 258:1, the statute governing claims and indemnity procedures for public employees. 

An Act establishing a board of hoisting machinery regulations

This bill was filed on behalf of the International Union of Operating Engineers of Local 4 and proposes a board of hoisting machinery regulations, much like the boards for Electricians, Plumbers and Gas Fitters, and Pipefitters and Sprinkler Fitters.

The proposed Board will involve professionals in the industry to oversee the hoisting licensing process, implement state licensing laws, regulations and policies, and oversee requirements for training, exams, and appeals. Creating a Board for Hoisting machinery regulations will make the hoisting industry safer for the those who work in the field and for the community that surrounds these operations.