Bill paves the way for new nonprofit operator six years after catastrophic flooding and Steward Health Care’s collapse left the region without a hospital AUGUST 3, 2026 The Massachusetts Legislature enacted emergency public health legislation to clear the way for a speedy revitalization of Norwood Hospital. The legislation, H.5553, allows the state to take the Norwood Hospital property by eminent domain and transfer it to a new, nonprofit operator. Residents of many commun

Strengthens oversight, improves educational support, expands youth rights, and increases transparency across the Commonwealth's child welfare system AUGUST 3, 2026 The Massachusetts Legislature passed comprehensive legislation to strengthen oversight, transparency, and accountability within the Commonwealth’s child welfare system. An Act Enhancing Child Welfare Protections strengthens and builds on the work of existing entities including the Office of the Child Advocate (OC

Bill creates new licensure structure for home care agencies AUGUST 3, 2026 The Massachusetts Legislature passed a bill that establishes a licensure process for home care agencies to ensure that consumers receive quality non-medical services and home care workers are protected. An Act to improve Massachusetts home care creates a licensing and oversight process for home care agencies whose staff provide care such as dressing, meal preparation, bathing, companionship, and othe

Ensures Access to Abortion Care is Allowed After 24 Weeks of Pregnancy AUGUST 3, 2026 The Massachusetts Legislature voted to expand reproductive healthcare for Massachusetts residents by removing restrictions on abortion after 24 weeks of pregnancy. According to Reproductive Equity Now, under current law, dozens of Massachusetts patients each year are forced to leave the state to access abortion care after 24 weeks, even in cases involving devastating diagnoses or risks to

Bill aims to prevent political bias in library decisions, protect librarians from reprisals AUGUST 3, 2026 The Massachusetts Legislature took action to protect freedom of thought and expression in Massachusetts schools and public libraries and safeguard open access to books and other educational materials. As school and public libraries nationally are increasingly faced with politically-charged debates over banning access to particular library books, the bill—An Act regard