Massachusetts House Engrosses Housing, Police Bills and Rejects Senate Amendments

BOSTON — May 18, 2026 — Massachusetts House passes slate of local bills and sends civil-rights measure to conference. At the May 18 floor session, the House voted not to concur with Senate amendments to House No. 5316, a bill described as promoting "rule of law, oversight, trust, and equal constitutional treatment," and appointed Representative Daniel Cahill of Lynn, Representative Andres X. Vargas of Haverhill, and Representative Marcus S. Vaughn of Wrentham to a committee of conference. Separately, the House passed to enactment a Dartmouth alcohol-license bill and a Westwood charter revision, engrossed measures raising the Boston Police Academy entry age and authorizing affordable housing trusts in Harwich and West Newbury, and ordered to a third reading a Somerset bill that would let the town ban water fluoridation. All actions were by voice vote. The House adjourned to meet Wednesday, May 20, at 11 a.m., with roll calls at 1 p.m.