Massachusetts House Passes Local Bills, Adjourns in Tribute to Former Lowell Legislator

BOSTON — January 12, 2026 — The Massachusetts House passed a dozen local measures and honored a late Lowell statesman in a brief informal session January 12. The chamber, presided over by Speaker Pro Tempore Kate Hogan, unanimously extended reporting deadlines to March 18, 2026, for three joint committees — Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure (House 4922), Mental Health Substance Use and Recovery (House 4921), and Public Safety and Homeland Security (House 4920) — on orders filed by Representatives Tackey Chan and Mary S. Keefe, Mindy Domb and Michelle M. DuBois, and Daniel Cahill and Christopher J. Worrell, respectively. The House also passed to engrossment bills authorizing an Arlington off-premises liquor license ballot question (House 4815), a Bridgewater charter update to gender-neutral language (House 4781), and a Stockbridge Fenn Farm property purchase (House 4648). Representatives Vanna Howard, Rodney M. Elliott, and Tara T. Hong of Lowell led the chamber in a moment of silence for Philip L. Shea — House member 1973-1979, state senator 1979-1984 — who died December 30 at age 84, the only person to represent Lowell at all three levels of municipal and state government since Plan E was adopted in 1944.