Massachusetts Senate Passes Dark Sky Bill, Clears Local Government Measures in Brief Session

BOSTON — June 25, 2026 — The Massachusetts Senate advanced a dark sky and outdoor lighting energy conservation bill and cleared a dozen local measures in a brief June 25 session. The Senate adopted a Ways and Means Committee amendment substituting a new draft of Senate 3145, the outdoor lighting and dark sky visibility bill, sponsored out of committee by Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, and ordered it to a third reading; Assistant Minority Leader Kelly A. Dooner moved to suspend the rules to allow immediate floor consideration. The Senate also engrossed a reworked Quabbin Watershed Advisory Committee membership bill, Senate 3133, reported by Senator Sal N. DiDomenico, and cleared House bills waiving Boston Police Department maximum age requirements for two individual applicants, Kenny Gatteau and Gene E. Rosney. Four bills — including measures authorizing Haverhill elections, a Wayland Free Public Library Millennium Fund, and extended Southbridge liquor licenses — passed to be enacted and head to Governor Maura Healey. Emergency sick leave banks were adopted for Shannon Manning of the Trial Court and Stephanie Rivera of the Worcester County Sheriff's Office, passing 3-0 and 2-0, respectively.