Massachusetts Senate Passes Marblehead Tax Break, Monson Board Expansion in Brief Session

BOSTON — April 27, 2026 — The Massachusetts Senate passed a slate of local-interest bills and extended two committee reporting deadlines to June 30 at its brief April 27 session. The chamber passed to be engrossed House No. 4225, authorizing Marblehead to offer means-tested senior property tax exemptions, and House No. 4584, further regulating special police officer appointments in Malden, both on unanimous voice votes. Senate Majority Whip Michael F. Rush and Senator Robyn K. Kennedy each moved successful floor amendments extending reporting deadlines — originally set for April 30 — to June 30, 2026 for the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs and the Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery, respectively, covering seven Senate documents each. The Senate also passed to be enacted House No. 4259, designating Winthrop park tennis courts as the Kim O'Connell Tennis Courts, after a constitutionally required standing vote drew two affirmative members and none in opposition, and House No. 4602, expanding the Monson Select Board, with both bills ordered sent to the governor.