The Massachusetts Legislature approved emergency legislation authorizing the Commonwealth to acquire the former Norwood Hospital property through eminent domain. The measure was sent to Gov. Maura Healey for consideration.
The Massachusetts Senate released S.3200, a proposal that would expand public access to voting, salary, ethics, spending and contract records while creating a process for requesting legislative documents.
Massachusetts’ annual statewide sales-tax holiday is scheduled for Aug. 8-9, 2026, suspending the 6.25% state sales tax for most retail items priced under $2,500.
The Massachusetts Senate advanced S.3200 on July 30, but the public-records proposal still needs House action and would not take effect until 2027 if enacted.
Norwood’s hospital eminent-domain bill was amended and engrossed by the Senate July 29, then referred to a House committee as July 31 approaches.
A Massachusetts Senate provision could expand by-right duplex options in some Canton districts, but it remains pending and current town zoning still applies.
A Senate-passed Massachusetts primary-care bill could address New Bedford’s doctor shortage, but the proposal remains pending as the July 31 deadline nears.
