Senator Cindy Friedman

Legislation Prioritizes Children’s Health Over Corporations’ Addictive Algorithms 

(BOSTON—7/9/2026) The Massachusetts Senate stood up to big social media companies today by passing legislation that reins in how their platforms’ most addictive features target young people. Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington) voted in support of the bill, which passed the Senate on a 38-2 roll call vote. 

The bill cracks down on settings that are engineered to keep minors perpetually on social media platforms at the expense of the health and wellbeing of users. 

Features such as autoplay, ‘infinite scroll,’ and intrusive algorithms that capitalize on users’ personal data would be turned off by default for minors. Minors would not be able to change those default settings, while adult users would retain control over their own settings. 

“It is paramount that we do what we can as a state to protect our youngest residents as social media companies utilize addictive features to engage kids earlier and earlier in their lives,” said Senator Friedman, Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy. “With parallels to the tobacco industry before regulation, social media companies use far too many digital tools to get kids hooked to spend more time on their screens and out of reality, through specially curated algorithms and features like continuous scrolling. I am thankful for my colleagues who led on this initiative and voted to adopt an amendment I filed that establishes additional guardrails to protect users’ privacy and ensures that we are not requiring our residents to hand over sensitive personal information to private social media companies.”  

Studies have linked prolonged daily social media use to increased depression and anxiety in children. 

The legislation—S.3164, An Act protecting children from addictive social media feeds—includes added optional safeguards for children, such as limits on the ability of ‘non-friend’ accounts—strangers—to contact minors’ accounts. 

Senators voted today to adopt an amendment (Amendment 24) that adds mandatory protection for minors’ precise location data.… Read more.

New law would lower monthly bills, rein in utility overspending, and preserve clean energy progress 

(BOSTON—7/1/2026) The Massachusetts Senate today passed energy affordability legislation that is projected to deliver billions in savings to ratepayers across the Commonwealth, while keeping Massachusetts on track to meet its climate goals. Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington) voted in support of the measure. 

The bill, S.3143, An Act to save people money, repair the climate, and grow the economy, tackles rising energy costs head-on by cutting unnecessary fees, evening out price spikes that hit households during high-demand months, cracking down on predatory sales practices by energy suppliers, and steering the state away from expensive infrastructure projects that don’t deliver value for ratepayers. 

“Residents in our Commonwealth are facing enormous hardship due to high energy bills, a problem compounded by extreme weather variations that increase demand and put intense strain on our energy infrastructure,” said Senator Friedman, Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy. “This bill not only addresses these energy prices with real savings through a host of policy changes but makes meaningful strides to reduce administrative costs for MassSave, strengthening the offerings to residential homeowners while reducing overhead costs. In light of the federal government’s decision to end solar tax credits, I was pleased that an amendment I presented was adopted to evaluate the impact of this action and recommend policy alternatives to bolster the Massachusetts solar market. The passage of this comprehensive bill continues our work to make energy more affordable, our grid more resilient, and our consumption of energy more sustainable for future generations.” 

The legislation targets the biggest cost drivers that Massachusetts residents face on their monthly bills, including fees, surcharges, and rate adjustments. 

Making Solar and Clean Energy More Affordable Up Front — $540 Million in Savings 

For homeowners who want to install solar panels or battery storage but can’t afford the upfront cost, the bill creates a way to finance that equipment through their utility bill over time.… Read more.

Agreement completes Student Opportunity Act commitment, expands housing production, and strengthens the MBTA 

(BOSTON—7/1/2026) Without raising taxes on Massachusetts residents, the Massachusetts Legislature today delivered a Fiscal Year 2027 budget that drives down costs for residents, boosts the state’s economy, and adds to the state’s savings account. Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington) voted for the budget, which includes significant funding for the communities of the 4^th Middlesex district. 

The plan makes record investments in public education, unlocks new housing production, strengthens the state’s public transportation systems, and protects vulnerable residents from the impact of federal cuts. 

The bill spends $63.4 billion, a 4 percent increase from last year, and includes $2.7 billion in Fair Share funds that will support public education and transportation as voters intended. The budget raises no taxes and adds $51 million to the state’s ‘Rainy Day’ Stabilization Fund, which is projected to reach a historic $8.2 billion balance by the end of Fiscal Year 2027. 

“Recognizing that the Commonwealth and our residents continue to feel the effects of a challenging economy, the Legislature’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget prioritizes responsible investments in the services and programs our constituents rely on,” said Senator Friedman, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. “This budget provides a substantial increase in local aid, by providing municipalities with flexible funding to keep up with the rising costs of goods and services and continues to meet our implementation timeline of the Student Opportunity Act, with a record level of per-pupil Chapter 70 funding.… Read more.

Legislation seeks to address light pollution to improve public health and protect wildlife while preserving safety 

(BOSTON—7/1/2026) Under a bill passed today by the Senate, known as the ‘Dark Skies Bill,’ cities and towns would be able to save taxpayers money on the cost of operating streetlights with a new lower electric rate. Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington) voted in favor of the measure, which passed the Senate without opposition. 

The bill—S.3145, An Act to improve outdoor lighting, conserve energy, and increase dark-sky visibility—focuses on outdoor lights owned by local or state government, such as streetlamps, as a means for increasing municipal affordability and supporting the environment. 

The legislation also takes aim at light pollution, which occurs when outdoor light fixtures unnecessarily shine up into the sky. Addressing light pollution combats a significant threat to wildlife and helps make it easier to see the stars in the night sky. 

“This legislation will have a profound impact on the lives and patterns of animals and residents across our Commonwealth,” said Senator Friedman, Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy. “Protecting wildlife can be as simple as being mindful of the impacts that our actions have, like how we can reduce the amount of light we emit, especially for streetlights shining into the sky where they are not serving their purpose. Additionally, this bill will help our municipalities conserve and spend less on the energy needed to provide outdoor lighting and enhance the view of our beautiful New England night sky, which is an added bonus. I thank Majority Leader Creem for her leadership on this initiative.” 

Municipalities would be able to save on electricity costs under the legislation, which requires the creation of a new, reduced electric rate for low-wattage streetlights and parking lot lights. … Read more.

Legislation requires greater investment in primary care, fairer pay for community health centers, and a larger medical workforce, with aim of driving down health care costs 

(BOSTON—6/18/2026) The Massachusetts Senate today overwhelmingly passed landmark legislation to invest in primary care and make it easier for Massachusetts residents to get a primary care appointment. 

The bill, originally filed by Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), simplifies finding a primary care clinician, reduces the amount of time providers have to spend on administrative paperwork, and aims to reduce health care costs. 

Currently, 43 per cent of Massachusetts residents have difficulty accessing primary care. Studies show that 40 per cent of emergency room visits in Massachusetts could have been prevented if treated in a primary care setting. 

The legislation—S.3116, An Act relative to primary care for you—requires health care providers and insurers to invest more heavily in primary care services. Additionally, it ensures fairer compensation for community health centers, which serve as the frontline of primary care for many residents, and grows Massachusetts’ primary care workforce by unlocking matching federal funds to train and recruit more primary care doctors. 

“Massachusetts has always led the way on health care, and today the Senate is doing it again. Too many of our residents are struggling to find a primary care doctor, or putting off basic care because of the cost,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “That’s not acceptable, and it’s not sustainable. This legislation takes direct aim at the problem: it requires greater investment in primary care, lifts up the community health centers at the heart of so many neighborhoods, and grows the workforce our residents need. When we get primary care right, everything else in our health care system works better. I… Read more.

The bill requires teaching of evidence-based reading instruction, supports school districts in adopting proven instructional materials and practices, requires consistent statewide literacy screening, and improves educator preparation 

(BOSTON—6/18/2026) Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington) and her colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature today passed landmark literacy legislation that will transform how the Commonwealth teaches children to read.  

An Act relative to teacher preparation and student literacy establishes clear statewide standards for evidence-based reading instruction—requiring the teaching of phonics, ensures access to high-quality K-3 curricula, enhances educator training and support, and creates new reporting and accountability systems. 

Having passed both branches of the Legislature, the bill now goes to Governor Healey for her signature.  

“Reading is the most fundamental skill that a child can learn, as it serves as the foundation for all types of learning and civic engagement,” said Senator Friedman, Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy. “As a former elementary school teacher and parent of a child that had challenges learning to read, I understand how important it is for student development for schools to use high-quality, evidence-based instructional materials. this legislation will help close the early literacy gap that is seen in communities across the Commonwealth, and I am excited for students in the Fourth Middlesex district and statewide to be afforded the opportunity to learn to read and develop comprehension skills through strengthened instruction practices and materials.”  

Although Massachusetts is recognized as a national leader in education and our students consistently test high among national peers, recent data confirms there is more work to do.  English Language Arts (ELA) scores continue to lag behind pre-pandemic levels.… Read more.

Already piloted by the State Police, the program helps drivers with autism communicate while giving officers the information they need to respond effectively 

(BOSTON—6/15/2026) The Massachusetts Legislature today passed legislation establishing a statewide ‘blue envelope’ program, giving motorists with autism spectrum disorder a simple, recognizable way to alert police officers to their diagnosis and help guide the interaction before it escalates.

The easily recognizable envelopes can be handed over during a traffic stop by an individual with autism whose ability to communicate is likely to be negatively affected by a stressful situation.

The outside of the blue envelope prominently notes that the person has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), along with guidance on how to effectively interact with them, while the inside features places to store their driver’s license and auto registration.

“I am so happy that the entire legislature has adopted this subtle, yet meaningful approach to increase community safety that the Senate has led on for several consecutive sessions,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy. “The Blue Envelope legislation will help make traffic stops safer and smoother, leading to calmer interactions between police officers and those with autism spectrum disorder. I am so excited that we finally got this legislation to the Governor’s desk so we can make this popular and effective program permanent in Massachusetts.”

The bill—S.2565, An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder—would codify the program, which was rolled out by the Massachusetts State Police last year after it was first proposed in the Legislature during the previous legislative session.… Read more.

Legislation establishes Foster Child Bill of Rights, expands community-based support for at-risk youth 

(BOSTON—6/11/2026) The Massachusetts Senate today unanimously passed legislation that safeguards the well-being of children, particularly those in state care and foster care; increases access to community support for children at risk of court involvement; and strengthens investigations of abuse cases. Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington) joined her colleagues in supporting this measure, which passed without opposition on a 39-0 roll call vote. 

By establishing a Foster Child Bill of Rights, the bill—S.3111, An Act enhancing child welfare protections—guarantees certain basic rights for children in foster care related to their safety, education, and health care. 

This legislation also expands the diversion of children dealing with behavior or attendance problems to Family Resource Centers (FRCs) instead of the court system.  

FRCs provide accessible, confidential support to children and families in crisis close to home and have proven successful in helping kids and teens stay in school, connecting families with services such as mental health or substance use treatment, housing aid, and legal help, and—most importantly—avoiding the need for the child to obtain a court record just to access assistance. 

The bill further strengthens the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) to support robust investigations into reports of harm or abuse to a child. It places the Child Fatality Review Team within the OCA and explicitly empowers the OCA to review cases of indecent assault and battery, abuse or rape of a child. 

“In Massachusetts, we must take accountability and ensure all children, especially those in our foster care system and at-risk youth, get the support and protection they need to thrive,” said Senator Friedman, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. “This legislation takes much-needed strides, establishing a Bill of Rights for foster children that importantly guarantees basic rights to health services for these youth. I am very grateful for Senate President Spilka’s long-standing commitment to supporting community services and Family Resources Centers, and for Senator Kennedy’s leadership on this initiative as we strive to improve outcomes for children across the Commonwealth.”  … Read more.

State’s sales tax will be suspended for most retail items priced under $2,500  

(BOSTON—6/11/2026) The Massachusetts Legislature today set Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9 as the official dates of Massachusetts’ annual sales tax holiday.

During the holiday, the state’s 6.25 percent sales tax will be suspended for most retail items priced under $2,500.

A 2018 state law, which made the sales tax holiday permanent, requires the Legislature to vote to set the dates of the holiday each year. Both branches adopted resolutions today setting this year’s dates (H.5495/S.3119), sponsored by Representative Carole A. Fiola (D-Fall River) and by Senator Nick Collins (D-South Boston).

“The annual sales tax holiday serves as a way to make purchases just a little more affordable, which is especially important during this time of economic uncertainty as costs have risen due to tariffs and inflation,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy. “Removing the sales tax serves as a boon to economic development statewide, and I encourage residents to shop in the 4^th Middlesex district during this weekend and support our small businesses and local economies.”

A spike in consumer activity routinely boosts indirect tax revenues. According to the Department of Revenue, the 2025 sales tax holiday generated $3.65 million in indirect tax revenues due to increased economic activity.

At a time when consumers are seeing prices on store shelves rise, driven in part by federally imposed tariffs, this year’s Massachusetts sales tax holiday will give shoppers a much-needed break.… Read more.

Cities and towns could permit outdoor alcohol zones and later service hours through the end of July 

(BOSTON—6/8/2026) With a landmark summer on the horizon, the Massachusetts Legislature has approved a bill to let communities create outdoor drinking districts and keep bars and restaurants open an hour later than usual. 

“This pilot program gives our cities and towns more flexibility to bolster economic development in downtowns and public spaces across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy. “I look forward to reviewing the impacts analyzed by the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission of this temporary law to help inform future discussions and decisions on our municipal alcohol laws.” 

Both measures are opt-in, requiring individual cities and towns to authorize them locally before taking effect. 

Under the bill, municipalities could designate outdoor areas, including streets and public parks, where residents and visitors may consume alcohol, provided their drinks are purchased from a licensed establishment within the zone. 

The bill would also give municipalities the option to extend permissible service hours by one hour at bars, restaurants, breweries, distilleries, and any other establishment licensed for on-premises consumption—up to a maximum of 3 a.m. 

Both provisions would expire before August begins.  

Having been passed by both chambers of the legislature, the legislation now goes to Governor Healey for her signature. 

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