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S 2848

Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight to make an investigation and study of a certain current Senate document relative to the revitalization of the right of free petition.

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Authorizes a joint committee to investigate Senate Doc. 2163 on revitalizing the right of free petition, aiming to recommend changes to petition rights and citizen engagement.

Discharged to the committee on Senate Rules
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Bill Summary · S 2848

Summary of Senate Bill S.2848

Overview

  • Bill Number: S 2848
  • Title: Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight to make an investigation and study of a certain current Senate document relative to the revitalization of the right of free petition
  • Purpose (as stated in content): To authorize and direct a joint committee to investigate and study a current Senate document (Senate Document No. 2163) related to revitalizing the right of free petition.
  • Status: Discharged to the committee on Senate Rules
  • Introduced: September 17, 2025
  • Classification: Legislative bill (formal order)

Note: The version content also includes a line stating, “This Act may be cited as the Department of Defense’s Cost of ‘War’ Act of 2025 or the DoD COW Act of 2025,” which appears to be inconsistent with the Massachusetts bill’s subject. The substantive text presented below focuses on the stated purposes and actions related to the right of free petition.

Purpose and intent

  • The bill seeks to authorize a formal investigation and study by the joint committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
  • The focus of the study is to review and assess a current Senate document (Senate Document No. 2163) concerning the revitalization of the right of free petition.
  • The aim is to examine how the right of petition could be revitalized, clarified, or otherwise improved within the framework of state government and legislative process.

Key provisions and changes

  • Authorization for investigation and study: The joint committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight is authorized and directed to conduct an investigation and study.
  • Scope of study: Centered on Senate Document No. 2163, which concerns revitalizing the right of free petition.
  • Inclusion of participants: The investigation may involve members of the General Court as part of the commission or inquiry.
  • Reporting and referral mechanics: The bill accompanies a procedural path where the committee reports the accompanying document (Senate Document 2163) and the order to pursue the study.
  • Inter-branch coordination: The order is directed to the two branches (Senate and House), with an aim to have concurrent action on the referral to the Rules committee.

Who/what is affected

  • Government bodies: The Massachusetts Senate, the joint committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight, and potentially the House as part of concurrent action via Rules.
  • Members: Senators and potentially Representatives who participate in the joint committee or related proceedings.
  • Public policy: Individuals and groups interested in the right of petition and its revitalization or modernization within state governance.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and initial action: Introduced September 17, 2025; read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services (likely a clerical or misrouting note in the record) on the same date.
  • Subsequent actions:
    • December 11, 2025: The committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight reported the bill, accompanying Senate Document 2163.
    • December 11, 2025: The report was accompanied by Senate Document 2163 and the order was reported favorably by the committee.
    • December 11, 2025: The measure was referred to the Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently.
    • December 24, 2025: The bill was discharged to the committee on Senate Rules.
  • The core procedural path: Refer to State Administration and Regulatory Oversight for study → report with accompanying document → refer to Rules (two branches) → potential formal floor process.

Potential impact

  • If enacted, the bill would authorize a formal, structured examination of Senate Document 2163 to explore ways to revitalize the right of free petition.
  • Outcomes could include recommended statutory or procedural changes to enhance petition rights, citizen engagement, or related institutional practices within the Commonwealth.
  • The process emphasizes coordination across Senate (and potentially House) rules to ensure comprehensive consideration.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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