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S 76

Relates to political contribution activities by an intermediary

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Kavanagh

Requires MA Cannabis Control Commission, with EOPSS, to study barriers to first responders' legal cannabis use and report findings to lawmakers by Dec 31, 2026.

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Bill Summary · S 76

Summary — S.76 (Setting Manageable Analysis Requirements in Text Act of 2025 / “SMART Act of 2025”)

Note: The bill text submitted for S.76 concerns “An Act relative to cannabis use by first responders” filed in the Massachusetts Senate (Senate Docket No. 146, presented by Sen. Julian Cyr). Some metadata supplied (title, sponsors, committee referrals) appear inconsistent with the text; see “Notes & discrepancies” at the end.

Overview / Purpose

This bill directs the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, in consultation with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), to undertake a comprehensive study and produce a written report on barriers that affect first responders’ legal use of cannabis under state law. The study is meant to inform policymakers about current policies, legal conflicts, medical effects, and comparative practices in other jurisdictions.

Key provisions

  • Requires the Cannabis Control Commission, working with EOPSS, to research and prepare a report on specified topics related to first responder cannabis use.
  • Authorizes the commission and EOPSS to consult experts and hold public meetings, fact‑finding hearings, and other forums as needed.
  • Mandates submission of the final report to designated legislative clerks and multiple legislative joint committees by December 31, 2026.

Topics the commission must study (as listed)

The bill directs research on:
- Drug testing requirements applicable to police officers and first responders.
- Internal policies of local police departments and other first responder agencies relating to cannabis use.
- The statutory authority of police chiefs (cited: section 97A of chapter 41) as it relates to these policies.
- Requirements of state and federal “license to carry” or firearms-carry laws and how cannabis use intersects with them.
- Implications of the federal Controlled Substances Act and other relevant federal law.
- The efficacy of cannabis for treating anxiety, depression, stress, PTSD, and other trauma-related conditions.
- Laws, policies, and practices regarding cannabis use by police officers and first responders in other states/jurisdictions.
- Any additional topics the commission considers relevant.

Who is affected

  • First responders (police officers, EMTs, firefighters and related personnel) employed by state and local agencies.
  • Local police departments and first responder agencies (policy writers and administrators).
  • Police chiefs and other supervisors whose authority may be implicated.
  • Licensing and background-check authorities (e.g., firearms licensing).
  • Labor organizations, medical providers, public-safety regulators, and the public interested in workplace safety and employee rights.

Timeline / procedural aspects

  • Filing/introductory dates in the text: Senate docket filed Jan 8, 2025; introduced Jan 13, 2025.
  • Required completion and submission of the report: no later than December 31, 2026.
  • The bill authorizes public hearings and ongoing consultation during the study period.

Potential impact

  • The bill itself does not change substantive law or employment standards; it mandates a study and report.
  • The findings could inform future legislative or regulatory changes affecting drug-testing protocols, employment policies, disciplinary standards, firearm licensing, and accommodation of medical cannabis use by first responders.
  • The report could surface federal-state conflicts (e.g., Controlled Substances Act implications) that may require legal or policy resolutions.

Notes & discrepancies

  • The bill text and docket indicate this is a Massachusetts state bill concerning cannabis and first responders (sponsored/presented by Sen. Julian Cyr). However, some supplied metadata (bill title about political contributions; listed sponsors including James Lankford, Shelley Moore Capito; committee referrals to federal committees such as Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs) appear inconsistent or from other jurisdictions.
  • Readers should consult the official Massachusetts legislative website (Massachusetts General Court) or the Cannabis Control Commission for authoritative status, committee referrals, and any amendments.

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

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