Massachusetts · 194th Legislature (2025-2026) · Bill
S 1277: An Act relative to the humane protection of animals
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
S 1277 is a bill introduced in the Massachusetts Senate on February 27, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: An Act relative to the humane protection of animals. Primary sponsor: John Velis (Democratic). It lists 16 additional sponsors. Most recent recorded action (December 18, 2025): Accompanied a study order (under JR10), see S2886.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1277) of John C. Velis, Joanne M. Comerford, Michael O. Moore, Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to the humane protection of animals. The Judiciary.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 15 · Republican 2
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Velis | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | Hampden and Hampshire |
| Mike Brady | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | Second Plymouth and Norfolk |
| Jo Comerford | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester |
| John Cronin | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | Worcester and Middlesex |
| Manny Cruz | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 7th Essex |
| Jamie Eldridge | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | Middlesex and Worcester |
| Paul Feeney | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | Bristol and Norfolk |
| Jim Hawkins | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 2nd Bristol |
| Vanna Howard | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | First Middlesex |
| Paul Mark | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | Berkshire, Hampden, Franklin and Hampshire |
| Mike Moore | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | Second Worcester |
| Patrick O'Connor | Co-sponsor | Republican | Senate | First Plymouth and Norfolk |
| Jake Oliveira | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester |
| Pavel Payano | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | First Essex |
| Becca Rausch | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | Norfolk, Worcester and Middlesex |
| Adam Scanlon | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 14th Bristol |
| Bruce Tarr | Co-sponsor | Republican | Senate | First Essex and Middlesex |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Accompanied a study order (under JR10), see S2886
- Hearing scheduled for 07/29/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:10 PM in A-2
- Hearing rescheduled to 07/29/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:10 PM in A-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time
- Hearing rescheduled to 07/29/2025 from 01:00 PM-06:00 PM in A-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time
- Hearing scheduled for 07/29/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
- House concurred
- Referred to the committee on The Judiciary