H 4285
An Act modernizing the Massachusetts alcohol permitting laws
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Bill overview
This bill updates Massachusetts alcohol permitting laws by requiring certain transportation companies (like railroads and express companies) to report monthly on the quantity of wine, malt beverages, and distilled spirits they bring into the state. It also adds a requirement that license applicants be deemed ‘satisfactory’ by licensing authorities and changes the timeframe for business license renewals from five to ten business days. These changes aim to modernize the tracking and regulation of alcohol distribution within the commonwealth.
Key provisions
- Transportation companies must file monthly reports with the commission detailing alcohol shipments.
- Reports must include the supplier’s name and license number.
- License applicants must be deemed ‘satisfactory’ by licensing authorities.
- The timeframe for business license renewals is extended to ten business days.
Who is affected
- Transportation companies (railroads, express companies, etc.)
- Alcohol wholesalers
- Businesses seeking alcohol licenses
- The Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission
- Consumers of alcohol
Notable changes
- Mandatory reporting requirements for alcohol shipments by transportation companies.
- Addition of a character requirement for alcohol license applicants.
- Extension of the business license renewal timeframe.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Cosponsor
Christopher J. Worrell
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Bill H.4285 194th (Current)
An Act modernizing the Massachusetts alcohol permitting laws
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Status: Referred to House Committee on Bills in the Third Reading
Tabs
Bill History Cosponsors Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 6 actions for Bill H.4285
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 7/23/2025 | House | Reported from the committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure |
| 7/23/2025 | House | New draft of H36 and H477 |
| 7/23/2025 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling |
| 8/21/2025 | House | Committee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting |
| 8/21/2025 | House | Rules suspended |
| 8/21/2025 | House | Read second and ordered to a third reading |
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