Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H4931

Introduced
1/15/26  
Refer
1/15/26  

Caption

Study Order

Impact

The implications of H4931 are significant for both consumers and financial institutions. By authorizing a study on these topics, the bill seeks to address existing gaps in financial services and ensure that state laws remain responsive to the evolving needs of residents. The findings from this investigation could lead to legislative changes intended to improve accessibility to banking services and enhance the regulatory environment for insurance providers, ultimately fostering a more equitable financial system.

Summary

House Bill 4931 is primarily a study order that directs the committee on Financial Services to conduct a comprehensive investigation into a range of financial and insurance-related issues within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The bill outlines the specific topics that will be examined, including practices by payment card networks, and the impacts of various proposals on banking accessibility and insurance coverage processes. The intent is to gather data and insights that will inform potential legislative actions to enhance the financial services landscape in the state.

Contention

While the bill itself is not contentious, discussions around its potential outcomes could stir debate among stakeholders. Consumer advocates may express concerns regarding the adequacy of protections against predatory practices, while industry representatives might argue for the necessity of regulatory flexibility to maintain competitiveness. Furthermore, outcomes could affect ongoing discussions about wealth-building strategies, retirement savings options, and access to equitable financial services for various demographic groups across the state.

Companion Bills

MA H1209

Replaces Creating a commission to study unemployment insurance reform

MA H1103

Replaces Relative to default insurance programs for certain public construction projects

MA H1102

Replaces Protecting the use of bank names, trade names and trademarks in electronic communications

MA H1345

Replaces Enhancing homebuyer awareness by providing notice to persons purchasing property in a flood zone

MA H1121

Replaces Studying property insurance premiums on non-profit organizations

MA H1207

Replaces Relative to the equitable assessment of bank fees

MA H1244

Replaces Providing for prompt health insurance benefits for municipal employees

MA H1158

Replaces To promote economic mobility through matched savings

MA H1095

Replaces To increase the Medicaid life insurance exemption

MA H1284

Replaces Ensuring banking accessibility

MA H1281

Replaces Relative to the uniform special deposit

MA H1226

Replaces Relative to secure choice retirement savings plan

MA H1143

Replaces To encourage retirement planning

MA H1186

Replaces Relative to pet insurance in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

MA H1327

Replaces Relative to inactive bank account fees

MA H1113

Replaces Regarding public insurance adjusters

MA H1338

Replaces Allowing fair compensation of Massachusetts credit union directors

MA H1094

Replaces Relative to notifying broker prior to termination of coverage

MA H1093

Replaces Prohibiting certain insurance liens

MA H1211

Replaces To protect users of electronic branches

MA H1336

Replaces Relative to access to Paid Family and Medical Leave and unemployment insurance for graduate student workers

MA H1232

Replaces Making changes to certain references in the banking laws of the Commonwealth

MA H1180

Replaces Ensuring life insurance coverage while taking Paid Family and Medical Leave

MA H1104

Replaces Amending the banking laws and related statutes

MA H1259

Replaces Relative to price-fixing prohibition, consumer transparency & tax fairness

MA H3933

Replaces Relative to the Massachusetts Credit Union Share Insurance Corporation

MA H3947

Replaces Relative to the examination of insurance company mergers

MA H4061

Replaces Relative to protecting against workers compensation premium fraud

MA H4112

Replaces Relative to firefighting water supplies and a state cistern program

MA H4260

Replaces Relative to the use of virtual credit cards by dental insurance providers

MA H4352

Replaces Relative to travel insurance

Previously Filed As

MA H5323

Study Order

MA H5352

Study Order

MA H4883

Study Order

MA H5361

Study Order

MA H4677

Study Order

MA H5281

Study Order

MA H5318

Study Order

MA H5322

Study Order

MA H5311

Study Order

MA H5362

Study Order

Similar Bills

MA H5281

Study Order

MA S2886

Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on The Judiciary to make an investigation and study of certain current Senate documents relative to judicial matters.

MA S2931

Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on Health Care Financing to make an investigation and study of certain current Senate documents relative to to health care financing matters.

MA H5323

Study Order

MA S2798

Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, to make an investigation and study of certain current Senate documents relative to public safety matters.

MA H5149

Study Order

MA S2786

Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on Public Service, to make an investigation and study of certain current Senate documents relative to public service matters.

MA S2774

Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy, to make an investigation and study of certain current Senate documents relative to telecommunications, utilities and energy matters.