TARR IN THE NEWS | 6.9.26

TARR IN THE NEWS | 6.9.26

'Massachusetts passes law to allow later last calls and public drinking zones this summer'

By Nik DeCosta-Klipa | WBUR 90.9 FM

EXCERPT BELOW:

"The bill to temporarily allow public drinking zones and last calls as late as 3 a.m. across Massachusetts this summer is suddenly, officially law.

The final bill also includes a provision added yesterday by state Sen. Bruce Tarr directing the state to study and report back on the effects of the later last call. "My hope is that we can learn a great deal from this — about behavior patterns, about public safety, about considerations that we may need to take into account in the future when we contemplate legislation that is of this nature," the Gloucester Republican said during a floor speech."

Read the full article ⬇

🔗 https://www.wbur.org/news/2026/06/09/massachusetts-alcohol-laws-last-call-world-cup

TARR IN THE NEWS | 6.9.26

TARR IN THE NEWS | 6.9.26

'Mass. loosens alcohol laws temporarily this summer'

By Ella Adams | State House News Service | NBC10 Boston

EXCERPT BELOW:

"'The bill bounced between chambers Monday after the Senate adopted Sen. Julian Cyr language that would have extended the timetable allowable for public consumption in designated "districts" within cities and towns through Sept. 7, and Sen. Bruce Tarr language related to program reporting.

The initial Rep. Carole Fiola proposal would have allowed extended last call season to begin on June 1 and run through Aug. 31. The iteration of the bill the House passed on Thursday would have taken effect Monday, June 8 and expired Friday, July 31.

The specific start date was struck from the final version of the bill. Both chambers adopted emergency preambles to the final proposal, meaning it would take effect upon Healey's signature.

Tarr's provision would task the Executive Office of Economic Development, in consultation with the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission, the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, and the Department of Revenue with reporting on "the implementation and outcomes" of the pilot program.

"My hope is that we can learn a great deal from this, about behavior patterns, about public safety, about considerations that we may need to take into account in the future when we contemplate legislation that is of this nature," Tarr said on the floor.

Among other metrics, the report would include the number and location of districts designated by municipalities, the number of communities authorizing establishments to sell alcohol for off-premises consumption in those districts, and "any evidence of increased public safety incidents as a result of extended hours of on premise sales." The report would have to be filed by Dec. 31, 2026 with findings and recommendations."

Read the full article ⬇

🔗 https://www.nbcboston.com/news/politics/mass-set-to-loosen-alcohol-laws-temporarily-this-summer/3961908/

#TarrInTheNews #NBC10 #SHNS #StateSenatorBruceTarr

Rotary Club of Ipswich-Rowley's Flag Day Ceremony

On June 14th, I was pleased to join the Rotary Club of Ipswich-Rowley for its annual Flag Day Ceremony held on the Ipswich South Green and joining alongside my House colleague Kristin Kassner State Representative 2nd Essex District and local officials in sharing remarks.

Surrounded by a beautiful display of 100 American flags, community members gathered to reflect on the meaning of Flag Day and the values represented by our nation’s flag — service, sacrifice, unity, and freedom.

I was honored to join guest speaker Larry Jordan, veterans from VFW Post 1093 and @american_legion_post_80 led by Commander Jim Graffum, Rotary leaders, local officials, and community members for this meaningful celebration.

Many thanks to Ann Witzig and the Ipswich-Rowley Rotary Club for organizing this wonderful tradition, and to Rotary District 7930 President Pooja Singla, Rotary International Representative Joan Arsenault, Ipswich Select Board members, and Ipswich-Rowley Rotary Presidents George Gray and Doug Shealy, along with President-Elect Susanne Pedersen, for their leadership and participation.

A special thank you to talented bagpiper Jay Stanbury for helping set the tone for this memorable ceremony.

Our flag represents the ideals we stand for and the sacrifices made by generations of Americans who have protected those freedoms.

Ceremonies like this remind us of the importance of honoring that legacy and coming together as a community to recognize the values and service that our flag represents.

#StateSenatorBruceTarr #IpswichMA #RowleyMA #RotaryClub #FlagDay2026

Dedication of the new Town of Middleton Public Safety Building

Honored to attend the dedication of the new Town of Middleton Public Safety Building today. Grateful for the first responders who keep our communities safe and for the investment in a stronger future for Middleton. Town of Middleton Police Dept Middleton Fire Department

The Power of Civic Engagement

The Power of Civic Engagement

One of the most rewarding parts of serving in the Legislature is working with young people who are willing to transform ideas into meaningful action.

For nearly three years, I have had the privilege of working with North Andover students Mariah Eskel and Sofia FloresQuero Llamas, whose dedication to public service and environmental policy demonstrates the power of civic engagement at any age.

What began as a middle school civics project evolved into years of research, collaboration, and advocacy. Together, Mariah and Sofia developed legislative proposals focused on expanding renewable energy opportunities, advancing battery storage research, and exploring ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They took the time to understand complex policy issues, participate in the legislative process, and advocate for ideas they believe can make a difference.

Their work is a powerful reminder that civic engagement is not limited by age — and that when students are given the opportunity to participate, they can bring thoughtful ideas and meaningful solutions to the table.

I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Mariah and Sofia and help support their efforts as they continue their journey from the classroom into public policy.

Congratulations to both of them on their accomplishments, and thank you for showing the impact that passion, persistence, and civic participation can have.

Read more about their work:

🔗 The Eagle-Tribune: https://www.eagletribune.com/news/merrimack_valley/high-schooler-puts-civics-to-action-with-environmental-proposals/article_ce354f2a-5e51-46af-91b9-ade20a7f6c37.html

🔗 The Boston Globe: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/06/13/metro/beacon-hill-high-school-students-climate-legislation/

#FeelGoodFriday #CivicEngagement #StudentAdvocacy #NorthAndoverMA #StateSenatorBruceTarr

TARR IN THE NEWS | 6.17.26

TARR IN THE NEWS | 6.17.26

'Local, state officials celebrate Larkin Dam's removal'
By Dave Rogers | Daily News of Newburyport

EXCERPT BELOW:

"'The celebration Thursday brought together project partners, including the town, the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, the Ipswich River Watershed Association, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Officials cut a ceremonial ribbon and provided guided walks to view the newly restored river channel.

The project reflects years of planning, engineering and partnership among local, state, federal and nonprofit organizations. In addition to removing the dam, they have planted thousands of native shrubs and trees to stabilize riverbanks, improve habitat and support long-term ecological recovery.

With the dam removed, and the section of the river flowing freely for the first time in more than a century, the Parker River is already showing signs of recovery. Native vegetation is taking hold, sediment is moving naturally through the system, and fish are returning to upstream habitat, according to state officials.

“Dam removal is a powerful tool for river and habitat stewardship, and the elimination of the Larkin Dam is a prime example of the effective use of that tool,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester.

“The removal project enhanced fish habitat, increased spawning potential, improved public safety and will support flood control. All of these benefits are important, and all have been secured with the action taken to dismantle the dam.”"

Read the full article ⬇

🔗 https://www.gloucestertimes.com/news/north_of_boston/local-state-officials-celebrate-larkin-dams-removal/article_0fdec2f4-d866-5f04-ac24-3e925f1fe567.html

#TarrInTheNews #NDN #NewburyMA #LarkinDam #StateSenatorBruceTarr

Celebrating the Removal of the Larkin Dam

On June 11th, our Director of Specialty Projects Valerie Coolidge joined state, local, and environmental leaders in Newbury on my behalf for the ribbon cutting celebrating the removal of the Larkin Dam.

The removal of the dam marks an important milestone in restoring the natural function of the river, improving fish passage, enhancing wildlife habitat, and strengthening the long-term health and resilience of the Ipswich River watershed.

Projects like this demonstrate what can be accomplished when conservation organizations, municipalities, state and federal agencies, and community partners come together with a shared vision. I was proud to support this effort and the collaborative work that made this important restoration project possible.

Thank you to the Ipswich River Watershed Association, the Town of Newbury, the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game, NOAA, and all of the partners whose dedication and commitment helped bring this project to completion.

Protecting and restoring our natural resources is an investment in the future of our communities and the environment we all share.

#StateSenatorBruceTarr #NewburyMA #IpswichRiver #EnvironmentalStewardship

Celebrating the Old Essex Road Removal and Marsh Restoration Project in Essex and Ipswich

Recently, our District Legislative Liaison, Kristin McDonald, was pleased to join local officials, environmental advocates, project partners, and community members on my behalf for the ribbon cutting celebrating the completion of the Old Essex Road Removal and Marsh Restoration Project in Essex and Ipswich.

Kristin shared remarks recognizing the years of collaboration and dedication that made this important restoration effort possible. By removing Old Essex Road and restoring natural tidal flow to the upper Castle Neck River, the project is helping to revitalize a significant portion of the Great Marsh while enhancing the long-term resilience of our coastline.

The Great Marsh is one of our region's most important natural resources, supporting wildlife habitat, fisheries, recreation, and coastal communities. This project demonstrates the value of investing in innovative, science-based solutions that protect both our environment and our economy.

I am grateful to the many partners whose vision, hard work, and commitment helped bring this project to fruition. Congratulations to all involved on reaching this significant milestone.

📸: Melanie Simard | The Local News

#EssexMA #IpswichMA #GreatMarsh #StateSenatorBruceTarr