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If you have any questions about this week's report, e-mail us at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com or call us at (617) 720-1562.
Beacon Hill Roll Call
Volume 50 - Report No. 5
January 27-31, 2025
Copyright © 2025 Beacon Hill Roll Call. All Rights Reserved.
By Bob Katzen
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THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week.
When the 2024 legislative session ended on January 1, thousands of bills that did not get final approval by the House and Senate died.
Beacon Hill Roll Call’s research highlights four major bills that were easily approved by the Senate but died from inaction in the House.
Three of the measures died in the House Ways and Means Committee. Under House rules, any individual representative can move to discharge any bill from the Ways and Means Committee. There is a 7-day waiting period prior to the House considering the motion to discharge. The discharge motion must receive a majority vote of the members present. If the measure is discharged from the committee, the committee has four days within which to report out the measure for placement on the House’s agenda for action.
A bill may also be discharged from the Ways and Means Committee by any representative by filing a petition signed by a majority of the House. The bill would then be discharged seven days later and go onto the House agenda for the next session.
Rarely are either of those methods used to discharge a bill from a committee.
Some critics say that sometimes bills are held up in committee because someone in a high position of power either inside or outside the Statehouse is opposed to it.
An ex-state representative who wished to remain anonymous told Beacon Hill Roll Call, "Although under House rules, every representative has the power to attempt to discharge a bill, hardly any attempt is made to do this out of fear of offending and alienating the powerful speaker, his leadership team and committee chairs."
Beacon Hill Roll Call’s archives show that motions to discharge a bill from a committee and bring it to the full House for debate and a vote was a common practice back in the 1970s and 1980s.
Beacon Hill Roll Call contacted the office of House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy) and House Ways and Means chair Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston) several times last week and asked why these bills, easily approved by the Senate, died in the House. Neither office responded.
Here are the four bills that were easily approved by the Senate but died in the House. Beacon Hill Roll Call asked the Senate sponsor of each bill how they feel about it dying in the House and whether they have filed the bill for consideration in the 2025-2026 session.
MAKE OBTAINING ID CARDS EASIER FOR HOMELESS PERSONS (S 2251)
On July 27, 2023, the Senate 38-0, approved and sent to the House legislation that would make it easier for homeless youth and adults to secure free state ID cards. The House took no action on the bill and it died.
Supporters said that currently a person experiencing homelessness faces prohibitive fees and documentation requirements when trying to obtain an ID card. They noted that this legislation removes those barriers by eliminating fees and only requiring that applicants present documentation showing that they are currently receiving services provided by the state, a homeless service provider or another service provider. They argued that ID cards are necessary for applying for jobs, enrolling in school, interacting with law enforcement, accessing government buildings, opening financial accounts and many other basic services that many take for granted.
Last week, sponsor Sen. Robyn Kennedy (D-Worcester) told Beacon Hill Roll Call, “This bill reflects a continued commitment to addressing homelessness, building on the work of my predecessor and in collaboration with the Coalition for the Homeless. It represents an important step in supporting our most vulnerable residents, and I appreciate the efforts of all advocates and stakeholders involved. As it moves forward this session, I look forward to working with colleagues in the Senate to pass it again. I defer to my colleagues in the House to get it passed in their chamber.”
MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS (S 2491)
On October 26, 2023, the Senate 38-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that would require all prisons, homeless shelters and K-12 schools to maintain free menstrual products, including sanitary napkins, tampons and underwear liners in private and public restrooms and to make them available in a “convenient manner that does not stigmatize any persons seeking the products.” The House took no action on the bill and it died.
Supporters said that according to the Massachusetts Menstrual Equity Coalition, approximately one in seven children in Massachusetts is living in poverty and struggles to pay for menstrual products. They argued that research shows that the inability to access menstrual products affects students’ class attendance.
They also noted that women facing homelessness or who are incarcerated face high barriers to access, with Massachusetts shelters reporting that menstrual products are among the least donated items. They argued that restricted access in shelters and prisons means that products can be used as bargaining chips and tools of control for people in vulnerable circumstances.
Last week, sponsor Sen. Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville) told Beacon Hill Roll Call, “I refiled the bill and am hopeful for its passage.”
HIV PREVENTION DRUGS (S 2480)
On October 26, 2023, the Senate 38-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that would allow pharmacists to prescribe, dispense and administer a short-term supply (60-days once in a two-year period) of HIV prevention drugs, known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), to a patient without a prescription. The House took no action on the bill and it died.
The bill requires pharmacists to provide counseling to the patient regarding the use of PrEP, to inform the patient’s primary care doctor that the pharmacist has prescribed the drug, to connect patients without a primary care provider with a health care provider for ongoing care and to obtain a prescription for PrEP.
Under the bill, pharmacists could only prescribe PrEP to patients who have tested negative for HIV within the past seven days, do not have HIV symptoms and are not taking medications that are not safe to use with PrEP.
Supporters said that PrEP is a life-saving medication that is 100 percent effective in stopping the transmission of HIV. They note that under current law, individuals who take PrEP must make an appointment and go through their doctor, a barrier that can stand in the way for people who need the medication on short notice, cannot make an appointment or cannot access medical care.
Last week, sponsor Sen. Julian Cyr (D-Truro) did not respond to Beacon Hill Roll Call’s repeated requests to comment on the bill dying in the House and whether he has refiled it.
ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL
LOCAL OPTIONS INCLUDING TAX HIKES FOR CITIES AND TOWNS
Gov. Maura Healey filed legislation, dubbed by her as the Municipal Empowerment Act, that would allow cities and towns to increase local taxes on meals, lodging and vehicle registration; permanently authorize municipalities to permit hybrid public meetings; change state procurement laws; and create enforcement mechanisms to push utilities to more promptly remove double poles.
The tax hike provisions include giving local cities and towns the option to Increase the maximum local option lodging tax on hotel, motel and other rentals from 6 percent to 7 percent in most communities, and 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent for Boston; increase the local meals tax ceiling from 0.75 percent to 1 percent; and adding a new local option surcharge of up to 5 percent on motor vehicle excise bills that can be dedicated to local stabilization funds.
“Every Massachusetts resident deserves to live in a community with high-quality local services, from safe roadways to access to good jobs and schools,” said Gov. Healey. “Our administration knows that city and town officials know their communities the best, and that’s why we want to empower them with the tools to make the choices they need to provide the best local services that meet the unique needs of their communities.”
“At a time when Massachusetts is already struggling with affordability and large-scale out-migration of people and wealth, the last thing we need is another round of tax hikes,” said Paul Craney, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance. “These proposals will make it even more expensive to live, work and do business here, pushing more families and employers to states with lower taxes and fewer regulations.”
$712,500 FOR WELLBEING OF FIRST RESPONDERS – The Healey Administration announced the awarding of $712,500 to support the wellbeing of first responders. The grants are designed to ensure that services are available to members of law enforcement and other emergency responders in the aftermath of a traumatic incident in the line of duty.
“When police officers encounter life threatening dangers as they work to protect communities, we have a duty to ensure they have access to services and supports as they cope with the trauma they’ve experienced,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “These grants help ensure that first responders across Massachusetts can access these critical – and often lifesaving – resources.
“These grants are an investment in the wellbeing of law enforcement officers and other first responders,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “The funding allows us to support critical incident stress management services that will ensure those who protect our communities have access to the vital services they’re entitled to.”
DON’T MISS THIS EVENT - Join Massachusetts energy leaders in government, industry and advocacy at the MCLE in Boston on March 26 for an important discussion about the state's energy policy and its goals for a net-zero future, hosted by the State House News Service. With the return of a new Trump administration and policies hindering wind power development, the state's plan to expand its offshore wind portfolio faces uncertainty.
While solar power offers potential, its scalability is limited by grid capacity issues and requires substantial investment. Other promising technologies like fusion and low-carbon hydrogen have yet to be implemented in the commonwealth. Tickets/more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/power-interruption-tickets-1219762716119?a…
$6 MILLION FOR PROVIDING PRISONERS WITH TECH SKILLS - Tech Goes Home (TGH) and Ameelio, two non-profits dedicated to closing the digital divide, announced the receipt of a $6 million grant with more than $4 million earmarked to bring digital skills courses to more than 3,600 adults and youth housed in county jails and Department of Youth Services facilities in the Bay State.
Most prisons have limited and outdated technology, making it difficult for individuals to acclimate to the rapidly advancing digital world upon release.
“We’re incredibly proud that this new partnership, made possible through critical funding provided by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute, will make it possible for us to provide incarcerated young people and adults in the commonwealth with digital skills training and tools that will expand access to workforce, community engagement and education opportunities,” said Dan Noyes, CEO of TGH. “This grant is a big step forward for digital equity and justice in Massachusetts.”
April Feng, CEO of Ameelio said, “This grant will enable us to extend our reach and provide critical digital literacy resources to Massachusetts incarcerated individuals, enabling them to develop skills that will allow them to reintegrate into society as responsible and contributing members. This is a significant step towards our mission: Building a more rehabilitative and humane justice system. Ameelio is excited to join TGH to lead the charge.”
“CELEBRATE” UNCLAIMED PROPERTY DAY- State Treasurer Deb Goldberg announced that February 1 is National Unclaimed Property Day. She urges all residents to go to findmassmoney.gov or call 888-344-MASS (6277) to see if they can claim any of the $3.4 billion the state is holding in unclaimed money.
Unclaimed property includes forgotten savings and checking accounts, uncashed checks, insurance policy proceeds, stocks, dividends and the contents of unattended safe deposit boxes. Most accounts are considered abandoned and are turned over to the state after three years of inactivity. There is no time limit for a person to recover their property and, in many cases, claimants will receive interest.
In 2024, Treasury processed over 131,000 claims and returned $191 million in property to its rightful owners.
“It’s Unclaimed Property Day, so take a minute to check for your name or a family member, a friend, and even a business that might be listed,” said Goldberg. “Our team is ready, willing and able to walk you through the process and reunite you with your property.”
$19 MILLION FOR STATEWIDE DIGITAL EQUITY EFFORTS – The Healey administration and the Massachusetts Broadband Institute announced $19 million in grants to support participants of the Digital Equity Partnerships Program. The funds will support active digital equity projects focused on delivering training, resources and broadband infrastructure to Massachusetts residents.
Supporters say these projects will distribute upwards of 500 devices, expand the Apartment Wi-Fi program by 4,000 units and increase digital access for nearly 20,000 residents across the state.
"Massachusetts is committed to closing the digital divide through strategic partnerships that focus on the needs of residents," said Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. "These grants give us the opportunity to ensure that residents across the state have direct access to their professional, health,and social needs, while at the same time driving long-term economic growth through expanded training and education."
"The Digital Equity Partnerships program leverages the expertise of high-capacity organizations delivering skills training, devices, and Wi-Fi to the people who need it most," said MBI Program Executive Jody Jones. "Our targeted efforts are making a real impact with the goal of delivering ‘Internet for All’ in Massachusetts. With these grants, Massachusetts is creating economic opportunity and ensuring all residents can fully participate in society."
$325,000 TO RESTORE CRITICAL WILDLIFE HABITAT - The Healey Administration today announced $325,000 in grants to restore approximately 520 acres of wildlife habitat across Massachusetts. The Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Division of Fisheries and Wildlife is awarding grants to several organizations through the Habitat Management Grant Program which provides financial assistance to private and municipal owners of conserved lands to improve habitat for wildlife, steward biodiversity, enhance climate resiliency and promote public recreational opportunities.
“Partnership and collaboration are essential for meeting our ambitious biodiversity and climate goals,” said DFG Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “Most forests and other wildlife habitats in Massachusetts are not state-owned, and we rely on conservation organizations, cities and towns, private landowners, and other partners to greatly expand our impact. This program provides us with the unique opportunity to improve habitat for at-risk wildlife while also bolstering outdoor recreation opportunities for all.”
QUOTABLE QUOTES
“The number one issue facing the American people is high costs. The President’s tariffs represent nothing more than a giant price hike on the cost of groceries, clothes, phones, housing and energy. We estimate that electricity costs in New England alone will go up by as much as $200 million a year. Additionally, we rely on these countries for lumber and building materials, which means housing costs will rise, and housing production could stall. We need a partner in the White House who will lower costs for families and businesses in Massachusetts, and all we’ve seen thus far from this new administration are actions that will do the exact opposite.”
---Gov. Maura Healey in response to the White House’s announcement that President Trump will implement a 25 percent tariff on goods coming into the United States from Canada and Mexico and a 10 percent tariff on goods from China.
“Trailblazers at the state and local level are leading by example every day to help Massachusetts achieve its climate goals. Today’s award ceremony is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their successes.”
--- Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper on the Healey Administration recognizing several Massachusetts state entities, municipalities and public sector individuals for their leadership in driving initiatives to decarbonize operations and reduce the environmental impacts and energy costs of state and municipal government.
“Preventing gun violence is critical to ensuring the safety of Massachusetts communities. These grants support life-saving initiatives that will allow police officers and communities to better respond to individuals in crisis and at-risk of gun violence.”
--- Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll on the Healey Administration awarding more than $2 million in federal funding to help local police departments and state agencies prevent firearm deaths and injuries across Massachusetts.
"This increase is more than just a financial adjustment – it’s a promise kept to those who have given so much. We are proud to deliver tangible support to ensure veterans and their families can thrive in Massachusetts."
---Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago announcing that Massachusetts veterans and their families will begin receiving an increase from $2,000 to $2,500 per year increased annuity benefits in February 2025 as part of the historic HERO Act that Gov. Healey signed into law last year.
HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION?
Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been filed. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session.
During the week of Jan. 27-31, the House a met for a total of 17 minutes while the Senate met for a total of 25 minutes.
Mon. Jan. 27 House 11:02 a.m. to 11:08 a.m.
Senate 11:14 a.m. to 11:20 a.m.
Tues. Jan. 28 No House session
No Senate session
Wed. Jan. 29 House 11:02 a.m. to 11:03 a.m.
No Senate session
Thurs. Jan. 30 House 11:03 a.m. to 11:13 a.m.
Senate 11:02 a.m. to 11:21 a.m.
Fri. Jan. 31 No House session
No Senate session
Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com
Bob founded Beacon Hill Roll Call in 1975 and was inducted into the New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA) Hall of Fame in 2019.