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3-16-2025 4:53am

Beacon Hill Roll Call

Alan Earls Editor

If you have any questions about this week's report, e-mail us at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com or call us at (617) 720-1562.

Volume 50 -Report No. 10

March 3-7, 2025

By Bob Katzen

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THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local representatives' votes on roll calls from recent debate on the House rules. There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week.

REQUIRE ROLL CALL VOTES (H 2026)

House 23-128, rejected an amendment that would require that a roll call be held on conference committee reports, budgets or gubernatorial vetoes at a formal session which is convened after July 31 of the second year of a legislative session.

“Prior to the 2023-2024 legislative session, the House and Senate typically ended formal sessions on July 31 of the second annual session, with the remainder of the legislative session reserved for informal sessions where roll call votes are not taken,” said amendment sponsor Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “That changed last year because there were several conference committees that were unable to complete their work until after the traditional July 31 deadline. Requiring roll calls on major legislation during what has often been considered the lame duck portion of the session is a good way to promote transparency and accountability by making sure members are on the record in terms of their support or opposition to a particular bill.”

Rep. Kate Lipper-Garabedian (D-Melrose) said requiring a roll call vote on everything after July 31 unnecessarily hamstrings the Legislature from moving legislation efficiently and nimbly. She argued that a one-size-fits-all standard could slow progress on important matters, especially in the House where in-person attendance is needed for a roll call vote.

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment requiring a roll call. A “No” vote is against requiring a roll call.)

Rep. Jeffrey Roy No

REQUIRE TWO WEEKS' NOTICE (H 2026)

House 23-128, rejected an amendment that would require two weeks' notice to be given to legislators prior to a vote on conference committee reports, budgets or gubernatorial vetoes at a formal session which is convened after July 31 of the second year of a legislative session.

“This amendment was offered to provide more predictability for the House and Senate members when a formal session is planned after the July 31 deadline has passed,” said amendment sponsor Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “It simply gives the members sufficient advance notice to thoroughly review and understand legislation before taking a vote.”

Rep. Carole Fiola (D-Fall River) said she opposed the amendment because we are a full-time Legislature which needs to be responsive, nimble and ready to vote on important matters before us.

(A "Yes" vote is for the amendment requiring two weeks' notice. A "No" vote is against requiring it.)

Rep. Jeffrey Roy No

GET OPINON OF SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT (H 2026)

House 23-128, rejected an amendment that would require the House and Senate to request an opinion of the justices of the state’s Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) whenever they have a conflicting opinion with a constitutional officer relative to the constitutionality of legislation being considered.

“The separation of powers doctrine allows each branch of the Legislature, as well as the governor, to ask the SJC for opinions on certain occasions, at their discretion,” said amendment sponsor Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “This amendment would require the House or Senate to seek an opinion of the SJC if there is a disagreement with a constitutional officer over the constitutionality of a specific piece of legislation. The State Auditor has been given the voters’ approval to audit the Legislature, but the Democratic leadership in both branches have argued that this would be a violation of the separation of powers. Since the SJC would be the final arbiter, we could easily resolve this situation by having the House or Senate request an opinion to settle this matter once and for all.”

Rep. Brandy Fluker-Reid (D-Boston) said the amendment poses unnecessary delays on the legislative process and undermines the authority of the Legislature. She noted the Legislature already has the ability to seek advisory opinions of the SJC, and in fact does so when appropriate. She argued that the amendment would require the Legislature to halt its work any time a constitutional officer raises a concern.

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment requiring the Legislature to get an opinion from the SJC. A “No” vote is against the amendment.)

Rep. Jeffrey Roy No

ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL

OVER-THE-COUNTER BIRTH CONTROL – Gov. Maura Healey announced two standing orders that will allow eligible MassHealth members and Health Safety Net patients to access prenatal vitamins and over-the-counter oral contraceptives at no cost. Advocates say the move is part of the administration’s commitment to improving reproductive and maternal health outcomes and reducing health disparities for women and infants.

“Our administration is committed to expanding access to reproductive and maternal health care across Massachusetts,” said Gov. Healey. “We know that prenatal vitamins and birth control play a really important role in women’s health. With these orders we are making it easier and more affordable for people to make the best health care decisions for themselves, will improve health outcomes for women and babies and will reduce health disparities.”

“We’re working to make sure that everyone in Massachusetts has access to the health care tools they need to live their best lives,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. "Now, MassHealth members can get prenatal vitamins and birth control pills for free, over-the-counter. Removing barriers like this is one of the simplest ways we can work toward better health outcomes for mothers and infants in our state.”

$1.3 MILLION FOR TREE PLANTING – The Healey Administration announced $1.3 million in grants to 13 cities and towns and one nonprofit organization for tree planting, from the Cooling Corridors program, which focuses on planting trees along popular walking routes and in environmental justice neighborhoods across the Bay State.

Supporters say the funding is aimed at combatting the rising heat residents are experiencing due to climate change. The program prioritizes planting trees in communities that often face more environmental challenges - and along paths that connect people to important places like schools, healthcare providers and senior centers.

“Trees are among our best allies in combating extreme heat,” said Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “A healthy tree canopy beautifies our neighborhoods and enhances energy efficiency during the hottest months of the year. Each tree planted is an investment in the health of our communities and our future.”

“Adding more trees to our neighborhoods goes beyond just making our streets look nicer – it's about ensuring our communities are cooler and more comfortable for everyone,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. “By focusing on tree planting along our walking routes, we’re taking meaningful steps to reduce heat and create welcoming spaces for families to come together.”

REAL ID - The Registry of Motor Vehicles reminds Bay State residents that beginning on May 7, 2025, people traveling by plane domestically or entering certain federal facilities will need a Registry-issued REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID, or a valid passport.

The Registry strongly encourages everyone seeking a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card to go online at Mass.Gov/REALID to learn what documents are needed for a required in-person appointment. Appointments to upgrade to REAL ID are available now, and several RMV service centers offer Saturday appointments. Customers who already have a compliant credential may renew online as long as they have not had a name change.

“May 7th is almost here, and we remind everyone to check your wallets and make sure you and your family members have the credentials that you need, depending on your travel plans,” said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie. “We want to make sure everyone is cleared for takeoff. “

$5.8 MILLION TO EXPAND MOBILITY – The Healey Administration announced the awarding of $5.8 million in funding to 44 organizations for 56 projects that expand and enhance mobility for older adults, people with disabilities and low-income individuals across the state.

The awards will allow Regional Transit Authorities, municipalities and nonprofits to provide rides for people who would otherwise be unable to get to their destinations, and to hire staff to help people learn about and learn to use transportation options.

“As a former mayor I have seen first-hand how money going to public transportation can make a difference in people’s everyday lives, especially when it helps to advance projects that help everyone get around,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. “We are proud to support our local and regional partners who are putting forward innovative initiatives to connect people to important destinations and increase access to locations and connections.”

“We are pleased to see such a variety of initiatives aimed at improving transit services, including travel training for individuals in need of assistance, services for older riders and the expansion of existing offerings,” said Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “Efforts like these greatly contribute to making our transportation network more accessible and equitable.”

DON’T MISS THIS “ENERGETIC” 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…

QUOTABLE QUOTES

“These numbers are absolutely staggering and prove what [we] have warned from the start—Massachusetts has created the perfect environment for illegal smuggling. Our members are losing customers to the illicit market every day, and the state is bleeding tax revenue because criminals are filling the void created by excessive taxes and product bans.”

---Peter Brennan, executive director of The New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association, arguing that increased tobacco taxes and more flavor bans are fueling a booming illegal tobacco market, costing the state hundreds of millions in lost tax revenue while devastating law-abiding local retailers and flooding the state with uninspected and potentially harmful nicotine products.

"Massachusetts is home to the first public school in the United States, and we have the #1 schools in the country. Donald Trump, Elon Musk and Linda McMahon’s plan to dismantle the Department of Education means students and schools would lose out on $2 billion in federal funding for our schools. That means bigger class sizes, fewer reading specialists and support for students with IEPs, less funding for poorer and rural school districts and an end to after school programs.”

---Gov. Maura Healey on President Trump’s attempt to dismantle the federal Education Department.

“Women in Construction Week is an opportunity to showcase the amazing women in construction, celebrate increased exposure for girls to learn about careers in construction and encourage women to join the industry. Through the recent executive order, continued investment in Registered Apprenticeship, and great partnerships, we are working every day to increase access to training and career opportunities right here in Massachusetts for women and people of color.”

---Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones.

“This is a tax-and-spend budget through and through. Gov. Healey is quietly raising taxes while pretending to offer relief. Allowing municipalities to hike their meals tax and triple their auto excise taxes will hit working families hard, while her prescription drug tax will make healthcare more expensive for patients.”

---Paul Craney, spokesman for the Mass Fiscal Alliance.

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 March 3-7, the House met for a total of 12 minutes while the Senate met for a total of 22 minutes.

Mon. March 3 House 11:02 a.m. to 11:10 a.m.

Senate 11:15 a.m. to 11:18 a.m.

Tues. March 4 No House session

No Senate session

Wed. March 5 No House session

No Senate session

Thurs. March 6 House 11:04 a.m. to 11:08 a.m.

Senate 11:09 a.m. to 11:28 a.m.

Fri. March 7 No House session

No Senate session

Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com