11-23-2025 4:49am

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. 47

November 17-21, 2025

By Bob Katzen

GET A FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO MASSTERLIST – Join more than 30,000 people, from movers and shakers to political junkies and interested citizens, who start their weekday and Saturday mornings with MASSterList—the popular newsletter that chronicles news and informed analysis about what’s going on up on Beacon Hill, in Massachusetts politics, policy, media and influence. The stories are drawn from major news organizations as well as specialized publications.

MASSterList will be e-mailed to you FREE every Monday through Saturday morning and will give you a leg up on what’s happening in the blood sport of Bay State politics. For more information and to get your free subscription, go to: www.massterlist.com

THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local representatives' and senators' votes on roll calls from the week of November 17-21.

$2.3 BILLION SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET (H 4761)

House 149-9, Senate 38-0, approved and sent to Gov. Maura Healey a $2.3 billion fiscal year 2025 budget to close out the books on fiscal year 2025.

Provisions include $1.67 billion for MassHealth, with a $303 million net cost to the state after federal reimbursements; $374 million for Steward hospital payments, with a $236 million net cost to the state; $10 million for Health Care For All to conduct a public awareness campaign to inform vulnerable populations about new Medicaid work requirements put in place by the recent federal spending bill; $5 million in for reproductive health care; $2.5 million for the Committee for Public Counsel Services for indigent persons; $60.7 million for snow and ice removal; and $50 million for the Housing Preservation and Stabilization Trust Fund.

Other provisions require an investigation into sheriffs’ fiscal year 2025 spending deficits; create a new Sports and Entertainment Fund initially provided with $10 million to support transportation, public safety and other costs related to Massachusetts’ seven 2026 FIFA World Cup matches; criminalize the impersonation of a federal officer and increase penalties for impersonating a public official, including a federal officer; protect unpaid federal employees from residential eviction or foreclosure during and immediately after any federal shutdown; and remove the automatic requirement of a public notice for name-change petitions filed in court.

“This closeout supplemental budget effectively closes the books on fiscal year 2025 by following through on our commitments across the health care, education and public safety sectors,” said Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Besides responsibly wrapping up the last fiscal year, our bill takes meaningful action such as providing for technological upgrades to the delivery of SNAP benefits to our residents, penalizing the impersonation of a federal agent and protecting federal workers from evictions or foreclosures during a government shutdown. This agreement not only reflects our priorities, but also responsibly reconciles spending gaps and puts the fiscal year to bed.”

“This supplemental budget will close the books on fiscal year 2025 in a balanced and fiscally responsible manner,” said Rep. Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston), Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means. “By making critical investments into much needed programs in health care, education and housing to name a few, the commonwealth will be in a strong fiscal position for fiscal year 2026 and beyond.”

“Beacon Hill is once again using a closeout bill to expand government costs without addressing the underlying fiscal issues driving them,” said Paul Craney, executive director of the Mass Fiscal Alliance which opposed the budget. “Lawmakers approved more spending for free inmate phone calls while quietly pumping another $50 million into rental assistance, a growing cost burden driven in large part by the state’s shifting costs from the self-inflicted migrant shelter crisis. Instead of shifting money around to paper over the problem, the Legislature should confront the policies that created these unsustainable obligations. Taxpayers deserve accountability and a long-term plan, not another round of reactive spending.”

None of the nine representatives who voted against the budget responded to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking them why they voted against it. Those nine representatives are Reps. Donald Berthiaume (R-Spencer), Nicholas Boldyga (R-Southwick), Colleen Garry (D-Dracut), John Gaskey (R-Carver), Marc Lombardo (R-Billerica), Joseph McKenna (R-Sutton), Alyson Sullivan-Almeida (R-Abington), Kenneth Sweezey (R-Hanson) and Justin Thurber (R-Somerset).

(A Yes” vote is for the budget. A “No” vote is against it.)

Rep. Jeffrey Roy Yes Sen. Rebecca Rausch Yes Sen. Karen Spilka Yes

RESCIND CALLS FOR A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION (H 4692/S 2684)

House 155-3, Senate 34-4, approved resolutions which would rescind all previous calls by the Massachusetts Legislature for a national Constitutional Convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution.

This action makes Massachusetts the 17th state to rescind all prior applications for an Article V convention and reaffirms that any constitutional decisions should reflect the will of today’s elected lawmakers and the people they represent.

An Article V convention is a process outlined in the U.S. Constitution allowing states to propose constitutional amendments if two-thirds (34) of state legislatures call for it. Supporters of the resolutions said such a convention could open the entire Constitution to unpredictable changes, as there are no clear guidelines or limitations on what delegates could propose. They noted that while an Article V convention has never been called before in American history, there is recent conservative momentum to add up all active resolutions to meet the two-thirds threshold.

Supporters said the resolutions are in response to concerns that Congress and the Trump Administration could attempt to use prior Massachusetts resolutions to call for a Constitutional Convention to advance their own political agenda, moves that could have broad and sweeping implications on current protections under the U.S. Constitution.

“Given the uncertainty surrounding an Article V convention, such a process could present a serious threat to the U.S. Constitution, our democracy and the civil rights and liberties that are the foundation of our nation,” said House sponsor Assistant Majority Leader Rep. Alice Peisch (D-Wellesley). “Today, we come together in defense of the U.S. Constitution, a document that for more than two centuries has guided our nation, safeguarded our freedoms and provided the framework for our democracy.”

“Today’s bipartisan vote is a resounding affirmation of our commitment to protecting the stability and integrity of the U.S. Constitution,” said Senate Majority Leader Cindy Stone Creem (D-Newton), Senate sponsor of the resolutions. “By acting swiftly and collaboratively, both chambers are turning the page on these outdated petitions that no longer reflect the values or priorities of the commonwealth. Massachusetts will not allow our past resolutions to be misused in ways that could undermine fundamental rights or destabilize our constitutional framework.”

“I am the Senate sponsor of the ‘We the People’ bill to repeal the Citizens United decision, including through an Article V Convention. I continue to believe it is a legitimate path to change the U.S. Constitution, and therefore I voted ‘No’ on the resolutions.”

None of the other six legislators who voted against the resolutions responded to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking them why they voted against them. Those six legislators are Sens. Kelly Dooner (R-Taunton); Peter Durant (R-Spencer); and Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton); along with Reps. Nicholas Boldyga (R-Southwick); John Gaskey (R-Carver); and Marc Lombardo (R-Billerica).

(A Yes” vote is for the resolutions. A “No” vote is against them.)

Rep. Jeffrey Roy Yes Sen. Rebecca Rausch Yes Sen. Karen Spilka Yes

CANNABIS CHANGES (S 2722)

Senate 30-7, approved a bill that makes changes to the 2016 voter-approved state law that legalized the recreational use of cannabis including reducing the size of the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) from five members to three members.

Supporters said the bill updates licensure policies to meet the needs of businesses and consumers today and in the future, allowing retailers to expand and hold a maximum of four licenses and removing operational barriers for smaller companies to enter the medical marijuana market. They noted that following the successful introduction of recreational consumption since voters approved legalization in 2016, recreational consumers would be allowed to possess a maximum of two ounces, an increase from the current one-ounce limit.

“As Massachusetts’ cannabis industry continues to mature, our laws must evolve to meet the moment,” said Sen. Adam Gomez (D-Springfield), Senate Chair of the Committee on Cannabis Policy. “[The bill] is a thoughtful step forward streamlining the CCC to improve oversight, expanding opportunities for local entrepreneurs and recognizing the reality of adult cannabis use in our communities. By modernizing our approach, we’re strengthening public accountability, supporting small businesses, and advancing equity, fiscal responsibility and patient access.”

“Almost 10 years have passed since the people of Massachusetts voted to legalize recreational cannabis use, and, as the market has grown, it has become clear that we should make adjustments to strengthen our regulatory structure and relax limits on possession,” said Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “The Senate acted swiftly, overwhelmingly passing legislation that will reform operations at the CCC while increasing public accountability. This legislation responsibly increases individual possession limits and requires the commission to report on the mental health impacts of cannabis use in the commonwealth.”

"We should work to ensure the cannabis industry operates responsibly and safely, and while I believe the bill does put a better structure in place for the regulation of the industry, I also believe [it] failed to put in place sufficient guardrails mitigating the potential negative public health outcomes related to a sharp increase in cannabis accessibility,” said Sen. John Keenan (D-Quincy) who voted against the measure. “Constituents have told me about how cannabis has negatively impacted their lives, particularly young people. With them in mind, I voted against the bill."

"My primary reasons for opposing [the bill] are related to two major provisions that could affect regulation and public safety,” said Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton). “First, the bill reduces the commission from five members to three--a change that could weaken oversight and accountability. Second, the bill increases the legal possession limit for those under 21 from 1 to 2 ounces and raises the civil penalty threshold from 2 to 3 ounces for those under 21. For those reasons, I couldn’t support this bill’s final form due to fast expansion without solidified safeguards."

The House has approved a different version of the bill and the Senate version now goes to the House for consideration.

(A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.)

Sen. Rebecca Rausch Yes Sen. Karen Spilka President rarely votes

WHISTLEBLOWER (S 2722)

Senate 37-0, approved an amendment that would ensure that the Cannabis Control Commissioners can maintain their ability to receive complaints and information regarding the quality, efficiency and integrity of the CCC’s programs and operations despite [this bill’s] new language that builds a stronger firewall between commissioners and ongoing investigations being conducted by CCC employees.

“The CCC’s commissioners are meant to serve a dual role – both as a regulator of the cannabis industry, and as a regulator of the Cannabis Control Commission itself,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Mike Moore (D-Millbury). “While I understand the purpose of building a firewall between commissioners and the work being done by the CCC itself, given the myriad scandals the agency has faced over the last several years, language in this bill should not stop commissioners’ ability to receive whistleblower reports and other feedback about the agency’s work. This amendment clarifies that the path of whistleblower reports still goes through the commissioners who have the power to immediately take action to correct failures of the agency they oversee.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.)

Sen. Rebecca Rausch Yes Sen. Karen Spilka President rarely votes

WARNING LABELS (S 2722)

Senate 11-26, rejected an amendment that supporters said would require that cannabis and cannabis product packaging include clear and accurate warning labels that address health risks, ensuring consumers are informed about potential effects. They noted that these effects include impairment, dependency or risks during pregnancy. They noted the amendment expands labeling requirements by adding batch numbers, testing results, use-by dates, allergen information, THC amounts per serving and a required FDA disclaimer. They said this amendment requires rotating health warnings including risks like addiction, mood disorders, psychosis, suicidal thoughts and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.

“Many other states already use similar warning-label requirements, and following those standards helps keep consumers informed and safe,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “It’s a practical step towards stronger public health.”

"Accidental marijuana ingestion poses serious and rising risks to children, especially since its legalization in Massachusetts,” said Sen. John Keenan (D-Quincy). “One study found that in 2020 unintentional cannabis exposure in children under five accounted for 41.6 percent of all poison control cases nationwide, I supported [this] amendment because its passage would have required clear labeling, similar to many other products, indicating that it is marijuana and is dangerous for children. It also would have included labels with information directed at adults, including THC level, a unique batch number, a full list of ingredients and potential allergens.”

Sen. Adam Gomez (D-Springfield) said the bill already includes robust labeling requirements and argued this amendment goes too far.

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.)

Sen. Rebecca Rausch No Sen. Karen Spilka President rarely votes

ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL

SUICIDE AWARENESS AND REMEMBRANCE DAY (H 3888) – Gov. Maura Healey signed into law legislation designating September 22nd as Military Service Members and Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day. The day acknowledges that suicide is an epidemic among service members and veterans and is designed to foster awareness and call for suicide prevention measures and support.

Supporters said that passage of this law follows years of advocacy, including the tireless contributions from the Partyka family, whose son, Sgt. Matthew Partyka, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran from Hingham, died by suicide in 2022. Matthew’s family has been instrumental in raising awareness about veteran suicide and pushing for legislative change.

“We brought forward this legislation in direct response to the tragedies that have left holes in the fabric of our communities and in order to build awareness to prevent future tragedy,” said sponsor Rep. Joan Meschino (D-Hull). “[The bill] is an important step in offering support to both our active service members and veterans.”

CAR RENTALS (H 4705) – The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Healey a bill that supporters said would align the Bay State with the majority of other states by updating car rental insurance requirements to maintain liability coverage on a secondary basis, making rental companies responsible only if the renter is uninsured or underinsured. If a lessee or operator of a leased vehicle already has a valid liability policy or equivalent financial security meeting the state minimum requirements, the lessor’s coverage obligation is considered satisfied.

Supporters said that by shifting primary liability to the renter’s personal auto insurance, the legislation helps make car rentals more affordable and accessible for Massachusetts residents, reducing costs while maintaining necessary protections.

“When friends visited me on Cape Cod this summer, they were stunned at just how expensive it was to rent even a small sedan for the weekend,” said sponsor Sen. Julian Cyr (D-Truro). “And they're not wrong — rental car prices in Massachusetts are higher than almost anywhere else in the country, in part because we've kept an outdated insurance requirement on the books. We're one of the only states where rental companies, not your own insurance, are required to carry primary coverage, and the cost of that policy gets passed right along to consumers.”

Cyr continued, "By aligning Massachusetts with the rest of the country, we're helping lower rental car prices for families, travelers and anyone who needs to rent a car in a pinch. I'm proud the Senate has taken this step to make life just a little more affordable for our residents and visitors.”

PROTECT COMMUNICATIONS OF LABOR UNIONS (H 2087) – The House gave initial approval to a measure that would protect the confidentiality of all modes of communications between labor unions and their union members, except in the rare circumstances where disclosure appears necessary to prevent injury from a crime or when legal claims are brought in formal proceedings against unions.

"Workers need to know they can bring issues on the job to their union without fear of reprisal or retaliation,” said Lindsay Kenney, Legislative Director of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO. “If workers don’t feel safe to disclose safety issues – they won’t disclose. If workers fear inquiring with a union about representation could get them fired – they won’t seek out union representation. “[The bill] would address that issue by establishing a legal privilege preventing labor organizations and workers from being compelled to disclose confidential communications made in the course of seeking or providing representation.”

Rep. Marjorie Decker (D-Cambridge), the sponsor of the bill, failed to respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking her to comment on the passage of the proposal.

SAFETY OF CANDIDATES (S 2742) – Sen. Becca Rausch last week filed a bill that supporters say will enhance the safety and security of candidates for public office and other professionals by removing home addresses from ballots, nomination papers and other materials. The measure also similarly would protect from disclosure personal contact information maintained by government entities on elected officials, judges, judicial officers, law enforcement personnel, public prosecutors, public defenders and state licensed professionals whose work subjects them to an elevated safety risk.

Supporters said that Massachusetts is the only state in the nation that unnecessarily puts people at risk by requiring candidates to put their street addresses on nomination papers and ballots.

“Amid harassment, intimidation, assault and cold-blooded murder of elected officials and their families, as well as health care professionals, law enforcement officers and others, we must do everything we possibly can to protect our existing public servants and make it safe for anyone to run for and serve in office,” said Rausch. “Notably, this is not a partisan issue, as figures spanning the political spectrum have faced terrible violence. I am proud to direct my deep expertise in elections and public records laws to the widely shared goal of safety and security for all by crafting and filing this comprehensive legislation.”

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 November 17-21, the House met for a total of 14 hours and 13 minutes and the Senate met for a total of ten hours and 16 minutes.

Mon. Nov. 17 House 11:01 a.m. to 11:07 a.m.

Senate 11:02 a.m. to 11:12 a.m.

Tues. Nov. 18 House 11:01 a.m. to 4:59 p.m.

No Senate session.

Wed. Nov. 19 House 11:00 a.m. to 6:55 p.m.

Senate 11:04 a.m. to 9:05 p.m.

Thurs. Nov. 20 House 11:00 a.m. to 11:14 a.m.

Senate 11:07 a.m. to 11:12 a.m.

Fri. Nov. 21 No House session

No Senate session

Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com