1-18-2026 4:21am

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 51 - Report No. 3

January 12-16, 2026

By Bob Katzen

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THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local senators' votes on roll calls from the week of January 12-16. There were no roll calls in the House last week.

OFFER TAX CREDIT TO COVER LARGE PROPERTY TAX INCREASES (S 2899)

Senate 37-1, approved and sent to the House a bill that supporters said would give cities and towns the ability to shield their most vulnerable taxpayers from the “shock” of an extraordinarily high third and fourth quarter tax bill in a year when the community’s residential property tax levy rises by more than 10 per cent. Qualifying groups of taxpayers include people aged 65 and older who own and occupy the home; people enrolled in MassHealth; and people living with children under age 6 or under 18.

Under current law, the first and second quarter property tax bills for a given year are estimated based on the prior year's tax levy and do not reflect any tax increase. As a result, the third and fourth quarter bills must cover the entire increase, so those two bills increase by twice the full-year percentage increase. The legislation would allow a municipality to use its own funds to give qualified persons a tax credit to cover the third and fourth quarter spike.

“Every year across the state, there are a few communities in which homeowners face unusually large tax increases,” said sponsor Sen. Will Brownsberger (D-Belmont). “This legislation will give those communities tools to help their most vulnerable taxpayers.”

“It is critical that we begin this new year by prioritizing municipal property tax relief,” said sponsor Sen. Nick Collins (D-South Boston). “By advancing these responsible tax relief proposals, we can help ease the burden of rising property tax bills on homeowners without harming small businesses or putting our economy at risk.”

“I voted ‘No’ … because tax classification, exceptions and credits, particularly when novel, should be addressed comprehensively and analyzed in the context of other new proposals and existing law,” said Sen. John Keenan (D-Quincy), the only senator to vote against the bill.

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

Sen. Rebecca Rausch Yes Sen. Karen Spilka Yes

INCREASE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TAX (S 2899)

Senate 5-33, rejected an amendment that would allow the city of Boston to shift more of its property tax burden onto commercial real estate in fiscal years 2027 through 2029. The amendment is similar to the one that has been proposed and supported by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.

The amendment would have allowed Boston to adjust its property tax classification if residential properties were set to bear a higher share of the total levy than in fiscal year 2025, with maximum shift levels capped at 181.5 percent in fiscal 2027, 180 percent in fiscal 2028 and 178 percent in fiscal 2029.

Sen. Mike Rush (D-West Roxbury) framed the amendment as a direct response to what he described as a mounting affordability crisis for Boston homeowners, particularly seniors and working families. He said the amendment was filed at the request of Wu and the Boston City Council and closely mirrored a home rule petition approved by the council and first filed with the Legislature in 2024. He pointed to rising residential values, lagging commercial property values and statutory limits on municipal tax increases as drivers of recent spikes in Boston tax bills. He said the amendment would give Boston temporary flexibility to blunt those increases while state and city officials work on longer-term solutions.

Rush added that the average tax bill for a family home rose by more than $500 in 2025 and is expected to increase by more than $700 in 2026, while commercial tax rates have continued to decline. He said those increases have disproportionately affected seniors on fixed incomes.

Sen. Will Brownsberger (D-Belmont) argued that the tax shift proposal risked producing unintended and inequitable outcomes.

"One narrative, one example, would be, well, I've got a struggling homeowner that's benefiting from it,” said Brownsberger. “That's good, and I've got an office tower whose private equity owners are paying more taxes. Maybe that narrative makes sense in some cases. But on the other hand, the truth is, we're lowering … taxes for your very wealthy single-family homeowner, perhaps living in something of a mansion in the most tony neighborhood of the city. And you're raising taxes on your little garage owner trying to make things work."

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

Sen. Rebecca Rausch No Sen. Karen Spilka No

INCREASE TAX RELIEF TO VETERANS (S 1948)

Senate 38-0, approved a bill that would allow cities and towns to hike from the current $1,500 to $2,000, the property tax break for veterans and spouses of deceased or disabled veterans in exchange for their providing volunteer services to their municipality.

“Our veterans have already given so much in service to our nation, and they deserve to be able to remain in the communities they call home,” said sponsor Sen. Julian Cyr (D-Provincetown). “For many veterans on Cape Cod, the Islands and across Massachusetts, rising property taxes are putting undue pressure on household budgets that are already razor thin. This bill gives communities a meaningful property tax relief tool while recognizing the service veterans have already given so they may live with the dignity they have earned.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)

Sen. Rebecca Rausch Yes Sen. Karen Spilka Yes

CREATE TAX REBATE PROGRAMS (S 2900)

Senate 37-1, approved and sent to the House a bill that would give cities and towns the option to create tax rebate programs for residents who already benefit from a local residential exemption. This new rebate program would allow cities and towns to set income and asset thresholds, tailoring relief to local residents’ needs.

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

Sen. Rebecca Rausch Yes Sen. Karen Spilka Yes

MEANS TESTING (S 2902)

Senate 37-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that would make it easier for communities to offer local property tax exemptions to seniors by allowing cities and towns to institute a means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption for income-eligible seniors who have lived in their community for at least 10 years.

“Rising property taxes have created serious financial burdens for many elderly residents in my communities and across Massachusetts,” said sponsor Sen. Jason Lewis (D-Winchester). “The legislation that I filed to provide an option for municipalities to opt in to a senior citizen property tax exemption would allow municipalities to support struggling income-eligible seniors and allow many aging residents the ability to continue to live in their communities and not be driven out due to increasing tax burdens.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)

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

REQUIRE MORE PUBLIC DISCLOSURES OF FUNDRAISING AND SPENDING BY BALLOT QUESTION GROUPS (S 2898)

Senate 38-0, approved and sent to the House a bill requiring more frequent public reporting of fundraising and spending by groups supporting or opposing ballot questions. Under the bill, ballot question committees would be required to provide monthly reports on their finances. After September of that year,, campaigns would have to file biweekly reports until Election Day. The bill would hold ballot question campaigns to the same standard of disclosure already followed by candidates for office. Currently, ballot committees don’t have to report on their finances between Jan. 20 and September.

“This is a bipartisan bill, a commonsense bill that we must pass now to ensure our campaign finance laws are strengthened, they're consistent and they're fair for everyone,” said sponsor Sen. Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett). “The ballot questions are happening this fall. We have to get this done right now.”

“Statewide ballot questions are a great tool for empowering the public to vote directly on statewide policies, but it is vitally important that our voters know which people and organizations are funding these policy proposals,” continued DiDomenico. “I am proud to pass my legislation through the Senate that will close a loophole in our campaign finance law and ensure our residents have all the information they need to make an educated decision when voting on ballot measures.”

“With the increasing number of ballot questions in each election, the need for transparency has never been greater,” said Sen. John Keenan (D-Quincy), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Election Laws. “Many of the questions are backed with significant funding and other resources. This important bill will allow voters to see who is supporting or opposing the ballot questions, sponsoring the ads and paying for mailings. It will help voters make informed decisions at the polls.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)

Sen. Rebecca Rausch Yes Sen. Karen Spilka Yes

SIGNATURE GATHERING FOR BALLOT QUESTIONS (S 2898)

Senate 34-3, approved an amendment that would require that when a ballot question group pays people or a company to gather signatures to qualify the question to be on the ballot, the petition must include a disclosure, in a manner to be determined by the secretary of state, which clearly informs potential signers that the petition is being distributed by a paid signature gatherer.

Another provision prohibits pay-per-signature arrangements in this signature gathering process and specifically prohibits any bonus pay or incentives, paid to the signature gatherer, which is contingent upon the number of signatures collected. A violation of this ban would be punishable by a fine of between $100 and $10,000 and each signature collected would be considered to be a separate offense.in violation of this section.

“By prohibiting pay-per-signature arrangements, we will drastically reduce the unique financial incentive for signature gatherers to mislead voters into signing petitions and ensure that initiative campaigns can still collect signatures based on the merits of the policy,” said sponsor Sen. Barry Finegold (D-Andover).

"Individuals should not be restricted from engaging in political activity that is legal,” said Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton), one of three senators to vote against the amendment. “The proponent of the amendment says that this will stop fraudulent activity, but fraudulent activity is already illegal and published on the signature petition. My position revolves around freedom of speech, where people have the ability to petition their government through a ballot process. The ballot process includes payment to collect signatures in various forms, and I don't believe it's constitutional to ban that."

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

Sen. Rebecca Rausch Yes Sen. Karen Spilka Yes

BLUE STAR LICENSE PLATES (S 2903)

Senate 38-0, approved and sent to the House a proposal that would create a new special license plate to honor the memories of fallen law enforcement officers by offering a symbol of respect to their surviving spouses, parents and children. It would also create a Blue Star Family emblem for motorcycle plates.

“As we mourn Officer Stephen LaPorta, who fell in the line of duty, we are reminded that the freedoms and protections of our commonwealth would be impossible without the courage and service of Officer LaPorta and all those who have given their lives to protect others,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “His selflessness reflects the very best of public service and stands as a solemn reminder of the profound debt we owe to those who place themselves in harm’s way to keep our communities safe. This legislation represents small but meaningful recognition to honor the memory of the fallen and to affirm our enduring commitment to the families and loved ones they leave behind.”

“It’s especially fitting to bestow this highly visible license plate in recognition for families of law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting their communities,” said Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “This distinctive plate will be available to spouses, children and parents of fallen law enforcement officers all across the commonwealth at no additional charge from the Registry. It is a small but meaningful token of appreciation that we can do to honor these brave men and women who paid the price when answering the call to duty.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)

Sen. Rebecca Rausch Yes Sen. Karen Spilka Yes

ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL

DIRECT PRIMARY CARE (S 2732) – The Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure gave a favorable report and has recommended that the House and Senate approve a bill that would prohibit health insurance carriers, particularly in the context of direct primary car (DPC) arrangements, from denying payment for covered health care services based solely on the provider being outside the carrier’s network, as long as the service itself is covered.

The measure also clarifies that dispensing controlled substances must be for a legitimate medical purpose; and removes restrictive language about dosage limits and emergency dispensing, potentially easing access for patients in urgent need.

“I proposed this legislation to minimize the burdens that come with seeking care,” said sponsor Sen. Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “This bill would bring Massachusetts into line with several other states that recognize the essential care services that DPC physicians provide and help connect underserved communities with healthcare that is covered by the insurance they already pay for. The way people are receiving essential healthcare is changing – our medical systems should change with it.”

CREDIT CARDS (S 2819) – The Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure also gave a favorable report to and has recommended that the House and Senate approve a bill that supporters say would update Massachusetts law and regulate how businesses can encourage non-credit card payments and charge for credit card use, with an emphasis on transparency and consumer protection. The bill would allow businesses to offer discounts to customers who pay by cash, check or similar means -- and would prohibit credit card issuers from restricting those discounts, provided the discount is clearly disclosed in advance of the transaction.

"I sponsored [the bill] to promote transparency and fairness for both consumers and small businesses,” said sponsor Sen. Jake Oliveira (D-Ludlow). “Credit card processing fees continue to rise, and this legislation ensures businesses can recover legitimate costs, while giving consumers clear information before they complete a purchase."

KIDNEY FAILURE (S 2737) – The Health Care Financing Committee held a hearing on legislation that would reverse the exclusion of under-age 65 with a diagnosis of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD or kidney failure) from being able to purchase Medicare Supplement health insurance plans, also called Medigap.

Supporters said this bill would ensure that Medicare-eligible Bay Staters under the age of 65 with ESRD – who are on Medicare but not the Massachusetts Medicaid program (called non-duals) have the same legally protected access to affordable Medigap plans as they would have if they had gotten sick at age 65.

“As someone who survived and knows firsthand the fear, the cost and the uncertainty that come with kidney failure, I filed this bill because no one should be denied the coverage they need simply because they got sick before turning 65,” said sponsor Sen. Adam Gomez (D-Springfield). “Massachusetts is one of only four states that still blocks younger ESRD patients from accessing affordable Medigap plans, and that barrier keeps too many people from financial stability and lifesaving transplants. This legislation is a simple, long overdue fix that will finally give hundreds of patients the protection and dignity they deserve.”

HIV – GETTING TO ZERO WEEK (H 3381) – The House gave initial approval to a proposal that would set apart December 1-8 as “Getting to Zero Week” to increase public awareness, understanding and recognition of our communities’ shared commitment to end the HIV and AIDS epidemic in the Bay State by getting to zero new cases, zero HIV-related deaths and zero stigma.

“We have the ability, not just within our lifetimes but within the next ten years, to reach zero new HIV cases, zero HIV-related deaths and zero stigma associated with HIV status,” said sponsor Rep. Jack Lewis (D-Framingham). He said the bill would recognize our communities and commonwealth’s shared commitment to ending the HIV epidemic and supporting essential public health efforts.”

QUOTABLE QUOTES

“Over $3 billion in benefits will flow into Massachusetts thanks to this major transmission line. That means lower bills, more jobs and the power we need to grow our economy. Our administration played an important role in keeping this project on track and affordable.”

---Lt Gov. Kim Driscoll, on completion of the New England Clean Energy Connect transmission line that is now delivering affordable, stable hydropower from Canada to the Bay State.

“When projects move faster, costs go down – and those savings matter. By shortening review timelines from years to just 30 days, we’re getting more housing built and making life more affordable for families and communities.”

---Gov. Maura Healey on her reforms, effective on January 30, implementing a new streamlined process to make it easier and faster to build homes in Massachusetts and lower housing costs.

"Young children learn best through play. These grants continue to equip educators with tools that lead to equitable and meaningful learning experiences for students."

---Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Pedro Martinez, on awarding $140,000 in grants to four school districts to continue efforts to incorporate playful learning strategies into preschool through third grade classrooms.

“We critically need increased monitoring, oversight and public reporting of Massachusetts Assisted Living Residences so it’s important that the Legislature approve the necessary funding to increase staffing and resources and make other legislative actions that will improve oversight and consumer protections, as advised by the Commission.”

---Liane Zeitz, member of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, applauding the final report by the Massachusetts Assisted Living Residences Commission, which outlines recommendations to improve health and safety standards at the state’s assisted living facilities, following the death of ten residents in July 2025 fire at the Gabriel House in Fall River.

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 January 12-16, the House met for a total of 23 minutes and the Senate met for a total of six hours and 16 minutes.

Mon. Jan, 12 House 11:02 a.m. to 11:12 a.m.

Senate 11:09 a.m. to 11:35 a.m.

Tues. Jan. 13 No House session.

No Senate session.

Wed. Jan. 14 No House session.

NO Senate session.

Thurs. Jan. 15 House 11:02 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Senate 1:12 p.m. to 7:02 p.m.

Fri. Jan 16 No House session.

No Senate session.

Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com