1-25-2026 5:10am

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. 4

January 19-23, 2026

By Bob Katzen

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THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll calls in the House and Senate last week. This week, Beacon Hill Roll Call reports on Senate roll calls from recent sessions

EXTEND THE TIME TO FILE FOR AN ABATEMENT (S 2900)

Senate 36-1 approved an amendment that would increase from 30 days to 75 days the amount of time a property owner has to file for an abatement if they feel that their home evaluation was too high.

Amendment sponsor Sen. Nick Collins (D-Boston) said the amendment would help property taxpayers by simply extending the abatement period and giving them more time. He noted that currently we have the bomb drop on January 1 and people who are in the middle class don't have lawyers and accountants on retainer. He said that when the city increases your property value by 10 percent, you usually put your head down and just eat it, and that’s not fair.

“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 amendment.

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

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

FURTHER EXPAND ELIGIBILITY FOR SENIOR PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION (S 2900)

Senate 36-1, approved an amendment to 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.

Amendment supporters said the amendment, sponsored by Sen. Nick Collins (D-Boston), would boost the existing senior property tax exemption by giving municipalities the option of further expanding eligibility by lowering the age eligibility, raising the income eligibility, raising the asset eligibility and raising the limit of possible exemption from $1,000 to $1,500.

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

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

SENIOR PROPERTY TAX DEFERRAL (S 2901)

Senate 37-0, approved a bill that would expand eligibility for the Senior Tax Deferral Program by lowering eligibility to qualify for it from the current 10 years to seven years of required state residency.

In addition, the bill allows the homeowner, or their heirs, one-year to pay back the deferral with accrued interest rather than immediately after sale or death; allows municipalities to raise income eligibility to the maximum circuit breaker amount; and delays the date on which a foreclosure petition may be filed until 18 months after their death.

Supporters said the measure will allow seniors to keep more money in their pockets at a time when property values and tax bills are steadily climbing.

"Property tax deferral is an important program that can help older adults stay in their homes,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville). “It allows older adult homeowners to defer all or part of their property tax bill, which is paid back to the municipality with interest when the property is sold. It can be a better alternative to reverse mortgages, especially if the municipality sets the interest rate lower than the 8 percent cap. It is underutilized, and this legislation will remove one barrier by extending the time a municipality can reduce the interest rate, and the time before foreclosure is allowed. Many cities and towns can do more to inform older homeowners of this option, and this is a chance to do that."

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

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

KEEP DARK MONEY OUT OF LOCAL BALLOT QUESTIONS (S 2898

Senate 6-31, rejected an amendment to a bill requiring more frequent public reporting of fundraising and spending by groups supporting or opposing statewide ballot questions.

The amendment would apply the state’s campaign finance election laws to political expenditures of more than $1,000, made by persons, corporations, associations, organizations or other groups of people, to influence the outcome of local ballot questions in cities and towns. The person or group would be required to file disclosure forms and failure to comply would be punishable by a 1-year prison sentence and/or a $1,000 fine.

Sen. Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), the sponsor of the amendment, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to comment on his amendment.

Supporters said that the amendment will close a loophole that allows unlimited amounts of unreported funds by outside individuals and groups to influence and sway the local voters’ decision. They noted the flow of dark drowns out the vote of the local voters.

"[The] amendment promoted the idea of more transparency on the local level for political spending, when it comes to ballot questions,” said Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton). “These laws already exist on the state level, and I think that residents should be able to understand who is supporting local ballot initiative questions and what their implications are."

“I voted ‘Yes’ on this amendment because it guarantees transparency in local ballot question,” said Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “Any individual or entity who is spending a significant amount of money to influence decisions on a ballot question should have to publicly disclose where this money is coming from. This would close a disclosure gap in municipal elections, deter outside influence and keep consistent with existing campaign finance principles. I think that this would keep democracy in check as oftentimes municipal elections are overlooked. Consistency across the board would be the most beneficial to all.”

Amendment opponents said the amendment goes beyond the subject matter of the bill which deals with statewide ballot questions. They argued that the gist of the amendment is already in several separate bills that are pending before the Legislature. They said the Senate should consider this amendment as a separate bill which would be the subject of a public hearing and be vetted through the legislative process.

"I voted against the amendment because I believe Sen. Julian Cyr’s [separate] bill … is the more appropriate vehicle for meaningful municipal election funding reform,” said Sen. John Keenan (D-Quincy). “This is important legislation that I hope to see passed in the Senate soon."

Sen. Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett) did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him why he led the charge against the amendment and to comment on why he opposed it.

In December, the House gave initial approval to a related bill that would apply the state’s campaign finance election laws to political expenditures of more than $1,000, made by persons, corporations, associations, organizations or other groups of people, to influence the outcome of articles that appear on Town Meeting warrants. The person or group would be required to file disclosure forms and failure to comply would be punishable by a 1-year prison sentence and/or a $1,000 fine.

(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

CHALLENGE TO POSSIBLE MARIJUANA BALLOT QUESTION REJECTED - The State Ballot Law Commission, a five-member body appointed by the governor, issued a decision overruling the objection filed against an initiative petition that would place on the 2026 November ballot a question asking voters to repeal the current laws that legalize, regulate and tax the retail sale of adult recreational use marijuana in Massachusetts. The proposal to put the question on the ballot had garnered the required 74,754 signatures and it will now, like ten other petitions, go before the Legislature for consideration. If not approved by the Legislature by May 6, 2026, proponents must gather another 12,429 signatures by July 1, 2026, in order for the question to appear on the November 2026 ballot.

The commission’s decision cited the lack of admissible evidence presented by the objector. The commission wrote, “The objector’s call that the unsupported allegations contained in the objection raise serious questions about the petition’s integrity that warrant further scrutiny from the commission itself, rings hollow given that absolutely no admissible evidence has been presented or offered supporting the allegations made.”

REGULATE AND RESTRICT CIVIL ARRESTS IN COURTHOUSES BY ICE AGENTS (SD 3607) – Sen. Lydia Edwards (D-Boston) has filed legislation that would require ICE agents to obtain a judicial warrant in order to take someone into custody in a courthouse or on courthouse grounds, for a civil immigration crime such as being present in the U.S. without lawful status and overstaying a visa.

The proposal also requires agents to identify themselves to uniformed court personnel and state the specific law enforcement purpose for their presence in the courthouse, and the proposed enforcement action the agent intends to take. Another provision prohibits ice agents from wearing masks unless medically necessary.

Edwards said that “the proposal is rooted in a simple principle: courthouses must remain safe spaces where justice is practiced without fear.” She noted that Increased ICE activity in and around courthouses undermines the sense of safety within these buildings and grounds and has had a chilling effect on access to the courts – prohibiting residents from fully exercising their right to due process.

“Courthouses exist so people can seek justice – not to be places of fear or enforcement ambush,” said Edwards. “When individuals are too afraid to show up to court, justice breaks down for everyone. This legislation is about defending the rule of law, safeguarding due process and ensuring our courts remain places where fairness and equal access are upheld for all.”

MAKE ASPARAGUS THE OFFICIAL STATE VEGETABLE (HD 5474 and SD 3498) – Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton) and Rep. Homar Gomez (D-Easthampton) filed a bill, requested by some third-grade students at Hadley Elementary School, to make asparagus the official state vegetable. Other areas in the nation are also working to designate their state as the asparagus capital of the world.

“It kind of started by us asking what our state vegetable was, and we really didn’t have one,” said 8-year-old student James Rathbun. “We thought that was interesting, and it would be cool to invite the senator and representative to the class and ask them to make a bill.”

According to the students, back in the 1950s and 1960s, almost 100 percent of asparagus grown in the Bay State came from fields in Hadley, unofficially making the town the asparagus capital of the world.

“I filed this bill because Western Massachusetts should be more visibly represented across the commonwealth, and there’s no better way to do that than through our amazing farms,” said Rep. Gomez. “The work the children did truly made this a no-brainer for me.”

“When a classroom filled with passionate third graders advocate for asparagus to become the official state vegetable, I listen closely,” said Sen. Comerford. “It was inspiring to meet with these students at Hadley Elementary School as they shared the history and regional significance of asparagus — also known as Hadley Grass. I am grateful to these young people for reminding us how democracy works.”

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR VETERANS (HD 4593) – Rep. Michelle Badger (D-Plymouth) filed a bill that would establish a fund to be used to provide temporary financial assistance to veterans who need it.

Veterans would apply to a board made up of veterans and veterans service professionals. The fund would help prevent veterans from foreclosures and evictions by providing financial assistance for many things including the payment of a veteran’s mortgage or rent, meal allowance, temporary housing, transportation or the installation of a ramp at the home of a veteran with a disability.

“I filed this bill after conversations with Denis Russell of Plymouth VFW Memorial Post 1822, who shared powerful stories of the veterans he has helped—and the heartbreaking moments when needs exceeded the resources available,” said sponsor Rep. Michelle Badger (D-Plymouth). “Our veterans stepped up to protect us, and it is our responsibility to make sure we step up to support them.”

REGULATE TRAVEL INSURANCE (S 2921) – Sen. Pavel Payano (D-Lawrence) filed a bill that would establish a legal framework for travel insurance in Massachusetts. It defines key terms, clarifies the responsibilities of travel insurers, administrators and retailers and ensures consumer protections. The bill mandates licensing requirements for travel insurance providers, sets premium tax obligations and outlines permissible sales and marketing practices. It also regulates policy classification, underwriting standards and the offering of travel protection plans. Additionally, the bill prohibits unfair trade practices, such as misleading marketing tactics, and empowers the commissioner of insurance to enforce compliance through regulations.

“This bill would create a clear and uniform statutory framework for travel insurance that encourages openness, consumer trust and ethical procedures,” said sponsor Sen. Pavel Payano (D-Lawrence). “The legislation is based on the Travel Insurance Model Act, adopted by the National Council of Insurance Legislators and National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Thirty-Eight other states have already enacted legislation based upon this Model Act and several more states are contemplating enacting similar legislation.”

QUOTABLE QUOTES

Last week, Gov. Maura Healey delivered her State of the Commonwealth address before a joint session of the House and Senate. Former Govs. Mike Dukakis and Bill Weld were among the hundreds who attended. Here are some of the reactions to her speech:

Rep. Ken Sweezey (R-Duxbury) who gave the Massachusetts Republican party’s official response:

"What you have just heard over the course of the last hour was at best a speech full of half-truths and a misrepresentation of a failed administration. As expected, all Gov. Healey did was try to point her finger at Washington and mask her failures of the last three years. Washington has nothing to do with the biggest problems that we face here in the commonwealth, no matter how many times she shouts the president's name. The only ones to blame are the governor herself and one-party rule on Beacon Hill. The hard truth behind these remarks hide violations of the public trust, accountability, transparency and worst of all lying about her commitment to affordability."

"Now, the good news is it's possible to change it. 2026 is an election year, and Republicans have constantly offered common sense solutions. This affordability crisis, these bloated budgets, the lack of funding to our schools and public safety, it is all a choice. A choice that you will have in November. Do not allow the direction of our great commonwealth to be dictated by hopelessness, cynicism or apathy, lest we continue down this horrible path. That is exactly what those in power want. It is time to show them that you are the ones that hold the power. I will see you at the polls in November."

House Speaker Ronald Mariano (D-Quincy):

“Tonight, Gov. Healey shared her vision for a government that works for people, that addresses the most dire affordability challenges that our residents are facing, that protects our most vulnerable populations and that positions Massachusetts for success in an ever-changing global economy. That’s a vision that the House shares, and it stands in direct contrast to Donald Trump’s chaos, and his vision for an America where his billionaire friends get richer while working people struggle to get by. The House will continue to work with Gov. Healey to cut costs for residents, and to ensure that despite the damage being done at the federal level, Massachusetts will continue to serve as a driving force behind solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.”

Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland):

"The governor focused on affordability and lowering costs for the residents of Massachusetts, whether it be with housing or energy or education, making it easier for people to live in Massachusetts and have healthy lives. So, I was very pleased to see that. The other thing I was pleased with was her social media policy. It aligns really wonderfully with the Senate's cell phone ban and with our data privacy bill. It really hones in on protecting children, which is what we have been focusing on in the Massachusetts Senate, as well."

Progressive Massachusetts Policy Director Jonathan Cohn:

"Although Gov. Healey’s State of the Commonwealth began with sharp criticisms of President Trump, she failed to demonstrate that Massachusetts will be a true bulwark against his harmful policy agenda. It’s deeply disappointing that Gov. Healey offers nothing of substance in how to protect our immigrant communities in Massachusetts from ongoing ICE terrorism and Trump’s un-American, xenophobic agenda. Last year, she offered Marcelo Gomes da Silva a rosary; perhaps it should be no surprise that all she offers here is thoughts and prayers.

Brian Shortsleeve, Republican candidate for governor:

"I came here to listen and I was uninspired. I would think it was an uninspiring speech. What I didn't hear were bold ideas and action. Gov. Healey should have announced that tomorrow morning she's going to cut all those state-mandated fees out of your electricity bill. That would save consumers ratepayers hundreds of dollars a month. She should have announced we are building the natural gas pipelines. She killed two pipelines back in 2016 that, if they were in place today, would be saving ratepayers thousands of dollars. The state's facing an affordability crisis and a tax nightmare that requires bold leadership. I'm a Marine. In the Marine Corps, you are taught to lead with a bias for action. Take action. Be bold. What I heard from Healey was proposals for new commissions, new studies and new ways to think about our problems, not bold action."

Mike Kennealy, Republican candidate for governor:

"Gov. Healey’s 'plan' for energy relief, is basically a payday loan scam. Get cash now, pay it back later with interest. Your next governor should lead with integrity, not lie to you about providing 'relief.' This does nothing to address the real root of the problem, which is that Gov. Maura Healey is financing a climate agenda through our utility bills, sticking Massachusetts families with the third highest utility rates in America. She talks about bringing more energy to the state, while in reality she has blocked two natural gas pipelines that would have driven costs down. When I’m governor, we’ll have an energy policy that’s rooted in affordability not a climate agenda. I will strip the unnecessary green surcharges out of our utility bills, providing immediate and lasting relief to rate payers. I will implement an all-of-the-above approach that includes expanded natural gas capacity and investment in next generation nuclear energy.

Mike Minogue, Republican candidate for governor:

“Tonight, Governor Healey told you everything is fine. She said she has spent every day focused on making life more affordable in 2025. Has the audit that we voted for been done? Is it easier to live here than it was three years ago? Are your bills lower? No. She had three years to solve the problems, but instead she blames others and campaigns on the problems. All I hear about when I travel around the commonwealth is how expensive everything has become for working people. One in three people are considering leaving Massachusetts due to the rising costs. Massachusetts deserves a governor who is a leader with common sense and compassion. You deserve a governor who will bring accountability, affordability, opportunity and keep our community safe. As governor, that’s exactly what I’ll do."

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 19-23, the House met for a total of 46 minutes and the Senate met for a total of 37 minutes.

Mon. Jan. 19 No House session.

No Senate session

Tues. Jan. 20 House 11:03 a.m. to 11:29 a.m.

Senate 11:15 a.m. to 11:37 a.m.

Wed. Jan. 21 No House session.

No Senate session.

Thurs. Jan. 22 House 11:03 a.m. to 11:18 a.m.

Senate 11:03 a.m. to 11:18 a.m.

Fri. Jan 23 House 11:01 a.m. to 11:06 a.m.

No Senate session.

Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com