3-09-2026 4:33am

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. 10

March 2-6, 2026

By Bob Katzen

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THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call reports on local representatives' votes on two roll calls from prior sessions. There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week.

Both roll calls are on amendments to legislation that supporters said would result in over $9 billion in savings for utility ratepayers over the next ten years. Opponents of the measure said it does not come close to its stated goal to make energy costs more affordable and represents a missed opportunity to deliver financial relief to ratepayers.

RENEWABLE PORTFOLIO STANDARD (H 5151)

House 25-130, rejected an amendment that would reduce the mandated annual rate of growth of the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) from 3 percent to 1 percent. The RPS is the percentage of the grid's provided energy supply that is derived from renewable sources.

“The reduction to 1 percent year-to-year growth of that mandated share of energy being generated by renewables would be more attainable while not preventing Massachusetts from exceeding that targeted rate of growth if the industry gains more momentum than expected,” said amendment sponsor Rep. Joe McKenna (R-Sutton). “Setting unattainable goals is an attempt to will into existence more renewable energy production than can realistically be procured. This sets up an incentive for development to leverage the mandates to bring in a very expensive supply at non-competitive rates that drives up costs borne by consumers on their bills.”

Rep. Mike Kushmerek (D-Fitchburg) opposed the amendment and said it would attempt to permanently reduce renewable energy targets and the Class 1 RPS by 15 percent by reducing it from 3 percent to 1 percent during the years from 2025 to 2029. He argued that the RPS is an important tool that helps the state comply with important climate laws and contributes to financing for clean energy projects.

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

Rep. Jeffrey Roy No

AFFORDABILITY AND COMPETITIVENESS (H 5151)

House 25-130, rejected an amendment that would require all state agencies and authorities implementing energy or climate-related regulations to complete a formal affordability and competitiveness assessment before those actions take effect. Agencies would be prohibited from advancing regulations tied to greenhouse gas limits or clean energy goals unless they determine the action will not impose unreasonable adverse impacts on residential ratepayers, including low-and fixed-income households, or on the operating costs and competitiveness of Massachusetts businesses.

The amendment mandates that the assessment must identify projected cost impacts across ratepayer classes, evaluate cumulative impacts, consult with ratepayers and business organizations and be made publicly available at least 30 days prior to implementation. If unreasonable impacts are identified, agencies must modify the proposal or adopt mitigation measures, and failure to comply would be subject to judicial review.

"If the goal of this legislation is affordability, then there must be a real backstop to protect ratepayers,” said amendment sponsor Rep. Ken Sweezey (R-Hanson). “The amendment ensures that new climate or energy mandates cannot move forward without a transparent review of their impact on household energy costs and business competitiveness. It guarantees that affordability is measured and enforced, not simply promised."

Rep. Mike Kushmerek (D-Fitchburg) opposed the amendment and said that a nearly identical amendment was put forward in an earlier version of this bill, and during that process, the feedback he received was that while it was well intentioned, the amendment would effectively grind the state's clean energy industry to a halt. He noted that litigious parties would seek to exploit this provision to tie up the clean energy industry and programs in legal battles.

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

Rep. Jeffrey Roy No

ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL

PREGNANCY (HD 5650) – The House sent to the Judiciary Committee a late-filed bill which would repeal a current law that provides that a parent who conceals the death of a child, “which if born alive would be a child born out of wedlock, so that it cannot be ascertained whether it was born alive or, if born alive, whether it was murdered, shall be punished by a fine of up to $100 or by imprisonment for up to one year.”

Sponsor Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa said the bill would repeal archaic laws criminalizing pregnancy by removing an outdated statute that can be used to criminalize unmarried women during one of the most traumatic experiences a person may face: pregnancy loss.

“This legislation would repeal a concealment of birth law that is more than a century old, written at a time when women were not yet recognized as full rights-bearing people and when giving birth outside of marriage carried deep social stigma,” said Sabadosa. “Today, the use of such laws to investigate or prosecute postpartum individuals is unjust and out of step with our modern understanding of reproductive health. There is no compelling reason for a statute like this to remain on the books.”

DOG KENNELS (H 4849) – The Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held a hearing on legislation that would make changes to current dog kennel laws. Supporters said the bill updates Massachusetts law on animal welfare, kennel licensing and dog identification and provides that fines from animal cruelty enforcement will now be deposited into the Homeless Animal Prevention and Care Fund, which will expand to cover broader animal health and welfare measures.

They argued that the bill strengthens kennel oversight by prohibiting unlicensed dogs from being accepted; expands public license records to include inspection history and enforcement data; and allows health agents to conduct inspections alongside animal control officers. When transferring a dog, kennels must record and report detailed identifying information to local clerks within 30 days.

"Following the passage of Ollie's Law last session, municipalities and industry experts made clear that additional reforms were needed to close gaps in our existing animal welfare system,” said sponsor Rep. Brian Ashe (D-Longmeadow). “This bill answers that call by strengthening kennel oversight, improving accountability and ensuring our laws better protect the animals and communities we serve."

Ollie's Law, signed into law in 2024, established rules and regulations for dog kennels in the Bay State, to ensure animal welfare, protect consumers and keep kennel staff safe.

TRUMP AND IRAN – Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) and Sen. Will Brownsberger (D-Belmont) led the charge sending a letter to the U.S. Congress and Senate urging them to uphold the constitutional role of Congress in decisions that commit American service members to hostilities overseas. The duo, and 26 other senators, signed the letter commending the bipartisan group of U.S. senators and representatives who have introduced and are advocating for a war powers resolution that would require Congressional approval before the United States engages in further hostilities with Iran or expands current operations.

“Supporting this war powers resolution is a reaffirmation that national security is best preserved when military action is governed by constitutional principles and robust Congressional oversight,” read the letter. “We urge members of Congress to support this resolution, to return to session if necessary, and to vote in favor of restoring Congress’ rightful authority over decisions that could draw the United States into an expanded war.”

The other 26 senators who signed the letter are: Cynthia Creem (D-Newton); Nick Collins (D-Boston); Joanne Comerford (D-Northampton); Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn); John Cronin (D-Fitchburg); Julian Cyr (D-Truro); Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett); William Driscoll (D-Milton); Lydia Edwards (D-Boston); James Eldridge (D-Marlborough); Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough); Dylan Fernandes (D-Falmouth); Cindy Friedman (D-Arlington); Adam Gomez (D-Springfield); Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville); John Keenan (D-Quincy); Robyn Kennedy (D-Worcester); Jason Lewis (D-Winchester); Joan Lovely (D-Salem); Paul Mark (D-Becket); Liz Miranda (D-Boston); Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford); Michael Moore (D-Millbury); Jacob Oliveira (D-Ludlow); Pavel Payano (D-Lawrence); Becca Rausch (D-Needham).

$250,000 TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL FOOD ACCESS – The Healey Administration announced $250,000 in Grants to strengthen local food access and support community food systems. Administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, the program supports emerging and established local food policy councils and food working groups as they build stronger, more resilient local food systems.

“None of our residents should struggle to put food on the table,” said Gov. Healey. “This funding is about making sure families can find fresh, affordable food in their own communities. Investing in local food systems means people get fed, farmers and small businesses are supported and our food supply is stronger.”

“Local food policy councils represent the best of Team Massachusetts in action – bringing together farmers, families, small businesses and advocates to improve quality of life in every corner of the state,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. “These grants ensure communities have the tools and resources they need to expand access to local food and build stronger, more connected food systems.”

BUILDING TRADES RECOVERY WEEK (S 2110) – The House approved a Senate-approved bill designating the last week in April as Building Trades Recovery Week, for the Buildings Trades Employers Association to promote awareness of the dangers of opioids and substance misuse among workers in the construction industry. The measure needs final approved in both branches before it goes to Gov. Healey for her signature.

“By establishing Building Trades Recovery Week, we can highlight the importance of prevention, recovery and support services for the men and women who are the foundation of driving economic development into our communities,” said sponsor Sen. Nick Collins (D-Boston). “This effort helps bring attention to an issue that affects many hardworking families and encourages open conversation, education and access to resources.”

MANDATORY RECESS FOR ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL SUDENTS (H 543) - The House gave initial approval to a bill that would require that all elementary and middle school students receive at least 30 consecutive minutes of supervised, safe and unstructured free-play recess per school day -- outdoors whenever the weather and air quality permits. If recess is held indoors due to weather or air quality, schools must use an appropriate space that promotes physical activity.

Supporters said that studies have shown that students who have consistent recesses have improved memories and are more focused. They noted that recess is often taken away from a student as a punishment and ironically those students are precisely the kids who need it. They argued that students become better learners when they are able to get their energy out on the playground on a consistent basis.

Bill sponsor Rep. Marjorie Decker (D-Cambridge) did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking her why she sponsored the bill and how she felt about its passage.

QUOTABLE QUOTES

“Many of those taken into custody are long-standing members of our communities—parents, caregivers and workers whose sudden detention leaves their families in crisis. This has had far-reaching consequences for their children, families our communities and the state of Massachusetts.”

--- Gov. Healey demanding that ICE provide, in one week, complete and accurate information on every person arrested in Massachusetts since January 2025, including the identity of each individual, the legal basis for each arrest, case status, detention location, court jurisdiction and upcoming hearing dates.

“The Mass Cultural Council is proud to support our performing arts centers and the communities they serve. These organizations are vibrant cultural anchors and powerful economic drivers. This funding ensures they can continue to attract exceptional touring performances, expand access to high-quality arts experiences and strengthen local economies across Massachusetts.”

---David Slatery, Acting Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council, announcing that 51 nonprofit and municipal performing arts centers across the state will receive a total of $3.5 million through the fiscal year 2026 Gaming Mitigation Fund Grant Program.

“For too long, Kristi Noem has overseen a reckless, lawless and dangerous ICE agency under the guise of public safety. Accountability starts at the top, and Noem’s leadership – or lack thereof – has enabled agents to shoot civilians, hide behind masks and operate as though the law doesn’t apply to them. But make no mistake: putting Sen. Mullin, who has defended some of ICE’s most egregious conduct and criticized birthright citizenship, in charge raises serious concerns. My office will be watching closely, and if federal agents operate unlawfully in Massachusetts, we will hold them accountable.”

---Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell on President Trump’s decision to remove Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem from her position and nominate Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin to replace her.

“Addressing the childcare challenge requires us to turn over every rock and look across benefits, workforce pathways and business supports. By working across state government, we’re delivering practical solutions that help providers grow, retain educators and serve families in every community.”

---Acting Education Secretary and Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw, on the release of the progress report and outlook for the third year from Gov. Healey’s Inter-Agency Early Education and Child Care Task Force, highlighting significant progress taken to expand accessible, affordable and equitable high-quality childcare across Massachusetts.

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 February March 2-6, the House met for a total of 59 minutes and the Senate met for a total of 52 minutes.

Mon. March 2 House 11:00 a.m.to 11:50 a.m.

Senate 11:06 a.m.to 11:23 a.m.

Tues. March 3 No House session.

No Senate session.

Wed. March 4 No House session.

No Senate session.

Thurs. March 5 House 11:00 a.m. to 11:09 a.m.

Senate 11:05 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.

Fri. March 6 No House session.

No Senate session.

Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com