3-15-2026 5:25am

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. 11

March 9-13, 2026

By Bob Katzen

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

ALLOW FOR TRANSLATION AND TRANSCRIPTION (H 5093)

House 12-145, rejected an amendment to a bill that would prohibit the distribution of deceptive artificial intelligence (AI) communications within 90 days of an election, including audio or visual media which depicts a candidate with intent to injure their reputation or deceive a voter into voting for or against them.

The amendment would narrow the language to allow the use of AI for translation and transcription.

Amendment sponsor Rep. John Gaskey (R-Carver) said the bill travels dangerously close to the edge of First Amendment violations, especially when we're talking about challengers and grassroots organizations that have smaller budgets than establishment and incumbent positions. He noted that AI is now being used as a low-cost tool for these organizations to be able to generate transcriptions and translations to get their information out to more people, and in multiple languages.

Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier (D-Pittsfield) opposed the amendment and said that the bill does nothing to affect free speech. She noted that the measure refers to misinformation, not just of a candidate, but of the underlying infrastructure that we need to trust to have elections. Like where the polling place is and what the times are. It talks about actual malice and intent. It's not a mistake somebody makes, it's about intent.

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

Rep. Jeffrey Roy No

PROPANE FUEL (H 5151)

House 25-128, rejected an amendment to a bill that supporters said would result in over $9 billion in savings for utility ratepayers over the next ten years.

The amendment would provide that if a propane vendor fails to perform timely delivery of propane, as required under a signed agreement, and the failure results in the customer's propane supply being depleted or critically low, the customer would have the right to sign a new contract with another licensed propane vendor, regardless of whether the tank or equipment is owned or leased by the original vendor.

Amendment sponsor Rep. John Marsi (R-Dudley) said that many people rely on propane for heat and hot water. He noted that a large propane company bought up several smaller ones and then laid people off, resulting in seniors who weren’t able to get their deliveries on time. He said his amendment simply would allow customers to use another vendor to fulfill their propane needs in an emergency situation, if their contract is broken.

Rep. Mark Cusack (D-Braintree) opposed the amendment and said that this is a more complicated issue and that the amendment should be filed as separate bill so the Legislature can hold public hearings on it. He urged members not to rush this amendment through the House.

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

Rep. Jeffrey Roy No

GREEN ENERGY (H 5151)

House 25-139, rejected an amendment to a current law that requires retail electrical suppliers to provide a minimum percentage of kilowatt-hour sales to customers from renewable energy generating sources. The amendment would eliminate the renewable energy requirement if compliance would not be cost effective or would result in additional costs to consumers.

Rep. Paul Frost (R-Auburn), the sponsor of the amendment, said that he is not opposed to green energy in general but is opposed to its mandated use when it is more expensive than conventional energy. He noted that currently offshore wind and solar energy is more expensive than conventional energy and the higher costs result in the ratepayers paying more.

Rep. Mark Cusack (D-Braintree) said he opposed the amendment because it is duplicative of what is already within the power of state’s Department of Energy Resources (DOER) to do. He noted that DOER did just that this year when it reduced the requirement from 3.7 percent to 3.5 percent.

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

Rep. Jeffrey Roy No

ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL

CHANGE THE BAY STATE’S TIME ZONE (S 2157) – Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) announced her support for S 2157 – a bill that would make Atlantic Standard Time the standard year-round time in Massachusetts, and would put an end to the practice of switching between Standard Time and Daylight Saving Time. This means that people would no longer change the clocks in the Spring and Fall. The change would only take effect if two or more neighboring states (Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island or Vermont) also adopt similar legislation.

Within 120 days of this new law taking effect, Gov. Maura Healey would be required to petition the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) to include Massachusetts within the Atlantic Standard Time Zone. Under current federal law, a state cannot simply unilaterally decide to change their time zone. Any change would have to be approved by the DOT.

Currently, 48 states have Daylight Saving – the exceptions being Hawaii and Arizona. Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. local time on the second Sunday in March. On the first Sunday in November, areas on Daylight Saving Time return to Standard Time at 2 a.m. When Daylight Saving Time begins in the United States you turn your clocks ahead one hour (“Spring forward”). At the end of Daylight Saving Time, you turn your clocks back one hour (Fall back”).

“Observing Atlantic Standard Time year-round would decrease energy usage, reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, car accidents and increase workplace productivity,” said sponsor Sen. John Keenan (D-Quincy). “Tom Emswiler, a constituent and dedicated expert on time zone policy, brought this issue to my attention. I’m pleased to see that his advocacy has helped spur action in the Legislature, a promising reminder of how engaged residents can help shed light on new ideas.”

Supporters of the bill say that several studies have shown that changing the clocks has demonstrable negative impacts on health including:

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health which says the time change is associated with an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, mood disturbances and hospital admissions; Stanford School of Medicine which finds that disruptions to the body’s circadian rhythm are associated with higher rates of stroke and obesity; and Northwestern Medicine which has linked the clock change to longer-term health effects, including depression, slowed metabolism, weight gain and cluster headaches.

House Speaker Ron Mariano’s office and Gov. Maura Healey’s office did not respond to requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking how the speaker and the governor feel about the bill.

ALLOW TAX COLLECTOR TO WAIVE INTEREST, CHARGES AND FEES ON UNPAID LOCAL PROPERTY TAXES (H 3266) - The House gave initial approval, on a voice vote without a roll call, to a bill that would allow local tax collectors in cities and towns to waive interest, charges and fees, imposed on any homeowner for outstanding property taxes. The bill amends current law which allows the waiver only if the interest, charges and fees total $15 or less.

Supporters say that the bill will help many people, including seniors on fixed income, by providing some financial relief during these difficult economic times.

The same bill was given initial approval in the House in 2024, but it died because of lack of further action by the House.

Rep. Marcus Vaughn (R-Wrentham), the sponsor of the bill, did not respond to repeated requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him why he sponsored the measure and how he feels about its passage.

FREEZE ASSESSED VALUE OF HOMES (H 3006) - The House gave initial approval, on a voice vote without a roll call, to legislation that would allow cities and towns the option to freeze the valuation of any property in which the owner has lived for more than 30 years. The freeze would only apply to owners whose income does not exceed 100 percent of the area median income and whose liquid assets, excluding the home, are less than $100,000.

Supporters said that since property taxes are based on the assessed value of the property, freezing the valuation will also help keep the property tax low and help many seniors remain in their homes.

Rep. James Arciero (D-Westford), the sponsor of the bill, did not respond to repeated requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him why he sponsored the measure and how he feels about its passage.

ENTER PROPERTY FOR INSPECTION (H 3212) – The House gave initial approval, on a voice vote without a roll call, to a measure that would allow assessors, who deems it reasonably necessary, to enter any lands, waters and premises in Massachusetts to collect physical and functional data pertinent to the proper determination of said property’s fair cash value for the fiscal year tax roll. The bill does not allow entrance to an actual building.

Supporters say that the bill will ensure that these inspections are legal and not considered to be trespassing. They note that the assessor would be required to act in accordance with the Department of Revenue’s requirements as well as the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices that both allow an assessor or his authorized agents to enter a property, after reasonable notice. They noted that the legislation would not relieve an assessor of liability for damage caused by entry to the property.

Co-sponsors Rep. Bridget Plouffe (D-Brockton) and Sen. Michael Brady (D-Brockton) did not respond to repeated requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call asking them why they sponsored the measure and how they feel about its passage.

BAN MINORS FROM BEING ON SOCIAL MEDIA (HD 5696) – A late-filed bill would prohibit minors under the age of 16 from opening a social media account unless the account provides primarily videoconferencing,

e-mailing mailing or educational services. The measure would require the social media platform company to take reasonable steps to prevent children under 16 from having accounts and includes a requirement that applicants provide a birth certificate or valid government-issued identification, proving that they are over 16.

Supporters say that this age restriction is long overdue and cite the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory that highlighted a strong correlation between prolonged social media use and adverse mental health effects in minors, including increased rates of anxiety, depression and social isolation. They noted that being on these platforms risks the possibility of minors being cyberbullied, harassed and exposed to sexual predators.

Rep. Michael Kushmerek (D-Fitchburg), the sponsor of the bill, did not respond to repeated requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him why he sponsored the measure.

OFFICIAL STATE CRUSTACEAN (HD 5691) - Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth) and Rep. Joan Meschino (D-Hull) co-sponsored a late-filed bill that would make the American lobster the official state crustacean.

O’Connor said that the bill recognizes the maritime heritage of Massachusetts and the hardworking fishing communities that have shaped our coastal economy for generations. “Specifically in the district that I represent on the South Shore, I have long worked with members of the lobstering industry, and experienced first-hand the vital role lobstermen/women have in supporting local jobs, small businesses and our broader seafood economy,” continued O’Connor.

"This bill is about celebrating and uplifting a significant sector of the state’s blue economy, our historic maritime culture and a sustainable fishery," said Meschino. "I am glad to file this bill in partnership with the Massachusetts Lobstermen Association and help to honor a crucial industry in the commonwealth."

QUOTABLE QUOTES

“These 43 cities and towns are proving smart, forward-looking investments in clean energy deliver real returns for the communities they serve. These projects reduce long-term energy use, lower operating costs and cut pollution – freeing up resources that can be reinvested. We’re proud of the work Green Communities do every day to advance local clean energy goals and strengthen their economies.”

---Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper announcing the awarding of nearly $7 million to cities and towns to fund energy efficiency and clean energy projects.

“From the shores of the Cape to the trails of the Berkshires, Massachusetts offers some of the best outdoor experiences in the country. Outdoor recreation supports more than 100,000 jobs across our state and continues to grow faster than the national average. By investing in our natural resources and partnering with local communities and businesses, we are expanding opportunities for people to get outside while strengthening our economy.”

---Gov. Healey on new data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, revealing that continued growth in Massachusetts’ outdoor recreation economy has generated $14.6 billion in value added to the state’s economy in 2024 and created 108,000 jobs.

“By investing in the security of organizations at greatest risk of threats and violence, we ensure the safety of these nonprofits, but also the surrounding community. This administration is steadfast in its commitment to protect every member of our community from incidents of hate and extremist violence.”

---Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll announcing that 167 nonprofits across Massachusetts have been awarded $4.9 million in grants to improve security in order to protect their facilities, members and staff from hate crimes and extremist violence.

“For most Massachusetts residents, a home is their most valuable asset and an enduring symbol of the American Dream. MV Realty knowingly used malicious marketing practices to take advantage of hundreds of cash-strapped homeowners across Massachusetts, stripping home equity from buyers and owners.”

--- Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell announcing a $2.25 million settlement agreement with MV Realty of Massachusetts, resolving allegations that the company deceptively presented itself as a real estate brokerage, while it aggressively marketed a deceptive loan product to financially struggling homeowners.

HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSI

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 9-13, the House met for a total of 13 minutes and the Senate met for a total of 44 minutes.

Mon. March 9 House 11:02 a.m.to 11:12 a.m.

Senate 11:44 a.m.to 11:46 a.m.

Tues. March 10 No House session.

No Senate session.

Wed. March 11 No House session.

No Senate session.

Thurs. March 12 House 11:01 a.m. to 11:04 a.m.

Senate 11:18 a.m. to 12 noon

Fri. March 13 No House session.

No Senate session.

Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com