4-05-2026 4:38am

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. 14

March 30-April 3, 2026

By Bob Katzen

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THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call reports on local senators' votes on roll calls from the week of March 30-April 3. There were no roll calls in the House last week.

THE FARM BILL (S 3029)

Senate 39-0, approved and sent to the House a bill titled “Fostering Agricultural Resilience in Massachusetts,” nicknamed the FARM bill, that proponents said will support Massachusetts’ 7,000 farms; make it easier for families to buy fresh and nutritious food; protect the state’s food supply for the future; and continue the state’s response to federal actions that threaten food access.

A key provision in the bill builds on tax policy designed to keep farms financially viable through the Chapter 61A program, which allows farmland to be taxed based on agricultural value rather than market value.

Other provisions include helping owners of small farms to grow their businesses by removing hurdles and making agritourism ventures possible, such as corn mazes and “pick your own” berry and fruit operations; supporting expanding farm operations with a local option property tax exemption for owners who build new agricultural structures; making permanent the Healthy Incentives Program to help families afford fresh produce and the Farm to School program to bring local ingredients into schools; and requiring regular reporting on the distribution of local produce through food assistance programs including food banks, universal school meals, Meals on Wheels and the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program.

“I'm proud to support the Senate's effort to build a more resilient and sustainable food system in the commonwealth,” said Sen. Dylan Fernandes (D-Falmouth), Senate Chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries. “The FARM bill will expand access to fresh, locally grown food while putting more money into the hands of our farmers and fishermen. By reducing costs, strengthening supply chains and expanding reliable markets, this legislation makes strategic investments into an industry that is essential for our economy, environment and the health of our communities.”

“Today, the Senate advanced urgently needed legislation to support the farms, producers and fisheries that are the foundation of our local and regional food systems,” said Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), Senate vice chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries. “In Western and North Central Massachusetts, where agriculture is core to our economy and identity, we know that when we lose farmland, we lose far more than fields—we lose livelihoods, food security and community.”

She continued, “This legislation reflects the recommendations of the Special Commission on Agriculture in the 21st Century—a body that I was proud to co-chair … With the FARM Bill, Massachusetts is stepping up—investing in the next generation of farms and fisheries while ensuring more local, nutritious food reaches Massachusetts families.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)

Sen. Rebecca Rausch Yes Sen. Karen Spilka Yes

TAX EXEMPTIONS (S 3029)

Senate 38-0, approved an amendment that would allow cities and towns to give temporary property tax breaks to farmers for building new buildings and/or renovating structures that are essential to farming - including barns, storage facilities, worker housing structures and structures used as indoor arenas for training and exercising horses that are used to help on the farm. The tax exemption applies only to the added value from new or rebuilt buildings and is valid for five years. If the building is used for non-agricultural purposes prior to the 5-year period, the owner would be required to pay back the taxes that were exempt.

“This measure provides our farmers with the support they need to invest in their operations without being immediately burdened by higher property taxes,” said Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “By offering targeted, temporary relief, we’re helping to sustain local agriculture and protect working lands. This is a practical step toward strengthening food security and the economy.”

Amendment sponsor Sen. Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) did not respond to repeated requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to comment on his amendment and its passage.

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.)

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

STUDY OPENING MORE AGRICULTURAL SCHOOLS (S 3029)

Senate 37-0, approved an amendment that would require the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, in consultation with the Department of Agricultural Resources, to conduct a study and make recommendations on the feasibility of establishing additional county agricultural schools in the Bay State. The bill requires that at least four public hearings be held on the matter and that an initial draft of the results be finished by December 31, 2016; and then following another public hearing on the draft, the final version with recommendations must be filed with the House of Representatives by July 1, 2027.

The study would include assessing the statewide and regional demand for agricultural and agricultural technical education; evaluating the workforce needs across agricultural and other related sectors; and identifying potential sites or host districts for new or expanded agricultural schools.

"This is a huge step toward regional equity in education offerings for agricultural school districts across Central Massachusetts,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton). “School districts are spending hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars for out of district school placements. If Central Massachusetts had an agricultural school, we could save tremendous money on transportation costs while still offering competitive agricultural education to students who are interested."

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.)

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

ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL

HEARING IMPAIRED (S 2120) – The House gave initial approval, on a voice vote without a roll call, to legislation that would remove the term “hearing impaired” from the Massachusetts General Laws and replace it with “deaf or hard of hearing.”

“Language matters, especially in our laws," said sponsor Sen. Cindy Creem (D-Newton). "This bill takes a simple but important step toward ensuring that the words we use reflect respect, accuracy and the preferences of the communities they describe. I was proud to sponsor this legislation to help modernize our statutes and affirm the dignity of deaf and hard of hearing individuals across Massachusetts.”

Supporters said that by removing the outdated term “hearing impaired” and replacing it with more accurate, respectful language that reflects how the deaf and hard of hearing community identifies today, the bill ensures that state statutes align with modern standards of inclusion and dignity.

MEN’S HEALTH (SD 3556) – The Senate referred to the Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery a late-filed bill that would create a vehicle for the state to raise awareness of the existence of the MassMen Initiative that promotes wellness and empowers working-age men across the Bay State to take action to feel better emotionally, physically and spiritually.

The proposal would require state agencies that serve men with a higher risk of mental health conditions or suicide to display resources and communicate best practices derived from the MassMen Program internally. The bill further calls for a public relations campaign subject to budget appropriations.

Supporters said that many men struggle to maintain mental wellbeing and noted the MassMen initiative is a way for men to get connected to resources, so they don’t have to struggle alone.

"For too long, policy leaders have neglected the fact that men in America need help,” said sponsor Sen. Dylan Fernandes (D-Falmouth). “Men represent 80 percent of suicide deaths, 70 percent of drug overdose deaths, and live, on average, five years less than women -- a gap that is widening in large part due to untreated mental health and substance use crises. This legislation breaks down barriers to healthcare resources for men and helps expand access to care for this hidden epidemic that deserves urgent attention."

"GRAB-AND-GO" ALCOHOL SALES (S 225) – The Senate sent to a study committee a bill that would regulate alcohol sales at large entertainment venues that seat more than 4,900 people by establishing new restrictions on how alcoholic beverages are sold and served. Under the bill, alcoholic beverages would only be allowed to be sold and served at these large venues directly by employees who are licensed by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABCC).

Bills sent to study committees are rarely actually studied and are essentially defeated. It is a way to kill a proposal without holding a vote on the bill itself.

Supporters said that currently some customers are allowed to purchase and pick up their drink without the involvement of any employee. They noted that the bill would require that an employee complete the sale and actually hand the buyer the beverage. Supporters continued that this makes it very difficult for employees to monitor alcohol consumption and intervene when they think a customer has been overserved.

“I am committed to workers’ rights, which is why I filed [the bill],” said sponsor Sen. Lydia Edwards (D-Boston). “When over-service does occur, responsibility too often falls on our members, who are blamed for failing to do their jobs—when in reality, the issue stems from the design and implementation of these stands themselves.”

She continued, “I was aware that the bill was being sent to study and want to note that Unite Here Local 26 has secured a new contract for Fenway concession workers, protecting workers jobs. And I am still committed to protecting consumers.”

DISTRIBUTION OF 26,368 COMPUTERS AND OTHER INTERNET DEVICES – The Healey Administration announced the distribution of 26,368 Internet-enabled devices to organizations across the state through the Connected and Online Program to improve quality of life for Massachusetts residents by providing access to essential services and resources online. The devices include laptops, tablets and desktop computers. In addition, more than 20,000 pieces of supporting equipment including monitors, assistive technology and remote patient monitoring tools will be made accessible to more than 200 organizations statewide, including nonprofits, hospitals, libraries and elder and youth aid organizations. Devices will be used in public spaces such as schools, libraries and learning centers, or incorporated into free-to-borrow lending programs.

“Massachusetts residents rely on the Internet every day to find work, take classes, access health care and build stronger community ties,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “The Connected and Online Program helps residents improve their lives by equipping them with the capacity to directly access services and opportunities.”

“Access to digital tools is essential for connecting people to opportunity,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “The Connected and Online Program helps residents access jobs, training and essential services while supporting a stronger workforce across Massachusetts.”

QUOTABLE QUOTES

“Providing affordable financing to our cities and towns takes the pressure off local budgets and helps our communities move forward with critical infrastructure projects. State Revolving Funds create construction jobs and ensure safer, healthier communities.”

---Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll on the Healey Administration announcing that 70 projects across Massachusetts are eligible to receive over $1 billion in low-interest rate loans to upgrade or replace aging drinking water and wastewater infrastructure and cut treatment plant energy use and costs.

“This loan repayment program is a crucial part of efforts to strengthen our early educator workforce. By supporting our early educators, we’re supporting our economy and the educational journeys of our youngest learners.”

---Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega on the launch of a $15 million program that is designed to support and retain the early education workforce by helping eligible educators reduce their student loan debt.

“We are proud to be a longstanding partner of the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program and co-founder of the Boston Tax Help Coalition. Last season, Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) completed nearly 3,600 tax returns and brought more than $7 million in federal and state refunds back to the community. For hardworking people who are struggling, seniors and those who live with disabilities, a potential tax refund makes a big difference.”

---ABCD President and CEO Sharon Scott-Chandler urging Greater Boston and Mystic Valley residents who earned $69,000 or less in 2025, have disabilities or are limited English-speaking taxpayers to schedule a free in-person tax preparation appointment at one of its 12 neighborhood sites by calling 617-348-6329 or visiting bostonabcd.org/tax

“A record of an eviction case, even if the case has been dismissed or was brought in retaliation for a tenant exercising their rights, can have devastating impacts on a person’s ability to obtain housing. I am proud to partner with these eight incredible organizations to support projects across the state helping residents seal their eviction records and open the door to stable housing for thousands of individuals.”

---Attorney General Andrea Campbell on awarding more than $500,000 in grant funding to eight organizations across the state supporting the implementation of Massachusetts’ eviction sealing law. The awards grant funding to organizations that will provide eviction sealing legal services, clinics, educational materials and more to ensure eligible residents are able to seal their records and have an opportunity for a fresh start.

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 March 30-April 3, the House met for a total of 20 minutes and the Senate met for a total of three hours and 46 minutes.

Mon. March 30 House 11:01 a.m. to 11:10 a.m.

Senate 11:29 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.

Tues. March 31 No House session.

No Senate session.

Wed. April 1 No House session.

Senate 10:07 a.m. to 1:22 p.m.

Thurs. April 2 House 10:59 a.m. to 11:10 a.m.

Senate 11:15 a.m. to 11:25 a.m.

Fri. April 3 No House session.

No Senate session.

Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com