4-19-2026 5:13am

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. 16

April 13-17, 2026

By Bob Katzen

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THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call reports local representatives' and senators' votes on roll calls from the week of April 13-17.

$4.58 BILLION FOR TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS INCLUDING $300 MILLION FOR LOCAL ROAD AND BRIDGES (H 5375)

House 155-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that authorizes $4.58 billion in bonding for various local, regional and state transportation programs. The package includes $300 million for cities and towns for local roads and bridges -- of which $200 million will be distributed to all municipalities based on the standard Chapter 90 Program distribution formula and another $100 million which will be distributed to all municipalities based solely on road mileage.

Other provisions include $500 million for the Lifecycle Asset Management Program which aids non-federally funded roads and targets the pavement and bridges across the state that are in the worst condition; $200 million for capital projects to support housing development, including stormwater management, culverts and bike and pedestrian improvements; $200 million for a new accelerated deferred maintenance and modernization program for infrastructure under the care and control of the Department of Conservation and Recreation; and $200 million for the MBTA for the procurement of electrically powered locomotives.

The legislation also reauthorizes $3.18 billion in funding for several programs included in the 2022 Transportation Bond Bill including $2.3 billion for projects on interstates and other federally aided highways; $800 million for improvements to non-federally aided roadways and bridges; $65 million for the Municipal Pavement Program for engineering, permitting, design and climate change adaptation on municipal ways; and $12 million for grants for the Shared Streets Program for improvements and projects to municipal streets to create additional capacity for pedestrians and cyclists.

"Providing funding for critical infrastructure projects through investments in the commonwealth’s public transportation, roads and bridges is one of the most important responsibilities that we have as members of the Legislature,” said House Speaker Ron. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I’m proud of the support for local infrastructure repairs that this legislation provides, and of the funding included for the MBTA.”

“Continuing the needed support for the commonwealth’s transportation infrastructure and programs, this legislation reauthorizes over $3 billion in programs from the 2022 Transportation Bond Bill and it mirrors the success of last year’s Chapter 90 increase for road mileage to grow regional equity,” said Rep. James Arciero (D-Westford), House Chair of the Committee on Transportation. “The House continues to proceed with caution while balancing the significant transportation needs of our cities and towns.”

“Local leaders across the commonwealth are deeply grateful to the House for moving so decisively on this legislation,” said Massachusetts Municipal Association Executive Director Adam Chapdelaine. “The Chapter 90 program remains the backbone of municipal infrastructure maintenance. By continuing this increased funding level, the Legislature is directly committing to improving the safety and reliability of our local roads. We are thrilled to see this momentum.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)

Rep. Jeffrey Roy Yes

ENVIRONMENTAL BILL (S 3050)

Senate 36-3, approved and sent to the House an environmental bond bill, dubbed by supporters as the Mass Ready Act, which takes action to support the removal of “forever chemicals” from drinking water, help municipalities withstand floods and droughts and make outdoor recreation possible for more residents through improved trails and parks.

A key provision would prohibit single-use plastic bags at retail stores and instead allow shoppers to check out with a recyclable paper bag or a reusable plastic bag. Customers would be required to pay a minimum of 10 cents per recycled paper bag with 5 cents of the fee going to the Plastics Environmental Protection Fund and the other 5 cents going to the retailer. Retailers would have the option to make the fee more than 10 cents per bag. The bill exempts from the bag fee any business with not more than one store location, with an area of not more than 4,000 square feet of retail selling space and not more than ten employees, and which provided not more than 10,000 carryout bags in total during the previous calendar year.

The measure also prohibits retailers from providing a customer with food serviceware, including cups, napkins, condiments, food containers, straws, plates, bowls, trays, cartons, stirrers, cup sleeves, cocktail sticks and toothpicks, unless requested by the customer.

Another provision would create the Massachusetts Paint Stewardship Program, run by paint manufacturers, to coordinate the collection, recycling, reuse and environmentally sound disposal of used leftover house paint purchased by consumers. The program would be funded by adding a fee, estimated to be $1.45 per can, to paint sold in the Bay State. The bill mandates that under the plan, at least 90 percent of residents have a collection site within a 15-mile radius and that at least one collection site is established in each city and town with a population of 50,000 or more.

The bill would authorize state borrowing to invest in a resilient environment and an accessible natural world including $500 million for the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program, supporting climate resiliency planning in cities and towns; $450 million for the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust to protect access to clean water; $120 million for PFAS remediation in public and private wells; $125.5 million to support resource conservation and preservation initiatives, including $5.5 million for the Healthy Soils Grant Program; $225 million for coastal infrastructure and resilience; $800.5 million for properties and roadways owned and managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation; and $521.6 million for state and municipally owned dams.

Other provisions include $30 million for tree-planting initiative; $50 million for MassTrails Grants, including $10 million for accessibility upgrades that protect access to trails for all Massachusetts residents; $20 million for the growth and economic competitiveness of the state’s agricultural, commercial fishing and cranberry-growing sectors; and $132.5 million for the Food Security Infrastructure Grant program including $7.5 million for the Massachusetts Food Trust Program  to increase access to healthy, affordable food.

“As the crew of Artemis II recently reminded us, we only have one planet—an oasis of life in a dark and empty universe,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “The beautiful images of our planet from space reinforce the awe-inspiring responsibility we have to keep the earth healthy and thriving. Closer to home, the Mass Ready Act will help reduce our reliance on single-use plastics and ensure we have access to clean air and water, as well as numerous opportunities to enjoy the beautiful nature that surrounds us for decades to come.”

“Today, we advanced the most comprehensive environment-centered climate action bill in Massachusetts history,” said Sen. Becca Rausch (D-Needham), Senate Chair of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. “Trump’s relentless attacks on our environment do not change these simple truths: nature both centers us and sustains us, and we are responsible for its protection, preservation, sustainability and resilience. The Mass Ready Act is once-in-a-generation legislation, packed with policy and funding authorizations to prevent flooding damage, reduce single-use plastics, enhance biodiverse ecosystems, support parks and trails, bolster local efforts to address vulnerability, promote nature-based solutions, measure water access equity and much more.”

"Essentially, this bill increases fees and taxes directly upon consumers and businesses in ways I ultimately can't stand for,” said Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton), one of only three senators who voted against the measure. “Massachusetts is one of the most expensive states in the nation, and the idea of raising the cost of doing business or even just living is untenable."

Sens. Kelly Dooner (R-Taunton) and Peter Durant (R-Spencer) were the two other senators who voted against the bill. Neither one responded to repeated requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call asking them why they opposed the bill.

There was opposition to the bill from two outside groups. “Its Tax Day which means taxpayers are paying their taxes and Statehouse elected officials are raising them,” said Paul Craney, executive director of the Mass Fiscal Alliance, noting that the Senate is trying to impose new taxes on April 15th, the same day as the deadline for taxpayers to file their income tax returns. “This level of contempt for the taxpayers only happens in Massachusetts.”

"Once again, the political rhetoric on Beacon Hill is completely at odds with policy when it comes to state lawmakers taking affordability seriously," said the National Federation of Independent Business’ Massachusetts state director Christopher Carlozzi who is against the bill. "The last thing commonwealth small businesses need is additional mandates, fees and taxes that make owners' jobs more difficult and products and services more expensive for their customers. Customer satisfaction is vital to small businesses, and making serviceware like straws, condiments, napkins, containers, etc. ‘by request’ only could disrupt that business-consumer relationship.”

Carlozzi continued, “If a customer drives away forgetting to request a straw for their ice coffee or milkshake, they will blame the business for not including it, just as with other proscribed items that are expected by consumers. The bill's new tax on paint in Massachusetts is estimated to cost $1.45 per can of paint, which will drive up costs for shoppers by adding additional expenses on top of the 6.25 percent state sales tax. This will just drive consumers to neighboring states to make their purchases.”

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

Sen. Rebecca Rausch Yes Sen. Karen Spilka Yes

FIREFIGHTERS AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES (PFAS) (S 3050)

Senate 39-0, approved an amendment providing $25 million in bonding for the reduction of firefighters’ exposure to dangerous PFAS through three avenues – the purchase of PFAS-free protective turnout gear, the responsible disposal of equipment contaminated with PFAS and the research and development of safer turnout gear that does not contain PFAS.

PFAs is a class designation that includes nearly 10,000 chemicals used to make everyday items fireproof, waterproof or non-stick. Supporters said that even at low levels, the toxicity of PFAS chemicals can be devastating, increasing the risk of cancer, immunosuppression, birth defects, colitis and other diseases.

“I introduced this amendment … because I strongly believe that, when newer and cleaner solutions are developed, the harms of using risky chemicals begin to far outweigh the benefits,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Mike Moore (D-Millbury). “We are now one step closer to stripping toxic PFAS chemicals out of the gear our firefighters wear every day. I could not be more thrilled about the huge policy win this amendment represents, and I know that the firefighters who will no longer have to wear toxic gear are thankful too.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.)

Sen. Rebecca Rausch Yes Sen. Karen Spilka Yes

$15 MILLION FOR CLEAN DRINKING WATER IN SCHOOLS AND CHILDCARE CENTERS (S 3050)

Senate 38-0 approved an amendment that would create a $15 million grant program, administered by the Department of Environmental Protection in consultation with the Executive Office of Education, to ensure access to clean drinking water in public schools and childcare centers across the state.

Funds may be used for improvements to drinking water infrastructure to address lead, PFAS and other contaminants; removal of contaminated or outdated water outlets; and to purchase, install and maintain filtered water stations and filtered faucets.

“I filed the amendment to address the public health threat facing the commonwealth’s children due to the presence of lead in our school water infrastructure because no amount of lead exposure is safe,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem).

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.)

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

DROUGHT MANAGEMENT (S 3050)

Senate 38-0, approved an amendment that would create a Drought Management Task Force within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, which supporters said would strengthen the state's response to the increase in droughts that communities are experiencing.

The task force, which would meet at least monthly when drought conditions exist, would assist in collecting and assessing technical information; facilitate coordination and communication among task force members, agencies and the public; and provide recommendations on the existing drought level and any proposed responses.

The amendment also allows the Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to establish outdoor watering restrictions during droughts and gives municipalities the power to enforce these restrictions.

Amendment sponsor Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough) said the bill provides critical financing for environmental priorities. "Drought management is one of the best tools we have to adapt to climate change,” said Eldridge.

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.)

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

ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL

DON’T MISS THIS EVENT - THE AI REVOLUTION IN MASSACHUSETTS: DISRUPTION, RISK AND OPPORTUNITY - As Massachusetts looks to both lead and regulate the AI revolution, join leading legislators and thought leaders for a timely forum on AI's challenges and opportunities, hosted by the State House News Service and MASSterList. The timely policy forum is on Thursday, May 7, from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the MCLE Conference Center (Downtown Crossing), 10 Winter Place, Boston. Register at: https://events.humanitix.com/massai

PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR GRANDPARENTS WHO ARE RAISING THEIR GRANDCHILD (H 3204) - The House gave initial approval, on a voice vote without a roll call, to legislation that would allow cities and towns to establish a personal property tax exemption or abatement program, of up to $1,000 per child, for grandparent over the age of 55 who are raising their grandchild.

Supporters, noting this tax reduction would be in addition to any current property tax reduction the grandparent is already receiving. They said this would help the grandparents financially by making up for the thousands of dollars in additional costs they are incurring as a result of raising a grandchild.

Rep. James Murphy (D-Weymouth), the sponsor of the bill, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to comment on his proposal and its passage.

INJURED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS (S 1851) - The House gave initial approval, on a voice vote without a roll call, to a measure that would allow public safety personnel with impaired health, presumed to have been suffered in the line of duty, to submit an affidavit attesting that the member underwent a physical exam upon beginning his or her service as a law enforcement official, if their employer failed to maintain these records.

"Public safety personnel such as police officers and firefighters who are injured in the line of duty or develop illnesses related to their service shouldn’t be forced to navigate unnecessary red tape if their employer fails to maintain proper medical records,” said sponsor Sen. Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough). “This legislation will help relieve public safety officials of the undue burden of proving an occupational presumption when through no fault of their own, their medical records have been lost or damaged by their employing department."

ENERGY ASSISTANCE FOR LOW INCOME PEOPLE (H 3509) - The House gave initial approval, on a voice vote without a roll call, to legislation that would require automatic re-enrollment of eligible residents into the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) each year rather than forcing recipients to annually re-apply for benefits, as long as they continue to meet the program's eligibility requirements.

“In 2022, the Legislature authorized the creation of an online common application portal to streamline the process and allow residents in need to simultaneously apply for state benefits and services overseen by multiple state agencies,” said sponsor Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). "The LIHEAP program assists residents with basic heating needs during the cold winter months, and it only makes sense to allow residents to apply once and be able to continue to automatically receive fuel assistance for as long as they meet the program’s federal and state eligibility requirements.”

BAZAARS (H 4238) – The House gave initial approval, on a voice vote without a roll call, to a proposal that would repeal the current law that prohibits fraternal organizations from conducting more than three bazaars in a single calendar year. The bill does not alter another existing law which limits the organizations to only one event per day for no more than five consecutive hours.

“I filed this legislation to support fraternal organizations that play a vital role in our communities through veterans’ services, youth athletic sponsorships, emergency assistance for families in need and many other charitable efforts,” said sponsor Rep. Bruce Ayers (D-Quincy). “By removing the outdated restriction limiting fundraising events to three per year, while maintaining existing oversight and accountability, this bill provides the flexibility.”

ROUNDING PENNIES UP AND DOWN (H 5138) – The Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee held a hearing on legislation that would require that all commercial cash transaction in the Bay State be rounded to the nearest 5 or 10 cent intervals in order to remove the need for the penny. Amounts ending in 1, 2, 6 or 7 would be rounded down to the nearest 5 or 10-cent interval while amounts ending in 3, 4, 8 or 9 would be rounded up to the nearest 5 or 10-cent interval. Rounding rules would not apply to payments made electronically, with credit cards, checks, gift cards or other non-cash methods.

The bill was filed in response to the U.S. Treasury’s announcement in November 2025 that it has stopped producing new pennies, after 252 years of doing so, in part due to production costs exceeding 3 cents per coin. While existing pennies will remain legal tender, the Treasury is phasing them out, leading to increased business use of rounding to the nearest 5 cents in cash transactions.

"This legislation addresses a foreseeable circumstance that the federal government has failed to recognize,” said co-sponsor Rep. Tackey Chan (D-Quincy). “The shortage of pennies negatively impacts consumers who pay in cash and hampers retailers from providing consistent and uniform change to customers."

"The quickening scarcity of the amount of pennies in circulation have caused an issue for retailers across the country,” said co-sponsor Sen. Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough). “As pennies go the way of the blacksmith and end up in short supply, we need to craft a consistent solution that ensures cash-paying consumers are fairly charged and businesses are able to balance these transactions over time."

DISCLOSE TARIFFS ON CARS (H 5036) - Another bill heard by the Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee would require new vehicle manufacturers and retail vehicle establishments doing business in the state to clearly and conspicuously disclose the estimated tariff costs on their retail prices on websites and new vehicle labels.

Supporters said that the attorney general would promulgate and enforce regulations that establish the standardized method to calculate tariff cost estimates, the formatting requirements for the disclosure labels and recordkeeping requirements to substantiate tariff cost estimates. They argued that consumers have a right to know by how much the costs for a new vehicle have risen by the tariffs.

Rep. Mindy Domb (D-Amherst), the sponsor of the bill, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking her to comment on her proposal.

UNCOVERING STAGED SUICIDES (S 2743) – The Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee held a hearing on a measure that would establish the training, education and certification standards that must be met by law enforcement officers who investigate a death if a history of domestic violence is involved in the case.

Supporters said the bill was filed because there have been cases in which domestic abusers have murdered their partners and then tampered with the crime scene to make it look like a suicide or accident. They argued that the bill would ensure that in death cases following a history of domestic violence, law enforcement officials will ask investigatory questions related to that history and interview family members and close friends of the victim prior to determining whether or not the death was by suicide.

“I’m committed to fighting the heartbreaking scourge of intimate partner violence,” said sponsor Sen. Becca Rausch (D-Needham). “This legislation will ensure that suspicious death cases are fully investigated as a matter of course, and that grieving family and friends are not forced to fight just to have their loved one’s lived experiences respected and recognized. This bill is part of a growing national effort to honor the memories of domestic violence victims, to provide them and their families with justice even after their deaths, and to hold perpetrators accountable. I am humbled to work with survivors who have turned their profound family tragedies into meaningful action.”

SPECIAL COMMISSION TO EXAMINE SCHOOL BUS SAFETY (S 2861) – The Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security held a hearing on legislation that would establish a special commission to review and recommend updates to school bus safety standards and operator training requirements; including potential adoption of safety sensors, additional monitors, enhanced training and other measures to protect students while on buses, during boarding, disembarking and at bus stops. The commission would be required to submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by December 1, 2026.

The proposed law, known as “Summer’s Law,” is named after then 9-year-old Summer Steele of Plainfield, who was run over and killed in October 2016 when her backpack got caught in the door of her school bus.

Supporters said that the study would yield proposed legislation that would save lives, prevent injuries and make students safer. They noted that the installation of anti-pinch sensors technology that react to very small objects by stopping the closing movement of the door, would be a priority.

Co-sponsors of the bill, Sen. Paul Mark (D-Becket) and Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa (D- Northampton) did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking them to comment on their proposal.

QUOTABLE QUOTES – Gov. Maura Healey joined four former Bay State governors at Faneuil Hall to mark the 20th anniversary of Massachusetts’ landmark 2006 health care reform law.

Here’s what they said:

“Twenty years ago, Massachusetts showed the country what is possible when people come together and rise above partisan agendas to solve big challenges. This law expanded health coverage and made it a reality for people across our state, and today we are the best in the nation. Now, families and small businesses are facing a different challenge -- the cost of care. That’s why we’re focused on lowering costs, cutting red tape and removing barriers to care to make sure people afford the best health care in the world. Massachusetts led then, and we are leading again.”

---Gov. Healey

“I’m proud to have been part of a team that expanded access to health insurance for so many people across Massachusetts. That achievement stands as a reminder of what’s possible when leaders set aside partisanship and focus on serving the public good. As a result, over a million residents have been able to receive preventive, wellness and life-saving care from our world-renowned healthcare professionals.”

---Former Gov. Mitt Romney

"Health care reform 20 years ago was neither perfect nor unanimous. But it has helped millions of people — first in the commonwealth and eventually across the country — lead healthier lives. I am proud of the role my team and I played in standing up and making it better, and in showing what we can do when we work together."

--- Former Gov. Deval Patrick

“Gov. Romney’s signature on [the health care reform bill] in 2006 was a climactic and landmark moment in the history of access to health care in Massachusetts and well beyond. Along the way, Democrats and Republicans worked together to expand coverage for children and working families. The groundwork included early Medicaid expansions and system reforms that made broader coverage possible. These efforts ultimately drove our insured rate for children to previously unimaginable levels, peaking at well over 95 percent. The hard work of Gov. Romney’s administration and the Legislature over the years proved that even on complex issues, collaboration can deliver real results.”

---Former Gov. Bill Weld

“For generations, Massachusetts has taken seriously the responsibility to make health care more accessible and more affordable. The 2006 reform showed the nation what leadership looks like, and it’s encouraging to see that same spirit continue as the state takes on today’s challenges.”

--- Former Gov. Mike Dukakis

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 April 13-17, the House met for a total of three hours and 56 minutes and the Senate met for a total of nine hours and 38 minutes.

Mon. April 13 House 11:00 a.m. to 11:09 a.m.

Senate 11:02 a.m. to 11:09 a.m.

Tues. April 14 No House session.

No Senate session.

Wed. April 15 House 11:02 a.m. to 2:34 p.m.

Senate 11:04 a.m. to 8:28 p.m.

Thurs. April 16 House 11:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Senate 11:38 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Fri. April 17 No House session.

No Senate session.

Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com