10-19-2026 4:45am

Beacon Hill Roll Call

Alan Earls Editor

Volume 51 - Report No. 42

October 12-16, 2026

By Bob Katzen

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THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week.

On November 3, or prior to that for voters who take advantage of early voting between October 17-30, all voters will have the opportunity to vote on nine ballot questions that will become law if approved by the majority of voters.

To get on the ballot, the groups backing each ballot question were required to collect and submit at least 74,574 signatures last fall. The Legislature had until May 5, 2026 to act on the proposed law. The Legislature did not act on any of the proposals by the May 5 deadline. At which point supporters were required to collect another 12,429 signatures by July 1, in order to get their question on the ballot. All nine groups gathered sufficient signatures to get their question on the 2026 ballot.

Although neither the House nor Senate voted on any of the nine proposals, the Committee on Initiative Petitions did hold public hearings on the questions. The committee eventually issued a majority report recommending that the Legislature take no action on each proposal. The Legislature never acted on the reports which were simply “placed on file,” where they died.

Secretary of State Bill Galvin has issued an 88-page book via the U.S. mail and online with details about each question. If you would rather not read the entire 88-page book, Beacon Hill Roll Call continues its look at each ballot question over the next several weeks prior to the election. This week’s report includes Questions 7, 8 and 9.

BALLOT QUESTION 7 – Here is a look at Question 7:

QUESTION 7: THIS PROPOSED LAW WOULD ALLOW SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES TO BE BUILT IN A RESIDENTIALLY ZONED AREA AS LONG AS THE LAND ON WHICH IT IS TO BE CONSTRUCTED IS AT LEAST 5,000 SQUARE FEET AND MEETS OTHER CONDITIONS.

This question asks voters if they approve of a proposed law that would allow single-family homes to be built in a residentially zoned area as long as the land on which it is to be constructed is at least 5,000 square feet, has at least 50 feet of land bordering the street, road or public way that it faces and has access to public sewer and water services. It would also allow cities and towns to reasonably regulate certain aspects of those single-family homes, including their height, distance from neighboring buildings, open space, parking requirements and whether they can be rented out on a short-term basis.

WHAT SUPPORTERS TOLD BEACON HILL ROLL CALL

“Massachusetts families need more homes, and a yes vote on Question 7 would provide more housing for young families looking for starter homes,” said Andrew Mikula, the chair of Legalize Starter Homes. “Young people often can't find homes in Massachusetts to stay close to family or are living with their parents as adults. Building more starter homes has lowered costs in other parts of the country. A series of polls has shown strong support for Question 7, and our broad coalition reflects the fact that housing affordability is both an economic development priority and a social justice imperative. Every city and town will still have control over important regulations including the height of new homes, their distance from neighboring houses, parking, open space and short-term rentals. This is a win-win for working families, young people and seniors who want to find homes they can afford in their own communities.”

WHAT OPPONENTS TOLD BEACON HILL ROLL CALL

“Question 7 is promoted as an effort to ‘legalize starter homes,’ but this misleading claim ignores the fact that starter homes are already legal, and Question 7 includes no mechanism to ensure affordability for first-time buyers,” said Adam Chapdelaine, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association. “Instead of serving local communities and young families, this blanket mandate primarily serves the financial interests of developers — a motivation underscored by the substantial funding the campaign receives from real estate interests. Question 7 would bypass local public input, override municipal zoning authority and undermine thoughtful community planning, particularly in the area of local infrastructure. Cities and towns remain committed partners in addressing the state’s housing needs through far more effective, collaborative strategies, such as the 21st Century Road to Housing Act and Move-In MA. We believe voters are able to see through the clever marketing and are recognizing that Question 7 is not an effective solution.”

WHAT YOUR VOTE DOES:

A “Yes” vote would allow single-family homes to be built on lots of 5,000 square feet or more in residential areas, subject to reasonable local regulation of certain aspects of those homes.

A “No” vote would make no change to the current law on building single-family homes.

BALLOT QUESTION 8 – Here is a look at Question 8:

QUESTION 8: THIS PROPOSED LAW WOULD PROHIBIT RETAIL SALE OF ADULT RECREATIONAL USE MARIJUANA.

This question asks voters if they approve of a proposed law that would change the type and amount of marijuana that may be legally possessed in Massachusetts by repealing the current laws that legalize, regulate and tax the retail sale of adult recreational use marijuana. The proposed law would also permit persons 21 years of age and older to possess one ounce or less of marijuana, including no more than five grams in the form of concentrate and to gift or transfer to another person 21 years of age and older one ounce or less of marijuana including no more than five grams in the form of concentrate. The proposed law would also impose a civil penalty of $100 and forfeiture of the marijuana for the possession of marijuana between the weight of one and two ounces.

For persons 21 years of age and younger, the proposed law would make the possession of two ounces or less of marijuana a civil infraction subject to a $100 fine, forfeiture of the marijuana, completion of a drug awareness program, community service and notification to their parents or legal guardian of the offense and penalties.

The proposed law would also allow currently licensed adult recreational marijuana businesses to apply on an expedited basis to become a licensed medical marijuana dispensary and to sell their remaining inventory of adult recreational marijuana to medical marijuana dispensaries.

WHAT SUPPORTERS TOLD BEACON HILL ROLL CALL

Dr. Jeffrey Morgan, a spokesperson for the Coalition for a Healthy Massachusetts, did not respond to repeated requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him why voters should vote “Yes” on Question 8; why opponents are wrong and are they distorting the truth in their arguments; and how is the campaign for Question 8 going?

Morgan did respond to Secretary of State Bill Galvin and his response was included in Gavin’s 88-page book.

“Question 8 would keep personal possession of marijuana legal, keep medical marijuana legal and stop commercial marijuana stores,” wrote Morgan. “Marijuana is now the most common drug found in fatal car accidents in Massachusetts and 85% of marijuana users admit to driving after and over 50% drive within an hour or less. Business owners have increased costs from higher rates of workplace injuries, increased healthcare costs and higher turnover. For every $1 gained in tax revenue, taxpayers spend $4.50 to mitigate the effects of legalization from societal expenses including increased healthcare, lost productivity and crime (like DUI's). Modern concentrates and edibles have been linked to mental health conditions like psychosis, severe anxiety and schizophrenia, particularly in young adults. As a result of commercial marijuana, ER visits in Massachusetts have drastically increased for teenagers with psychiatric conditions.”

WHAT OPPONENTS TOLD BEACON HILL ROLL CALL

"Our campaign is working to protect the will of Massachusetts voters and keep recreational cannabis legal,” said Ryan Dominguez, chair of the Massachusetts Cannabis Coalition. “In 2016, voters made a clear choice to replace restrictive policies and a dangerous unregulated illicit market with a safe, regulated cannabis market. In the decade since, Massachusetts has built a highly regulated system that prioritizes public health, consumer safety, responsible regulation and equitable opportunities. Repealing recreational cannabis laws will not only take us backwards, it will negatively impact our communities that are already struggling with budget shortfalls. Since legalization, the cannabis industry has brought in close to $2 billion in state and local revenue. The revenue from the Marijuana Regulation Fund, the main fund that receives cannabis revenue, supports public health programs, investments in communities, law enforcement and public safety, as well as regulatory oversight.

In addition to the public revenue impacts, it will negatively impact locally owned small businesses that have invested their life savings into building their legal businesses that create jobs and support local economies. Since the initiative passed in 2016, over 400 adult-use cannabis retail locations have opened across the state. These businesses, and the broader industry, support more than 27,000 jobs across Massachusetts. These retailers are an important part of the community. They support local jobs, they support local charities and volunteer opportunities, and they have focused on recruiting, training and employing a diverse workforce, including people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people, women, veterans and minority communities. Those jobs and this community support all go away if this question passes.

It will also negatively impact the safety of our communities by pushing consumers back into unregulated markets and eliminating consumer protections. Since legalization, Massachusetts has implemented one of the nation's most robust regulatory systems for cannabis sales, ensuring products are tested for safety, sold only to adults over the age of 21, and subject to strict oversight. Repeal would not make cannabis go away. It will make cannabis less regulated, less visible, and less accountable. Our campaign is about protecting our communities, supporting local businesses and not turning back the clock on public safety, public health and economic opportunity.

That’s why you’re seeing so much support from everyone from Gov. Healey to Mayor Wu, Congresswoman Pressley, public health officials and more than 50 state legislators who are saying ‘No’ on Question 8."

WHAT YOUR VOTE DOES:

A “Yes” vote would prohibit the legalization, regulation and taxation of the retail sale of adult recreational use marijuana and change the penalties for possession of marijuana.

A “No” vote would make no change to the current law relative to marijuana.

BALLOT QUESTION 9 – Here is a look at Question 9:

QUESTION 9: DO VOTERS WANT TO KEEP IN PLACE A CURRENT LAW WHICH INCREASES THE REGULATION OF FIREARMS, INCLUDING GHOST GUNS, MACHINE GUNS AND ASSAULT-STYLE WEAPONS.

This question asks voters if they want to keep in place the current law, approved by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Maura Healy in 2024, that added school administrators and licensed healthcare providers as parties permitted to ask a court to issue an Extreme Risk Protection Order – requiring an individual to surrender or relinquish their firearm licenses, permits and firearms - if an individual is a present danger to himself, herself or others. The law also provides that, when issuing a Harassment Prevention Order, a court may also order the surrender of firearms licenses, permits and firearms.

The current law imposes penalties for possessing, creating and transferring untraceable "ghost gun" firearms and requires all firearms except antiques and relics, including unfinished frames and receivers that can be readily made into a finished product, to have serial numbers; changes firearms licensing requirements to allow local licensing authorities to request prior license and permit information from the state, as well as access petitions for involuntary mental health commitments denied by a court in addition to prior involuntary commitments, as a part of their review of applications for licenses to carry firearms, firearm ID cards and licenses to sell firearms; requires an individual to be 21 years of age to own semiautomatic rifles or shotguns; adds the possibility of incarceration of up to six months for a second offense of failing to report a firearm loss or theft; and enables 12-15 year olds to apply for a self-defense spray permit with parental permission, and 15 to 18 year olds to apply independently.

The law also changes the definition of "machine gun" to include bump stocks, trigger cranks, Glock switches and auto sears among the devices whose possession and use are subject to penalties; clarifies how to determine whether a firearm is an assault-style weapon and the circumstances under which a person may continue to possess assault-style weapons and large capacity feeding devices they already own; clarifies requirements relating to the carry and transport of firearms in motor vehicles and ATVs. It prohibits the carrying of firearms in government buildings, polling locations and schools, with certain exceptions; and criminalizes discharging a firearm and striking a building in use.

WHAT SUPPORTERS TOLD BEACON HILL ROLL CALL

“A ‘Yes’ vote on Question 9 will protect Massachusetts’ lifesaving 2024-gun safety law and maintain critical safeguards that help keep our communities safe from gun violence,” said a spokesperson for ‘Yes’ for a Safe Massachusetts. “The 2024 law established vital protections against untraceable ghost guns and dangerous conversion kits that turn semi-automatic weapons into machine guns. It expanded our Extreme Risk Protection Order laws to help prevent firearms suicides and mass shootings. It created a publicly available data dashboard that helps us better understand where guns come from and how they are used.

Opponents of the 2024 law, backed by the gun lobby, are spreading fear and disinformation in an effort to roll back these lifesaving measures, falsely characterizing strong gun safety policies as an attack on constitutional rights. Let’s be clear: the 2024 law maintains a clear pathway for legal, law-abiding gun ownership in Massachusetts while establishing essential guardrails that address new technology and emerging threats facing individuals, families and communities.

The ‘Yes’ on 9 for a Safe Massachusetts campaign has built a diverse, grassroots coalition of supporters, including more than 160 endorsements from labor unions, law enforcement, anti-violence organizations, faith communities, elected leaders and more. We have hundreds of volunteers working to reach voters across Massachusetts, and just launched our newest digital ad, underscoring what’s at stake on November 3. With Election Day approaching, Massachusetts voters have an opportunity to maintain strong, lifesaving gun safety policies and keep our state a national leader on gun violence prevention. Vote ‘Yes’ on Question 9 to protect the health, safety, and freedom of everyone in Massachusetts.”

WHAT OPPONENTS TOLD BEACON HILL ROLL CALL

“Does the state Legislature have the power to fundamentally change any of our constitutionally enumerated rights?” asked Toby Leary chair of the Civil Rights Coalition. “If the answer is ‘No,’ then you should vote ‘No’ on 9. This omnibus law (over 116 pages long) is only designed to regulate lawful people. It does not address the criminal element, and solely focuses on more delays, more cost and strict penalties for people not in compliance. Putting good people in jail for technical violations of Chapter 135 does not make us safer. Putting away violent criminals does, and that should be the focus of the Legislature. Polling suggests that 73% of likely voters in Massachusetts support the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. This comes down to a Constitutional question for a lot of voters. If the government can fundamentally change this right, do we really have rights? Or are there just privileges granted by state legislatures that can, at any time, alter and change how they are exercised? The Civil Rights Coalition and the No on 9 campaign is committed to repealing Chapter 135 in its entirety...When we are successful, Massachusetts will still have the strictest gun control laws in the nation. We will still have background checks, red flag laws, licenses, assault weapons ban, magazine capacity bans, government-mandated classes, and more. Massachusetts will return back to one of the lowest firearm-related death rates in the nation. Chapter 135 is a solution in search of a problem.”

WHAT YOUR VOTE DOES:

A “Yes” vote would keep in place the current law, which increases the regulation of firearms, including ghost guns, machine guns and assault-style weapons.

A “No” vote would repeal this current law.

ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL

FIREFIGHTERS AND CANCER SCREENINGS (S 3284) – The Senate approved, on a voice vote without a roll call, a bill mandating free insurance coverage of cancer screenings for firefighters. The firefighters would not be subject to co-payment, deductible, coinsurance or any out-of-pocket expenses. The House approved a different version of the measure in July and the Senate version now goes to the House for consideration.

The screenings would cover colon cancer, lung cancer, bladder cancer, oral cancer, thyroid cancer, skin cancer, blood cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, testicular cancer and prostate cancer. The measure provides that the first screening would be conducted no later than three years after the firefighter starts the job, with subsequent screenings occurring every three years.

“Firefighters deal with it all—repeated exposure to smoke, fumes and toxic PFAS, ‘forever chemicals,’ in their turnout gear—so they can save lives and protect all of us Massachusetts residents,” said Senate Ways and Means chair Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport) who authored this redraft of a version that the House approved in July. “They deserve to know that we have their backs. The passage of this bill today is a vitally important step forward to protect firefighters’ health, safety and dignity. We got here by building on the dedicated advocacy of first responders and families who experienced the tragic toll of line-of-duty illness. There is no question that this legislation will save lives.”

Supporters said that firefighters are more likely to get cancer than the general public and argued that these heroes need and must have early and regular access to life-saving cancer screenings. They noted that the Occupational Cancer Research Centre attributes higher rates of sickness to greater exposure to cancer-causing hazards through inhalation of smoke, combustion by-productions and PFAS used in fire protection gear.

Rep. John Lawn (D-Watertown), the House chair of the Committee on Health Care Financing and the sponsor of the original House version of the bill, did not respond to repeated requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him why he sponsored the original measure and how he feels about the Senate version.

LOBULAR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS DAY (S 2666) – The Senate approved and sent to the House legislation designating October 15 as Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness Day to promote awareness about the disease, stimulate related research efforts and recommending that the day be observed in an appropriate manner by the people.

“I am profoundly proud that my bill to establish October 15 as Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness Day in Massachusetts passed the Senate,” said sponsor Sen. Becca Rausch (D-Needham). “Lobular breast cancer is especially difficult to detect and diagnose, yielding significant need for increased research funding in order to create new diagnostic tools and treatments, improving patient outcomes. Heightened awareness and increased attention can help achieve these goals and save lives.”

The bill was filed more than a year ago, approved by the Senate on October 15 and has not yet been approved by the House and signed by the governor. As a result, it will not be instituted until next October 15, 2027 if signed by the governor. Sen. Rausch did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking her why it has taken more than a year for the Senate to approve such a non-controversial bill.

$2 MILLION FOR FARMS AND AGRICULTURAL BUSINESSES –The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) announced more than $2 million for the Climate Smart Agriculture Grant Program (CSAP) to help 68 Massachusetts farms and agricultural businesses buy new equipment, upgrade buildings and install clean energy systems that cut costs and boost productivity. The grants are designed to support 78 projects to improve food safety, reduce energy costs, protect natural resources and strengthen the long-term sustainability and resilience of Massachusetts agriculture.

“The CSAP grants are an investment in our farms’ future,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “With this support, farmers can buy better equipment, improve composting and adopt climate-smart practices – making Massachusetts agriculture more resilient and ready for future generations of growers.”

“Our farmers are on the front lines of unpredictable and extreme weather, and the Climate Smart Agriculture Program is about giving them the tools to adapt to those pressures,” said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. “By investing in operational and infrastructure upgrades, we are helping Massachusetts farms adapt to an ever-changing environment, protect their livelihoods and continue to thrive as the backbone of our local food system that benefits us all.”

$142 MILLION FOR HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE – Massachusetts was awarded $142 million by the federal government to fund the state’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

“No family in Massachusetts should have to choose between heating their home and affording groceries or medicine,” said U.S. Representative Lori Trahan. “With heating oil prices up nearly 75 percent from last year, that choice is becoming a reality for far too many households. Releasing these funds early will help families prepare for the winter ahead. But this year’s allocation falls short of last year’s at a time when the need is greater than ever. Congress must act to restore and strengthen this lifeline.”

Bay State residents can learn about the program and apply for it at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-about-home-energy-assistance-he…

$1.75 MILLION TO PROTECT STUDENTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA - The Healey Administration today announced the awarding of $1.75 million in new funding to help Massachusetts schools protect students from the harmful impacts of social media and teach young people how to navigate the online world safely and responsibly. The grants are designed to support schools in educating students about online safety, cyberbullying, protecting their personal information, recognizing misinformation and making healthy choices about social media use.

“As a parent of two teenagers, I know how important it is to help young people navigate social media and all the pressures that come with it,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “Our kids are growing up in a world that looks very different from the one we experienced, and schools and families need to work together to help students make healthy choices. These grants will give educators more tools to have those important conversations and help students develop the skills to stay safe online.”

“These grants are designed to help students be informed, responsible users of online content, including social media,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “This support will help educators to increase media literacy among students, as well as their understanding of artificial intelligence and their ability to keep themselves and their information safe.”

QUOTABLE QUOTES

“Every day, police officers across Massachusetts answer the call to serve, often facing extraordinary risks to protect our communities. Today, we recognize 18 officers whose bravery and selflessness went far beyond the call of duty. Their actions represent the very best of public service and the same commitment to protecting others that defined Trooper George Hanna’s life.”

---Gov. Healey in a ceremony honoring 18 law enforcement officers from five Massachusetts police departments at the 43rd Annual Trooper George L. Hanna Memorial Awards for Bravery. The awards are Massachusetts’ highest recognition for bravery in law enforcement, honoring officers who demonstrated extraordinary courage and put their own lives at risk to protect others.

“Strong fire prevention standards are essential to protecting lives and keeping our communities safe. These updates reflect the importance of working with our local fire service partners, listening to those on the front lines and continually improving our approach to fire safety. We are grateful to the Fall River Fire Department for bringing forward this recommendation and to the Board for its work to strengthen protections across the commonwealth.”

--- Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon announcing the approval of new statewide fire safety requirements to help prevent future tragedies and strengthen protections for Massachusetts residents following the deadly Gabriel House fire in Fall River last year. The new standards will require annual checks for recalled fire sprinkler heads, prompt replacement of recalled equipment and additional safety measures when needed to protect residents.

“At the Registry of Motor Vehicles, we are committed to empowering seniors with the resources they need to maintain their independence, dignity and connection to their communities. We’re proud to partner and support the MBTA in helping participants explore their transportation options with confidence and obtain a Massachusetts ID. We look forward to continuing this partnership and support all of our Car Free Seniors in the days and weeks ahead.”

---Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie on the MBTA today announcing that 532 users were successfully enrolled in the MBTA’s Car-Free Seniors Pilot Program on its first day of availability. The new initiative provides free MBTA service to Massachusetts residents age 75 and older who no longer drive, which includes free travel across MBTA bus, subway, ferry and Commuter Rail services. More information about the pilot program is at https://www.mbta.com/fares/reduced/senior-charliecard

“This poisoning of our water is what happens when we use toxic chemicals throughout our economy for unnecessary uses including nonstick cookware, cosmetics, personal care products and clothing. It’s time to turn off the toxic tap and stop using PFAS in so many products.”

---Deirdre Cummings, MASSPIRG Education Fund, on the report that PFAS chemicals are contaminating waterways across the United States, putting fish, wildlife and drinking water at risk. The report titled “PFAS in America’s Rivers and Lakes,” finds that PFAS were detected in Massachusetts’ waterways at 87% of the 108 testing locations from 2022 to 2024.

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 October 12-16, the House met for a total of 22 minutes and the Senate met for a total of 36 minutes.

Mon. Oct. 12 No House session.

No Senate session.

Tues. Oct. 13 House 11:00 a.m. to 11:07 a.m.

Senate 11:18 a.m. to 11:23 a.m.

Wed. Oct. 14 No House session.

No Senate session

Thurs. Oct. 15 House 10:59 a.m. to 11:14 a.m.

Senate 11:21 a.m. to 11:52 a.m.

Fri. Oct. 16 No House session.

No Senate session.

Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com