THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call reports on local representatives\u2019 votes on roll calls from prior sessions. There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week.<\/p>\n
ALLOW FOR TRANSLATION AND TRANSCRIPTION (H 5093) \u2014 The House, 12-145, rejected an amendment to a bill that would prohibit the distribution of deceptive artificial intelligence 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.<\/p>\n
The amendment would narrow the language to allow the use of AI for translation and transcription.<\/p>\n
Amendment sponsor Rep. John Gaskey, R-Carver, said the bill travels dangerously close to the edge of First Amendment violations, especially when we\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s not a mistake somebody makes, it\u2019s about intent.<\/p>\n
(A \u201cYes\u201d vote is for the amendment. A \u201cNo\u201d vote is against it.)<\/p>\n
Voting yes: Rep. Marc Lombardo. Voting no: Rep. James Arciero, Rep. Simon Cataldo, Rep. Rodney Elliott, Rep. Kimberly Ferguson, Rep. Colleen Garry, Rep. Kenneth Gordon, Rep. Natalie Higgins, Rep. Tara Hong, Rep. Vanna Howard, Rep. Meghan Kilcoyne, Rep. Michael Kushmerek, Rep. Tram Nguyen, Rep. David Robertso, Rep. Margaret Scarsdale, Rep. Dan Sena, Rep. Jonathan Zlotnik.<\/p>\n
PROPANE FUEL (H 5151) \u2014 The 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 10 years.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
(A \u201cYes\u201d vote is for the amendment. A \u201cNo\u201d vote is against it.)<\/p>\n
Voting yes: Rep. Kimberly Ferguson, Rep. Marc Lombardo, Rep. David Robertson.\u00a0Voting no: Rep. James Arciero, Rep. Simon Cataldo, Rep. Rodney Elliott, Rep. Colleen Garry, Rep. Kenneth Gordon, Rep. Natalie Higgins, Rep. Tara Hong, Rep. Vanna Howard, Rep. Meghan Kilcoyne, Rep. Michael Kushmerek, Rep. Tram Nguyen, Rep. Margaret Scarsdale, Rep. Dan Sena, Rep. Jonathan Zlotnik.<\/p>\n
GREEN ENERGY (H 5151) \u2014 The 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Rep. Cusack said he opposed the amendment because it is duplicative of what is already within the power of state\u2019s Department of Energy Resources to do. He noted that DOER did just that this year when it reduced the requirement from 3.7 percent to 3.5 percent.<\/p>\n
(A \u201cYes\u201d vote is for the amendment. A \u201cNo\u201d vote is against it.)<\/p>\n
Voting yes: Rep. Kimberly Ferguson, Rep. Marc Lombardo.\u00a0Voting no: Rep. James Arciero, Rep. Simon Cataldo, Rep. Rodney Elliott, Rep. Colleen Garry, Rep. Kenneth Gordon, Rep. Natalie Higgins, Rep. Tara Hong, Rep. Vanna Howard, Rep. Meghan Kilcoyne, Rep. Michael Kushmerek, Rep. Tram Nguyen, Rep. David Robertson, Rep. Margaret Scarsdale, Rep. Dan Sena, Rep. Jonathan Zlotnik.<\/p>\n
ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL<\/p>\n
CHANGE THE BAY STATE\u2019S TIME ZONE (S 2157) \u2014 Senate President Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, announced her support for S 2157 \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
Within 120 days of this new law taking effect, Gov. Maura Healey would be required to petition the United States Department of Transportation 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.<\/p>\n
Currently, 48 states have Daylight Saving \u2014 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 (\u201cspring forward\u201d). At the end of Daylight Saving Time, you turn your clocks back one hour (fall back\u201d).<\/p>\n
\u201cObserving Atlantic Standard Time year-round would decrease energy usage, reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, car accidents and increase workplace productivity,\u201d said sponsor Sen. John Keenan, D-Quincy. \u201cTom Emswiler, a constituent and dedicated expert on time zone policy, brought this issue to my attention. I\u2019m 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.<\/p>\n
Supporters of the bill say that several studies have shown that changing the clocks has demonstrable negative impacts on health including:<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
ALLOW TAX COLLECTOR TO WAIVE INTEREST, CHARGES AND FEES ON UNPAID LOCAL PROPERTY TAXES (H 3266) \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
Supporters say that the bill will help many people, including seniors on fixed income, by providing some financial relief during these difficult economic times.<\/p>\n
The same bill was given initial approval in the House in 2024, but it died because of lack of further action by the House.<\/p>\n
FREEZE ASSESSED VALUE OF HOMES (H 3006) \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
ENTER PROPERTY FOR INSPECTION (H 3212) \u2014 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\u2019s fair cash value for the fiscal year tax roll. The bill does not allow entrance to an actual building.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
BAN MINORS FROM BEING ON SOCIAL MEDIA (HD 5696) \u2014 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
OFFICIAL STATE CRUSTACEAN (HD 5691) \u2014 Sen. Patrick O\u2019Connor, R-Weymouth, and Rep. Joan Meschino, D-Hull, co-sponsored a late-filed bill that would make the American lobster the official state crustacean.<\/p>\n
O\u2019Connor said that the bill recognizes the maritime heritage of Massachusetts and the hardworking fishing communities that have shaped our coastal economy for generations. \u201cSpecifically 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,\u201d continued O\u2019Connor.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis bill is about celebrating and uplifting a significant sector of the state\u2019s blue economy, our historic maritime culture and a sustainable fishery,\u201d said Meschino. \u201cI am glad to file this bill in partnership with the Massachusetts Lobstermen Association and help to honor a crucial industry in the commonwealth.\u201d<\/p>\n
QUOTABLE QUOTES<\/p>\n
\u201cThese 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 \u2014 freeing up resources that can be reinvested. We\u2019re proud of the work Green Communities do every day to advance local clean energy goals and strengthen their economies.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2014 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<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2014 Gov. Maura Healey on new data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, revealing that continued growth in Massachusetts\u2019 outdoor recreation economy has generated $14.6 billion in value added to the state\u2019s economy in 2024 and created 108,000 jobs<\/p>\n
\u201cBy 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2014 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<\/p>\n
\u201cFor 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2014 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.<\/p>\n
HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK\u2019S 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
On Monday, March 9: House \u2014 11:02 a.m.to 11:12 a.m.; Senate \u2014 11:44 a.m.to 11:46 a.m. On Tuesday, March 10: No House session. No Senate session. On Wednesday, March 11: No House session. No Senate session. On Thursday, March 12: House \u2014 11:01 a.m. to 11:04 a.m.; Senate \u2014 11:18 a.m. to noon. On Friday, March 13: No House session. No Senate session.<\/p>\n
Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call reports on local representatives\u2019 votes on roll calls from prior…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":815078,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2026],"tags":[113344,7,929,4247,7502,88],"class_list":["post-815077","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-football","tag-beacon-hill-roll-call","tag-football","tag-latest-headlines","tag-local-news","tag-massachusetts","tag-news"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nfl\/116237976540951049","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/815077","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=815077"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/815077\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/815078"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=815077"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=815077"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=815077"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}