THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Name information native representatives’ and senators’ votes from the week of Oct. 16-20.
GUN BILL (H 4135): Home 120-38, authorized and despatched to the Senate a invoice that adjustments among the state’s gun legal guidelines. Provisions embody limiting the carrying of weapons into public locations together with colleges, polling locations, authorities buildings and the non-public residences of others, with an exemption for regulation enforcement; cracking down on the unfold of ghost weapons with new registration necessities; updating the statewide ban on assault weapons; streamlining the licensing course of; and altering the state’s “crimson flag” regulation by increasing who could petition a court docket for an excessive danger safety order in opposition to an individual who poses a danger of inflicting bodily harm to themselves or others past simply family members and regulation enforcement to incorporate faculty directors, medical professionals and employers.
“As we speak, as we’ve got all the time carried out within the space of firearm security, the Home takes the lead in appearing to make the commonwealth a safer place by giving regulation enforcement the instruments they should go after ghost weapons, protecting battlefield weapons out of our neighborhoods and protecting our colleges, properties, city halls and polling places protected,” stated chief sponsor Rep. Mike Day (D-Stoneham), Home Chair of the Judiciary Committee. “Whereas Washington is paralyzed by dysfunction that endangers Individuals throughout the nation, we in Massachusetts deal with our challenges instantly and take the steps essential to modernize our firearms legal guidelines to maintain us protected.”
“The excellent gun reform laws that the Home handed at the moment will make Massachusetts residents safer and can additional strengthen the commonwealth’s standing as a nationwide chief within the effort to fight gun violence,” stated Home Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). “Whereas the commonwealth yearly ranks as one of many most secure states in your entire nation from gun violence, the Supreme Court docket’s [New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, Inc. v.] Bruen choice nullified present parts of our gun legal guidelines, threatening the security of the commonwealth’s residents. With the passage of this laws, the Home has as soon as once more displayed an unwavering dedication to making sure that Massachusetts stays one of many most secure states within the nation.”
“Massachusetts already has among the strictest firearms legal guidelines within the nation, together with the bottom price of deaths related to gun violence,” stated Rep. Steve Xiarhos (R-Barnstable). “The overwhelming majority of gun-related crimes are dedicated with unlawful weapons and never with legally owned firearms, and the main focus of the invoice ought to be primarily based on listening to our Massachusetts Police Chiefs and on punishing those that break the regulation fairly than focusing on law-abiding residents.”
“As a substitute of specializing in the elimination of ghost weapons and the hyperlink between psychological well being and gun possession, this laws assaults authorized, regulation abiding gun house owners who observe the foundations,” stated Rep. Tood Smola (R-Warren). “The Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Affiliation unanimously opposed this laws, but the proponents of this invoice by no means stated a single phrase to deal with their objection. Sadly, we missed a chance to focus on the true points associated to gun violence on this invoice.”
(A “Sure” vote is for the invoice. A “No” vote is in opposition to it.)
Rep. Natalie Blais, Sure; Rep. Daniel Carey, Sure; Rep. Mindy Domb, Sure; Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, Sure; Rep. Aaron Saunders, No
FIND OUT THE COST OF THE GUN BILL (H 4135): Home 130-27, upheld the ruling of the chair that the controversy can start on the gun invoice even if it doesn’t embody a fiscal notice detailing the price of the proposal.
Home GOP Minority Chief Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Studying) moved to delay motion on the invoice as a result of he stated that Home guidelines require any laws reported from the Home Methods and Means Committee which has a price connected to it exceeding $100,000 should be accompanied by a fiscal notice detailing the quantity of public cash which shall be required to be spent to hold out the provisions of the proposal.
Appearing Home Speaker Rep. Kate Hogan (D-Stow) dominated {that a} fiscal notice is just not needed. “This isn’t inside our province to the interior workings of a selected material committee and really feel the order is just not properly taken,” stated Hogan. This led to Jones’ doubting the ruling of the chair.
Beacon Hill Roll Name requested the highest two Democratic leaders within the Home to touch upon the ruling and why they voted in favor of it. Home Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy) and Majority Chief Frank Moran (D-Lawrence) didn’t reply to repeated requests for a remark.
“For my part, the shortage of a fiscal notice on [the bill] is a transparent violation of Home Rule 33,” stated Jones. “There isn’t a manner that implementing the numerous provisions contained on this invoice won’t exceed a price of $100,000. Primarily based on my conversations with stakeholders, the availability requiring the State Police to take over the inspections of firearms sellers from native jurisdictions alone is more likely to value $1 million to $2 million per yr. Earlier than voting on such an expansive invoice, Home members and the general public have a proper to understand how a lot its implementation goes to value the state’s taxpayers.”
(A “Sure” vote helps the ruling of the chair that debate can proceed regardless of the shortage of a fiscal notice. A “No” vote is in opposition to permitting debate to proceed and helps the requirement {that a} fiscal notice be included earlier than debate can start.)
Rep. Natalie Blais, Sure; Rep. Daniel Carey, Sure; Rep. Mindy Domb, Sure; Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, Sure; Rep. Aaron Saunders, Sure
OFF-DUTY POLICE OFFICERS (H 4135): Home 158-0, authorized an modification designed to make clear that the invoice doesn’t ban off-duty cops from carrying firearms in sure restricted areas, so long as the weapon is supplied by their division. The laws initially allowed solely energetic, on-duty police to hold weapons in these areas.
“Most, if not all of us, have heard from our regulation enforcement neighborhood with considerations about when and the place they might be allowed to hold firearms when not on official responsibility,” stated modification sponsor Rep. Mark Cusack (D-Braintree). “I’m providing this modification … to make clear that off-duty energetic regulation enforcement officers can be allowed to hold their department-issued firearms within the following locations: a spot owned, leased or beneath the management of state, county or municipal authorities and used for the aim of presidency administration; a location in use on the time of possession as a polling place and for the storage and tabulation of ballots; and an elementary faculty, secondary faculty, faculty and college, together with transport used for the scholars, within the areas contained inside.”
(A “Sure” vote is for the modification.)
Rep. Natalie Blais, Sure; Rep. Daniel Carey, Sure; Rep. Mindy Domb, Sure; Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, Sure; Rep. Aaron Saunders, Sure
DANGEROUSNESS (H 4135): Home 26-132, rejected an modification that might permit the state to maneuver, primarily based on dangerousness, for an order of pretrial detention or launch on circumstances when an individual has been charged with covert weapons violations or unlawful possession of a firearm.
Supporters stated the modification would give prosecutors the instruments needed to carry harmful individuals accountable and defend victims of gun violence.
Rep. Alyson Sullivan (R-Abington), the sponsor of the modification, didn’t reply to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Name to touch upon her modification.
“This modification is definitely a part of quite a lot of payments which might be at the moment earlier than the Judiciary Committee,” stated Rep. Christine Barber (D-Somerville) who urged members to vote in opposition to the modification. “A lot of these payments would increase the pretrial detention of individuals. And this committee takes the difficulty of increasing pretrial detention very critically. The committee is at the moment vetting these proposals, and fairly than taking a piecemeal method of this one piece, that committee is taking a look at all of the associated payments in a considerate method. And so we’re persevering with to take a full take a look at this problem and I stay up for these discussions.”
(A “Sure” vote is for the modification. A “No” vote is in opposition to it.)
Rep. Natalie Blais, No; Rep. Daniel Carey, No; Rep. Mindy Domb, No; Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, No; Rep. Aaron Saunders, No
EMPLOYERS MUST DISCLOSE A SALARY RANGE WHEN POSTING A JOB (S 2468): Senate 38-1, authorized a invoice, named the Frances Perkins Office Fairness Act, in honor of the primary lady to function U.S. Labor Secretary. The measure would require employers with 25 or extra staff to reveal a wage vary when posting a job place. The measure additionally would require employers with 100 or extra staff to file annual employment information experiences, together with info on worker demographics and salaries, with the state. As well as, the invoice directs the Govt Workplace of Labor and Workforce Growth to trace compensation information and file an annual report on information displaying the state’s progress towards equal pay for equal work.
The Home has already authorized a distinct model of the proposal. The Senate model now goes to the Home for consideration.
Supporters stated that within the Larger Boston space in 2021, girls on common have been paid 70 cents for each greenback earned by a person. They famous this hole widens amongst communities of coloration.
“Many staff, particularly girls and other people of coloration, underestimate their very own worth within the job market,” stated Sen. Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville). “The 2016 Equal Pay Act made actual progress on breaking down limitations by banning employers asking candidates for wage historical past. This helped girls and other people of coloration who have been altering jobs as a result of their previous low pay didn’t observe them their complete lives. Nonetheless, it didn’t assist candidates learn the way a lot a job might pay or find out how to assess their work’s worth to have the ability to get previous the brand new barrier of their wage expectations. This invoice will give staff a greater likelihood to be paid pretty by giving them straight ahead info and assist them have affordable expectations.”
“Within the commonwealth of Massachusetts, we take pleasure in our world-class educational establishments, aggressive expertise pool and huge alternatives for financial success,” stated Sen. Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough). “But once we take a more in-depth take a look at the earnings of commonwealth residents, it’s clear we proceed to fall in need of closing long-standing racial and gender wage gaps that dramatically suppress the earnings of girls and other people of coloration. By requiring disclosure of wage ranges for an open job posting, publishing combination demographic information to trace wage inequities by race and gender throughout industries, and defending an worker’s proper to ask for wage vary info within the office, we’ve got the chance to recruit and retain expert staff whereas closing the wage hole and finally boosting our commonwealth’s aggressive edge.”
“Whereas I agree with the overarching idea of wage vary transparency postings for bigger companies, I voted no on this invoice as a result of it might place an undue burden on small enterprise,” stated Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton), the lone opponent of the measure. “Subjecting small companies, who make use of whilst few as 25 people, to the wage vary posting portion of the invoice with violation fines for failing to correctly disclose stated info is pointless. Most small companies aren’t outfitted with the technical instruments to develop probably the most correct wage ranges for his or her job postings. With its present legal guidelines, Massachusetts already makes it troublesome to run a enterprise freed from extreme authorities mandates and penalties.”
(A “Sure” vote is for the invoice. A “No” vote is in opposition to it.)
Sen. Joanne Comerford, Sure; Sen. Paul Mark, Sure; Sen. Jacob Oliveira, Sure; Sen. John Velis, Sure
REGULATE TICKETS TO CONCERTS AND OTHER EVENTS (S 2442) — The Shopper Safety and Skilled Licensure Committee held a listening to on laws that might require that the whole value of tickets for reside leisure occasions, together with charges, be exhibited to customers in a transparent and conspicuous method at the start of the buying course of. The measure would additionally prohibit value will increase through the buying course of.
“Far too typically, shock charges pop up on the finish of the ticket buying course of that customers all through Massachusetts had no thought about,” stated sponsor Sen. John Velis (D-Westfield). “Whether or not it’s tickets to a Taylor Swift live performance or a Patriots recreation, individuals shouldn’t should battle via the method of discovering tickets after which study that they will’t even afford them anymore. On the most elementary degree, this laws allows people to know their price range after they go in to purchase tickets and know the quantity that they’re finally going to be requested to spend.”
HEARING AIDS (H 3554) — The Monetary Providers Committee held a listening to on a proposal that might require all well being care plans to supply protection for listening to aids.
“I’ve heard from constituents in regards to the excessive value of listening to aids, and as a caregiver myself, I witnessed the very important want for seniors to have the ability to hear as a way to talk and advocate for themselves,” stated sponsor Rep. Kristin Kassner (D-Hamilton). “It’s beautiful to me that these essential medical units aren’t lined by insurance coverage. This invoice seeks to rectify that.”
ESTABLISH STUDENTS ENTREPRENEURIAL AND ECONOMIC INVESTMENT FUND (H 415) — The Committee on Financial Growth and Rising Applied sciences held a listening to on a measure that might create a Pupil Entrepreneurial and Financial Funding Fund to supply a chance for college students to realize expertise in entrepreneurialism and early-stage enterprise improvement whereas fostering an financial surroundings that can appeal to college students to the commonwealth and forge a relationship between the general public larger schooling system and the Massachusetts enterprise neighborhood.
“Beneath Massachusetts’ present exam-driven public schooling system, consideration to entrepreneurship and private enchancment past the classroom is usually forgotten,” stated sponsor Home Minority Chief Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Studying). “This laws will present precious alternatives for college kids, encourage them to develop relationships with the general public larger schooling system and the Massachusetts enterprise neighborhood, and contribute to the current and future financial progress of the commonwealth.”
SMOKING CESSATION PROGRAMS (H 1169) — The Well being Care Financing Committee held a listening to on a invoice that might increase smoking cessation advantages for MassHealth recipients by offering protection for extra cessation companies together with particular person, group and telephone counseling by a doctor, dentist, behavioral well being counselor, psychological well being counselor, licensed tobacco use cessation counselor or different certified clinicians. MassHealth the state’s Medicaid program that gives well being take care of low-income and disabled individuals.
“[The bill] would enhance the variety of licensed practitioners obtainable to supply evidence-based counseling for these in search of help quitting tobacco,” stated sponsor Rep. Christine Barber (D-Somerville). “Not solely will this laws assist people who smoke establish their sources for quitting, but it surely might encourage somebody who wouldn’t in any other case have taken on the troublesome process of ending their dependancy to take action.”
BAN STATE FUNDS FOR PLANNED PARENTHOOD (H 1224) — One other measure heard by the Well being Care Financing Committee would prohibit any state funds from being made obtainable to Deliberate Parenthood Federation of America, or to any of its associates.
“Deliberate Parenthood is a well-funded group that’s typically very politically energetic and really partisan,” stated Rep. Jospeh McKenna (R-Webster). “I consider that this alone is sufficient to maintain it from receiving state funding. I additional really feel that those that consider that abortion, the taking of human child’s life, is morally reprehensible mustn’t have their tax {dollars} go to a non-public group who has this as its core mission.”
LIMIT TRAIN IDLING (H 3268) — The Transportation Committee held a listening to on laws that might prohibit a locomotive practice engine from idling longer than half-hour. The measure would additionally require the Division of Environmental Safety to research idling violations and conduct emissions assessments to find out whether or not a practice’s emissions exceed carbon rules, through which case the violator can be fined as much as $5,000 per incident.
Supporters stated that trains will typically park and idle for as much as 24 hours, making a nuisance for these dwelling in close by neighborhoods and harming the surroundings as properly. They famous there are present legal guidelines coping with idling motor automobiles, together with faculty buses, however the problem of trains idling in communities throughout the state has not been adequately addressed.
“This isn’t solely a regional concern; it impacts communities spanning from Cape Cod to the Berkshires,” stated sponsor Rep. John Barrett (D-North Adams). “[The bill] will forestall pointless emissions and enhance the standard of life for individuals who reside near idling trains.”
POLICE AND FIREFIGHTER DEATH BENEFITS (H 2641) — The Public Service Committee held a listening to on a proposal that might change the present regulation which pays the household of a deceased police officer, firefighter or corrections officer the utmost pay for the place the particular person holds even when that particular person had not reached the utmost pay degree. The invoice would enhance the pension given to the household of the deceased by giving them the subsequent grade-step above his or her place after their loss of life.
“I consider this invoice is essential so those that have perished whereas defending their communities can proceed to help their households and family members after their passing,” stated sponsor Rep. Angelo Puppolo (D-Springfield). “Offering these advantages relieves among the burden from these left behind by somebody who perished whereas actively fulfilling their roles and duties.”
QUOTABLE QUOTES
“The power to work, play and luxuriate in our outside areas is a matter of environmental justice. This program is one other instance of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s efforts to make sure our outside leisure areas are pretty and evenly distributed amongst all Massachusetts communities. From a brand new splash pad to chill off in the summertime to an accessible city inexperienced for all individuals to collect, these grants will go an extended approach to bringing communities collectively outdoor.”
— Govt Workplace of Vitality and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper asserting greater than $6.6 million in grant funding to make parkland and path enhancements and protect and defend land in Massachusetts.
“Teen driver crashes have an effect on everyone on the street. Dad and mom and caregivers play a essential position in ensuring younger drivers study in a protected surroundings.”
— Mark Schieldrop, spokesman for AAA Northeast revealing the variety of fatalities in teen driver crashes in Massachusetts reached 49 — its highest level in over a decade.
“The price of housing is the most important problem dealing with the individuals of Massachusetts. We stated from day certainly one of our administration that we have been going to prioritize constructing extra housing to make it extra reasonably priced throughout the state. The Inexpensive Properties Act delivers on this promise by unlocking $4 billion to help the manufacturing, preservation and rehabilitation of greater than 65,000 properties statewide. It’s the biggest housing funding in Massachusetts historical past. Collectively, we’re going to make our state a spot the place individuals can afford to maneuver to and keep to construct their future.”
— Gov. Maura Healey unveiling a $4 billion plan to jumpstart the manufacturing of properties and make housing extra reasonably priced throughout the Bay State.
“We respect the work the state has carried out to welcome new arrivals and acknowledge the obstacles it faces in making an attempt to deal with this huge humanitarian disaster. Nevertheless it’s now time for the state to approve extra funding for shelters and for Congress to get its act collectively and cross immigration reform that permits immigrants to work.”
— Elizabeth Candy, Govt Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition responding to the announcement by Gov. Healey that shelters are nearing capability.
“As a former mayor, I perceive how essential these grants are to making sure safer streets in our neighborhoods. Each neighborhood seeks to boost the security of their roadways, however every faces distinctive wants. This program gives cities and cities the flexibleness to establish and spend money on the visitors questions of safety which might be most urgent in their very own communities.”
— Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll asserting $5.4 million in grants to 186 Massachusetts cities and cities to help visitors security enforcement and outreach programming.
Bob Katzen welcomes suggestions at [email protected]
