DIGITAL GROCERY COUPONS (H 470)

By Bob Katzen

This bill would mandate that all grocery food stores offering digital coupons also offer identical paper coupons to shoppers. It also requires digital coupons to be automatically applied to the purchases of any consumer over the age of 65, or any consumer who asks about available digital coupons. Violators would be fined $2,500 for the first offense and $5,000 fine for each subsequent offense.
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SMOKING IN NON-SMOKING APARTMENTS (S 1137)

By Bob Katzen

A bill heard by the Judiciary Committee would create a legal assumption about whether there has been smoking in a non-smoking apartment. The assumption relies on the fact that there is no legitimate reason why a renter should take down, unplug or cover their smoke detectors. If a renter does this, they will be assumed to have been smoking. Continue reading SMOKING IN NON-SMOKING APARTMENTS (S 1137)

HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACE (H 3613)

By Bob Katzen

The Transportation Committee held a hearing on legislation that would establish a special commission to study the feasibility of setting time limits for handicapped parking placard use in metered spots. The commission would include legislators, state officials and appointees of the governor, who would be tasked with gathering input from experts and the public. Its purpose is to explore potential benefits, impacts and options such as reduced or standardized fees after time limits expire.
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REQUIRE REPORT ON THE EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FAMILY SHELTER SYSTEM (S 2655)

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 38-0, approved an amendment that would reinstate the requirement that the Healey Administration submit a biweekly report on the cost and occupancy of the emergency assistance family shelter system. The previous requirement of reports lapsed at the end of fiscal year 2025.
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REQUIRE REPORT ON THE EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FAMILY SHELTER SYSTEM (S 2655)

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 38-0, approved an amendment that would reinstate the requirement that the Healey Administration submit a biweekly report on the cost and occupancy of the emergency assistance family shelter system. The previous requirement of reports lapsed at the end of fiscal year 2025.
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$2.3 BILLION FISCAL 2025 SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET (S 2575)

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0, approved a $2.3 billion supplemental budget to close out the books on state government for fiscal year 2025. The actual cost to the state will be $795 million after revenue from federal reimbursements has been sent to the state. The House has approved a different version of the supplemental budget and a House-Senate conference committee will eventually hammer out a compromise version.
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