By Bob Katzen

Sen. Becca Rausch last week filed a bill that supporters say will enhance the safety and security of candidates for public office and other professionals by removing home addresses from ballots, nomination papers and other materials. Continue reading SAFETY OF CANDIDATES (S 2742) →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a measure that would protect the confidentiality of all modes of communications between labor unions and their union members, except in the rare circumstances where disclosure appears necessary to prevent injury from a crime or when legal claims are brought in formal proceedings against unions.
Continue reading PROTECT COMMUNICATIONS OF LABOR UNIONS (H 2087) →

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Healey a bill that supporters said would align the Bay State with the majority of other states by updating car rental insurance requirements to maintain liability coverage on a secondary basis, making rental companies responsible only if the renter is uninsured or underinsured. If a lessee or operator of a leased vehicle already has a valid liability policy or equivalent financial security meeting the state minimum requirements, the lessor’s coverage obligation is considered satisfied. Continue reading CAR RENTALS (H 4705) →

By Bob Katzen

Gov. Maura Healey signed into law legislation designating September 22nd as Military Service Members and Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day. The day acknowledges that suicide is an epidemic among service members and veterans and is designed to foster awareness and call for suicide prevention measures and support.
Continue reading SUICIDE AWARENESS AND REMEMBRANCE DAY (H 3888) →

By Bob Katzen

Senate 11-26, rejected an amendment that supporters said would require that cannabis and cannabis product packaging include clear and accurate warning labels that address health risks, ensuring consumers are informed about potential effects. Continue reading WARNING LABELS (S 2722) →

By Bob Katzen

Senate 11-26, rejected an amendment that supporters said would require that cannabis and cannabis product packaging include clear and accurate warning labels that address health risks, ensuring consumers are informed about potential effects. They noted that these effects include impairment, dependency or risks during pregnancy. Continue reading WARNING LABELS (S 2722) →

By Bob Katzen

Senate 37-0, approved an amendment that would ensure that the Cannabis Control Commissioners can maintain their ability to receive complaints and information regarding the quality, efficiency and integrity of the CCC’s programs and operations despite [this bill’s] new language that builds a stronger firewall between commissioners and ongoing investigations being conducted by CCC employees. Continue reading WHISTLEBLOWER (S 2722) →

By Bob Katzen

House 155-3, Senate 34-4, approved resolutions which would rescind all previous calls by the Massachusetts Legislature for a national Constitutional Convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution.
Continue reading RESCIND CALLS FOR A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION (H 4692/S 2684) →

By Bob Katzen

House 149-9, Senate 38-0, approved and sent to Gov. Maura Healey a $2.3 billion fiscal year 2025 budget to close out the books on fiscal year 2025.

Provisions include $1.67 billion for MassHealth, with a $303 million net cost to the state after federal reimbursements; $374 million for Steward hospital payments, with a $236 million net cost to the state; $10 million for Health Care For All to conduct a public awareness campaign to inform vulnerable populations about new Medicaid work requirements put in place by the recent federal spending bill; $5 million in for reproductive health care; $2.5 million for the Committee for Public Counsel Services for indigent persons; $60.7 million for snow and ice removal; and $50 million for the Housing Preservation and Stabilization Trust Fund. Continue reading $2.3 BILLION SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET (H 4761) →