Beacon Hill Roll Call records local representatives’ and senators’ votes on roll calls from the week of July 28 to Aug. 1.
Reproductive and transgender care protections (H 4271)
The House, 132-24, and the Senate, 37-3, approved and sent the “Shield Act” to Gov. Maura Healey. The measure would prohibit state agencies, employees and law enforcement from cooperating with investigations by other states or the federal government into reproductive or gender-affirming health care that is legally protected in Massachusetts.
Other provisions include enhancing license protections for anyone providing or assisting in reproductive or transgender care; forbidding insurance companies from discriminating against or penalizing providers who offer reproductive and gender-affirming care; and protecting attorneys licensed in Massachusetts from removal or discipline for advising or representing clients on the topics of reproductive or transgender care.
“The Massachusetts Legislature is once again standing up to defend the rights of Massachusetts residents,” said Sen. Cindy Friedman, D-Arlington, Senate chair of the Committee on Health Care Financing. “Now, facing a wave of new threats on our autonomy from the federal government and other states, this legislation will enhance the protections for patients and providers we first put in place in 2022.”
“The federal government has made one thing clear: Massachusetts is on her own when it comes to protecting the privacy and constitutional rights of our residents,” said Rep. Michael Day, D-Stoneham, House chair of the Judiciary Committee. “Today, we meet this challenge by ensuring that legally protected health care decisions made here in the commonwealth do not become the basis for radical prosecutors in other states to exploit individuals or encourage corporations to profit off our personal data.”
Catholic Action League Executive Director C.J. Doyle said the bill is special interest legislation for the Massachusetts abortion industry.
“Once it is signed into law by Gov. Healey, Planned Parenthood and other abortion businesses will, with complete legal immunity, be empowered to ship the toxic abortion drug Mifepristone into states where its use is prohibited. Mifepristone kills unborn children, and in as many as one in 10 cases, causes adverse medical complications for the women who use it. This measure is a legislative license for Bay State abortionists to violate the laws of other American states, while being shielded from any criminal prosecution, civil liability or professional discipline.”
A “Yes” vote is for the bill.
- Rep. Natalie Blais — Yes
- Rep. Aaron Saunders — Yes
- Rep. Susannah Whipps — Yes
- Sen. Joanne Comerford — Yes
- Sen. Paul Mark — Yes
$300 million for local roads and bridges (H 4307)
The House, 156-0, and the Senate, 39-0, approved and sent to Gov. Healey a $1.2 billion transportation bond bill that includes authorizing $300 million in one-time funding for the maintenance and repair of local roads and bridges. The $300 million is a 50% increase over last year’s funding. The measure provides that $200 million be distributed to all cities and towns based on the standard Chapter 90 Program distribution formula while $100 million would be distributed to all municipalities based solely on road mileage.
The package also contains $885 million for other transportation-related projects, including $500 million for roads and bridges that are in the worst condition; $200 million to repair local culverts and small bridges under 20 feet that are in a state of disrepair or require replacement; and $185 million for capital projects to reduce congestion hotspots.
“This legislation strikes a balance between increasing funding for municipal roadways and transportation-related projects while maintaining outstanding fiscal responsibility,” said Rep. Michael Finn, D-West Springfield, House chair of the Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. “Our decision to continue giving the governor the authority to utilize either general or special obligation bonds enables us to capitalize on competitive interest rates, save money long-term and preserve general obligation bond capacity for the commonwealth’s most pressing needs.”
“This legislation takes into consideration years of feedback from the administration and our local partners,” said Sen. Ed Kennedy, D-Lowell, Senate chair of the Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. “In addition to incorporating 50% more funding to Chapter 90 than in previous years, these funds are supplemented by additional targeted resources that will improve the roads, bridges and transportation-related infrastructure in all types of communities in the commonwealth.”
“We are thrilled to see this bill on the governor’s desk,” said Massachusetts Municipal Association Executive Director Adam Chapdelaine. “Chapter 90 is a program that benefits all 351 cities and towns in the state, and a 50% increase in funding would have a substantial impact in all corners of the commonwealth.”
A “Yes” vote is for the bill.
- Rep. Natalie Blais — Yes
- Rep. Aaron Saunders — Yes
- Rep. Susannah Whipps — Yes
- Sen. Joanne Comerford — Yes
- Sen. Paul Mark — Yes
Teachers’ retirement (H 4361)
The House, 158-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would extend benefits for retired teachers who are later hired to work for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Education (EOE) or the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The bill would allow these employees to retain the status of “teacher” and remain in the Teachers’ Retirement System.
“I introduced this bill after being approached by educators in my district — dedicated public servants who brought forward a serious and deeply personal concern,” said Rep. Alice Peisch, D-Wellesley, the sponsor of the bill. “It quickly became evident that this was not an isolated incident, but an issue affecting educators across the commonwealth. I am hopeful that this language advances through the legislative process in a timely manner, so that these individuals may receive the retirement benefits they have rightfully earned through years of service.”
“As a former public school teacher, I know the incredible impact that teachers can have on our students’ lives, and the value that they can bring to administrative positions given their experience as educators,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano, D-Quincy. “That’s why it’s so important that we ensure that former teachers who choose to serve in administrative roles at EOE and DESE remain in the Teachers’ Retirement System, ensuring that they do not experience an interruption in their membership or service.”
A “Yes” vote is for the bill.
- Rep. Natalie Blais — Yes
- Rep. Aaron Saunders — Yes
- Rep. Susannah Whipps — Yes
Mandate human trafficking training in hotels (H 4360)
The House, 158-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would mandate human trafficking training for all hotel, motel, lodging house or bed and breakfast establishment employees, from the front desk to housekeeping and food service, to equip them to recognize and respond to human trafficking situations. The measure would also require these facilities to post in plain view in the lobby or common area, as well as in any public restroom, a written notice developed by the attorney general, which would include the national human trafficking hotline number.
“I’ve seen firsthand how human traffickers exploit the I-95 corridor, using hotels to transport and harm victims,” said sponsor Rep. Tom Walsh, D-Peabody. “This afternoon, we took a meaningful step forward to eradicate the crime of human trafficking, uphold human dignity, and ensure justice and protection for victims. I appreciate the cooperation and collaboration of the lodging industry, hospitality workers’ union, law enforcement and survivor advocates in crafting this bill.”
A “Yes” vote is for the bill.
- Rep. Natalie Blais — Yes
- Rep. Aaron Saunders — Yes
- Rep. Susannah Whipps — Yes
Ban use of cellphones in schools (S 2561)
The Senate, 38-2, approved and sent to the House legislation that would ban student use of cellphones and other personal electronic devices during classes. The measure would require all public schools and districts in Massachusetts to implement, by the start of the 2026-2027 school year, policies for student use of these devices on school grounds and during school-sponsored activities.
The policy may include exceptions for students who need their device for treating a medical condition; students with disabilities; students who spend time off campus traveling to or from other learning opportunities; and students with Individualized Education Plans. The policy must include methods for parents and students to be able to contact one another during the school day if necessary; enforcement provisions; and may differ for students in different grade levels.
“This impactful legislation will make many beneficial and lasting improvements in the quality of our public school education,” said Sen. Michael Rodrigues, D-Westport, chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “While many school districts have already implemented some type of cellphone restriction, this bill takes a uniform approach to this problem, tasking the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to establish a clear ban on cellphones and electronic devices for public school students. The results in the other states that have enacted similar legislation are startling. Students are more engaged, become more proficient in their studies and the student-teacher relationship is enhanced. This measure also greatly reduces the threat of cyberbullying.”
“Cellphones are instrumental in society and an outright cellphone ban in schools does not serve students well or appropriately teach students how and when to use phones maturely in an academic environment,” said Sen. Ryan Fattman, R-Sutton, one of only two senators to oppose the bill. “This legislation also creates a blanket policy for all schools rather than allowing the school districts to create policies based on their own community’s needs. Finally, this legislation fails to consider all facets of cellphone use in schools such as families communicating during the school day, especially during a public safety or family emergency.”
Sen. Kelly Dooner, R-Taunton, the only other senator who voted against the bill, did not respond to requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call asking her why she opposed the measure.
A “Yes” vote is for the bill.
- Sen. Joanne Comerford — Yes
- Sen. Paul Mark — Yes
Also up on Beacon Hill
Ban late payment penalties for parking tickets (H 2278)
The Municipalities and Regional Government Committee held a hearing on legislation that would prohibit cities and town from imposing additional financial penalties on a person who does not pay their parking ticket by the due date.
Sponsor Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, D-Springfield, said his bill aims to eliminate the harsh penalties that municipalities impose on initial parking fines for non-payment every 45 days.
“These additional penalties disproportionately affect low-income communities, where many residents struggle to pay the original fine,” Gonzalez said. “Adding further penalties only increases their financial burden.”
Judiciary Committee
The Judiciary Committee held a hearing on several bills, including:
Require gun owners to have liability insurance (H 1836): Would require anyone who possesses, carries or owns a firearm, rifle or shotgun to maintain a liability insurance policy, bond or deposit meeting standards set by the commissioner of insurance. Violators would be fined between $500 and $5,000 and/or sentenced to up to one year in prison. The measure exempts temporary possession at licensed gun clubs.
“I filed [the bill] because requiring insurance encourages responsible ownership, much like auto insurance does for drivers,” said Rep. David Linsky, D-Natick. “By incentivizing safe behavior, this bill will help prevent accidental shootings and reduce the public costs of gun violence across the commonwealth.”
Animal abuse registry (H 1764): Would create a registry of Massachusetts residents convicted of abusing animals and require the abusers to register. A first conviction of failure to register would be punishable by a $1,000 fine or 10 days in prison. Subsequent convictions would result in a five-year prison sentence.
Animal shelters, breeders and pet stores would be required to check the registry before selling any animal and would be prohibited from selling or giving an animal to any registered offender. First-time violators who fail to check the registry would face a prison sentence of up to one year or a $1,000 fine. Subsequent offenders would be subject to a five-year prison sentence and a $5,000 fine.
Supporters said that a person who abuses an animal should not be allowed to obtain one and continue their abuse.
Liability for donations of food (S 1091): Would prohibit any restaurant or retail stores from being liable for civil damages for any injury arising out of the condition of the food it donates to any individual. The measure only exempts the restaurant or stores if at the time of donation, the food is not misbranded and is not adulterated and has not been manufactured, processed, prepared, handled or stored in violation of regulations of the Department of Public Health; and that any injury is not the result of negligence, recklessness or intentional misconduct of the donor.
“This legislation ensures that food service entities, their employees and retailers cannot be sued as a result of direct food donations for those in need and facing food insecurity,” said sponsor Sen. Ryan Fattman, R-Sutton. “It is a good Samaritan law critical to helping solve food insecurity, ensuring that we see continued food donations to those in need.”
No energy drinks for people under 18 (H 1908): Would prohibit the sale of energy drinks or other beverages that exceed a caffeine content of 71 milligrams per 12-ounce serving and contain taurine and glucuronolactone to people under 18.
Supporters say that the American Academy of Pediatrics believes that energy drinks are not appropriate for children under 18, because of the high levels of caffeine. They note that the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry recommends that children between the ages of 12 and 18 should not consume more than 100 milligrams of caffeine per day and should avoid energy drinks entirely.
Rep. James Murphy, D-Weymouth, the sponsor of the bill, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him why he filed the bill.