There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week.
This week, Beacon Hill Roll Call reports on the Revenue Committee’s hearing on several bills, including:
Exempt baby supplies from sales tax (H 3268): Would exempt from the state’s 6.25% sales tax a wide array of baby and infant supplies, including breast pumps, cribs, strollers, bottles and wipes. The measure also exempts apparel for children ages 5 and under, including clothing, shoes, diapers and other accessories.
“This bill was filed to reduce the financial burden on families by making essential baby and children’s items more affordable,” said Samantha Beaudry, a spokesperson for the sponsor Rep. Marcus Vaughn, R-Wrentham. “It’s also a way to recognize that many of these goods are necessities rather than luxuries.”
Tax lottery tickets (H 3071): Would impose the state’s 6.25% sales tax on the purchase of lottery tickets. Currently lottery tickets are exempt from the sales tax.
“There is a need to be somewhat more consistent, in retail business, across the range of commerce,” said private citizen Vincent Dixon, who sponsored the bill under a state law that allows a private citizen to ask their state legislators to file bills on their behalf. “Many stores with retail traffic have a substantial part of their business in Mass Lottery ticket sales, which competes with more traditional products and services, including convenience store availability of modest groceries, beverages and fading amounts of media publications and more.”
Dixon continued, “We know that gambling addiction is a reality and can be a burden on many, particularly lower-income individuals and families. The modest charge of the sales tax on lottery tickets may provide a small disincentive to excessive gambling. I think that we have likely expanded the range of gambling across the commonwealth beyond a level, and a culture, than we should. If we are going to have such products, which is normal business, they should share normal retail taxes in the retail economy, rather than being a kind of bypass from more productive products and services.”
Exempt New Hampshire border communities from sales tax (H 3195): Would exempt communities within 10 miles of the New Hampshire border from Massachusetts’ 6.25% sales tax.
“[Rep.] Moran has been filing this bill since 2013 in an effort to support small businesses in the Merrimack Valley who typically lose revenue due to their proximity to their competitors across state lines,” said Francis Munro, staff director for Rep. Frank Moran, D-Lawrence.
Sales tax exemption for prescriptions for animals (H 3024): Would exempt animal medication prescribed by veterinarians from the 6.25% sales tax.
Sponsor Rep. Michelle Badger, D-Plymouth, said her proposal is aimed at easing the financial burden on pet owners and ensuring pets get the care they need.
“This bill provides parity with the existing exemption for human prescriptions, recognizing that pets are family members who also deserve accessible and affordable medical treatment,” Badger said. “With veterinary costs cited as the main barrier for 72% of pet owners avoiding care, this measure is a compassionate and practical step to help keep animals healthier and reduce public health risks associated with untreated animals.”
Hike cigarette tax (S 2200): Would hike the tax on the sale of cigarettes by $1 from $3.51 to $4.51 per pack.
“Studies show that making cigarettes more expensive would deter young people from smoking and encourage those who already smoke to quit by making their deadly habit less affordable,” said sponsor Sen. John Keenan, D-Quincy. “At a time when the federal government has undertaken an unprecedented assault on public health, and far too many Massachusetts residents continue to die from cancer, it is urgent that we help keep people from tobacco and nicotine addiction.”
Close the nicotine loophole LOSE (S 1949): Would broaden the definition of “smokeless tobacco,” which is subject to the tobacco excise tax, to include any product whether it is chewed, absorbed, dissolved or ingested.
“Right now, Big Tobacco and other companies are skirting the rules by selling products made with lab-created nicotine instead of tobacco,” said sponsor Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Truro. “[The measure] has broad bipartisan support and closes that loophole so all nicotine products are treated the same under state law. This means products like nicotine patches can’t slip through the cracks, making it more difficult for young people to get hooked and ensuring Massachusetts keeps strong protections for public health.”
Exempt residential security systems from sales tax (S 1982): Would exempt home security systems from the state’s 6.25% sales tax.
“[The] bill provides a sales tax exemption for residential security systems and related equipment, such as wiring devices and appliances used for access control, surveillance and alarm systems,” said sponsor Sen. Ryan Fattman, R-Sutton. “This bill incentivizes and encourages homeowners to more affordably protect their most valuable investment — their homes.”
Sales tax on digital advertising (H 3208): Would impose a 6.25% sales tax on digital advertising services that target users in Massachusetts, using tools like IP address or geolocation. The tax would only apply to companies that make more than $2.5 million a year from digital ads aimed at Massachusetts residents.
The funds would be used to support three key areas: local access TV stations; mental health and safe social media use; and research on artificial intelligence in education.
“Digital advertising brings in billions of dollars from Massachusetts each year, yet not a single cent is going back to the communities being targeted,” said sponsor Rep. Francisco Paulino, D-Methuen. “Local media outlets, especially community stations, are struggling to survive while Big Tech keeps growing. This bill is about fairness. If you’re profiting from our residents, you should help fund the programs that serve them.”
Also up on Beacon Hill
Excuse school absences for students in national or international competitions (H 667)
The House gave initial approval to a bill that would permit students who are participating in national or international competitions sanctioned by a U.S. National Governing Body to be given an exception to their absences. It requires that students seeking approval maintain a B average or equivalent and gives the school principal discretion over excuses exceeding seven full days or 14 half days.
“I filed this legislation at the request of a constituent of mine after learning of the unintended consequences of the current school absence policy,” said sponsor Rep. Alice Peisch, D-Wellesley. “Due to his involvement in USA Fencing, the constituent explained how student athletes involved in national and international competition, sanctioned by a National Governing Body and representing the United States abroad, were having to withdraw from public school and reenroll or pursue other academic opportunities because their travel time for competitions would cause them to violate the current absence policy.”
Veterans and Federal Affairs Committee
The Veterans and Federal Affairs Committee held a hearing on several bills, including:
Create Vietnam War Commemoration Fund (H 3854): Would establish a Vietnam War Commemoration Fund, which would be funded through legislative appropriations as well as public and private gifts, grants and donations. Cities and towns would be able to apply for funding to support the renovation of memorials, events planning and educational materials about the Vietnam War.
“This year marks the 50th anniversary of the United States’ withdrawal from the Vietnam War, which claimed the lives of more than 1,300 service members from Massachusetts,” said sponsor Rep. Brad Jones, R-North Reading. “The ultimate sacrifice that those men and women paid in service to our state and our nation deserves recognition now more than ever, and this fund will help cities and towns honor their memories.”
Fly flags at half-staff (H 3825): Would require the state flag to be flown at half-staff following the death of an actively serving service member from the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corp, U.S. Space Force, U.S. Coast Guard, the Reserve Component or the state’s National Guard.
Supporters said this legislation guarantees equal recognition and respect for all branches of military service when honoring those who have fallen in the line of duty.
“The reason why Rep. Arriaga introduced this bill is because the current law does not include the United States Air Force Reserve or other reserve branches,” said Tevin Colon, a spokesperson for Rep. Shirley Arriaga, D-Chicopee. “Because of this omission, members of these branches are not covered under the existing statute regarding flags flown at half-staff for those killed in action.”
Declare Quincy the most patriotic city in America (H 3828): Would call on Congress to declare Quincy the most patriotic city in America, recognizing its unique role in the nation’s history. It highlights Quincy as the birthplace and final resting place of Presidents John and John Quincy Adams, the home of John Hancock and the Massachusetts Constitution, and the site of America’s first presidential library.
The resolution also points to Quincy’s Revolutionary War heritage, its shipbuilding contributions in both World Wars, its ties to the phrase “Kilroy Was Here,” the distinction of producing two Medal of Honor recipients at North Quincy High School and its tradition of hosting the nation’s oldest Flag Day parade.
“I filed this legislation to highlight Quincy’s proud history and its important contributions to our nation,” said sponsor Rep. Bruce Ayers, D-Quincy. “Quincy is the birthplace and final resting place of Presidents John and John Quincy Adams, the home of John Hancock and the site of America’s first presidential library. And our shipyards played a vital role in winning the Battle of the Atlantic. For these reasons, I believe Quincy is worthy of the title America’s Most Patriotic City, and as we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, it is important to reflect on our proud history and heritage.”
Expand definition of “veteran” (H 3871): Would expand the definition of a veteran to include any person who served on active duty in the uniformed services or on full-time National Guard or Reserve duty, and who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. It would include members of the reserve component with at least six years as an active drilling reservist, and any person who served in the uniformed services and either received a service-connected disability rating from the VA or who died in service under honorable conditions.
“I think it’s important to make sure Massachusetts is in line with the federal government regarding who is considered a veteran,” said sponsor Rep. Kelly Pease, R-Westfield. “It is important for numerous reasons, including certain benefits and recognizing all the people who have served our great nation.”
Pease continued, “Two major points on the bill are the inclusion of the Uniformed Services Commissioned Corps and the Massachusetts Guard and Reserve personnel with six or more years of service, in the definition of a veteran. They are vital to our nation and have all made the decision to serve and potentially risk their lives or disrupt their families for our country.”
Agent Orange license plate (HD 5057): Would establish an orange star Massachusetts license plate for veterans exposed to Agent Orange. The bill was filed last week and has not yet had a public hearing scheduled.
Agent Orange is a potent chemical defoliant that the U.S. military used during the Vietnam War to remove vegetation and enemy cover. It contained the highly toxic and carcinogenic contaminant dioxin. Exposure, which occurred through inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption, has been linked to numerous cancers, birth defects in offspring, and other chronic health issues in both veterans and the Vietnamese population.
“Sixteen other states already offer official recognition for veterans exposed to Agent Orange,” said sponsor Rep. Jim Hawkins, D-Attleboro. “These plates are a way for states and veterans to honor military service and draw attention to this specific issue. By displaying a plate, veterans and their families can express pride in their service and remind the public of the significant sacrifices made with something that is tangible and visible.”