THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local representatives’ and senators’ votes on roll calls from the week of July 28-Aug. 1.

REPRODUCTIVE AND TRANSGENDER CARE PROTECTIONS – THE SHIELD ACT (H 4271) – House 132-24, 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. In the commonwealth, legally protected health care is just that, and we will always step up to uphold this and fight for our residents.”

“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 healthcare 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.”

“The Trump Administration’s rampant attacks on Planned Parenthood health centers, on LGBTQ people, especially trans people and on immigrants make it more urgent that we strengthen protections for reproductive healthcare providers and patients,” said Dominique Lee, CEO of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts. “No one should be afraid to seek care that is safe, legal and available in Massachusetts. This bill strengthens patient confidentiality, protects healthcare providers and supports the delivery of evidence-based reproductive health and gender-affirming care.”

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 ten 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.”

Doyle continued, “It is disgraceful, though perhaps not surprising, that neither the Massachusetts Catholics Conference nor the Archdiocese of Boston spoke out against this malign measure. The complacency of Catholic Church leaders may be explained by that old maxim ‘Follow the money!’ In July of 2023, the Healey Administration awarded Catholic Charities of Boston an unprecedented grant of $1 million. In March of 2024, the Healey Administration allocated an additional $2.6 million to Catholic Charities of Boston and Springfield for migrant resettlement and job training. $3.6 million in public funds, it would seem, can buy quite a lot of silence.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote Is against it.)

Rep. Kimberly Ferguson didn’t vote. YES: Rep. James Arciero; Rep. Simon Cataldo; Rep. Rodney Elliott; Rep. Kenneth Gordon; Rep. Natalie Higgins; Rep. Tara Hong; Rep. Vanna Howard; Rep. Meghan Kilcoyne; Rep. Michael Kushmerek; Rep. Tram Nguyen; Rep. David Robertson; Rep. Margaret Scarsdale; Rep. Dan Sena; Rep. Jonathan Zlotnik; Sen. Michael Barrett; Sen. John Cronin; Sen. James Eldridge; Sen. Barry Finegold; Sen. Cindy Friedman; Sen. Edward Kennedy; Sen. Bruce Tarr. NO: Rep. Colleen Garry; Rep. Marc Lombardo.

$300 MILLION FOR LOCAL ROADS AND BRIDGES (H 4307) – House 156-0, 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 in cities and towns across the state. The $300 million is a 50 percent 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.

“I applaud the Massachusetts Legislature for passing this bill and recognizing the need to be responsive to our cities and towns while also proceeding with caution due to the federal funding uncertainty,” said Rep. James Arciero (D-Westford), House Chair of the Committee on Transportation … This bill leverages the Legislature’s strategically increased appropriations to the Commonwealth Transportation Fund to expand our borrowing capacity and allow for additional transportation funding for our local infrastructure needs.”

“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 per cent 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 the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) Executive Director Adam Chapdelain. “Chapter 90 is a program that benefits all 351 cities and towns in the state, and a 50 percent increase in funding would have a substantial impact in all corners of the commonwealth.”

TEACHERS’ RETIREMENT (H 4361) – 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 am once again pleased that the House has advanced this important legislation,” said Rep. Alice Peisch (D-Wellesley), the sponsor of the bill. “I introduced this bill after being approached by educators in my district—dedicated public servants who brought forward a serious and deeply personal concern. 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.”

“The legislation presents a fairness issue,” said Rep. Daniel Ryan (D-Boston), House Chair of the Committee on Public Service. “A common-sense approach to fixing a long overdue matter for those who educate the children of the commonwealth. The bill will allow teachers who enrolled in a retirement system before July 1, 2001, the same rights as those who enrolled after that date.”

MANDATE HUMAN TRAFFICKING TRAINING IN MASSACHUSETTS HOTELS (H 4360) – 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 in the Bay State, from the front desk to housekeeping and food service, in order to equip them to recognize and respond to human trafficking situations. The measure also would require these facilities to post in plain view in the lobby or common area, and 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.”

“One of the primary responsibilities that we have as elected officials is to ensure the safety of our constituents,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). “This legislation provides the tools necessary for our hospitality workers to identify and prevent human trafficking, ultimately saving lives and increasing public safety.”

BAN USE OF CELLPHONES IN SCHOOLS (S 2561) – 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.

“There are a myriad of negative effects linked to the growing issue of student cellphone usage at school and in the classroom, including diminished academic performance, poorer mental health, worse relationship building and social skills, reduced safety during emergencies and more,” said Sen. Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Committee on Education. “According to Pew Research, 72 percent of high school teachers consider cell phones to be a major problem in the classroom, and numerous studies have shown the many robust benefits to student learning and growth by removing cellphones from their educational environment.”

“Massachusetts has a proud history of supporting and uplifting K-12 public education for our residents, but a device small enough to fit in a pocket presents a profound challenge to ensuring student success,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “That’s why I charged the Senate in May of this year to explore ways to make our schools cell phone free. This legislation delivers on that commitment and builds on the Senate’s mission of creating a statewide education system that continues to promote learning and growth.”

“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. “Countless studies have shown the detrimental and distracting effects of cellphone usage both in the classroom, and for entire school day,” 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 cyber-bullying.”

“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 repeated requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call asking her why she opposed the measure.

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 excessively 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,” said Gonzalez. “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 ten days in prison. Subsequent convictions would result in a 5-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 5-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. They noted the bill would red flag these individuals to ensure they don’t have the opportunity to abuse an animal again.

“Studies have shown that many people who abuse animals are apt to eventually abuse people,” said sponsor Rep. Steve Howitt (R-Seekonk).

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 contains taurine and glucuronolactone.

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 in these drinks. 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.

Quotable quotes

“This funding round is about more than bricks and mortar, it’s about people. Whether it’s a formerly homeless individual in Boston, a senior in Topsfield or a working family in Easthampton, the homes we’re supporting will change lives. These projects exemplify the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s belief that everyone in Massachusetts deserves a safe, stable and affordable place to live.” – Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus on the state providing $182 million in low-income housing tax credits and subsidies to 21 rental housing developments that will create or preserve 1,245 homes across Massachusetts.

“School breakfast and lunch may be some of the only meals students get each week, and so it is essential that those meals are healthy to set students up for lifelong health and wellbeing. We have seen incredible progress under universal free school meals, with districts incorporating more local products and participation increasing.” – Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler announcing a series of recommendations from the School Meal Nutrition Standards Commission to improve the nutritional content of K-12 school meals across the state.

“Massachusetts already has some of the highest electricity rates in the country, and now they’re about to get even worse. High energy prices act as a tax and hurt low- and middle-income ratepayers the most. This isn’t happening by accident. It’s the direct result of bad legislative policy and Gov. Maura Healey’s rigid and overly ideological energy agenda.” – Paul Craney, Executive Director for the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance.

“The Brownfields Redevelopment Fund helps local partners meet their economic development goals by bringing blighted or vacant sites back into productive use for housing and commercial development. This is an important state resource for cleaning up contaminated properties to benefit our residents and communities now and into the future.” – Interim Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba announcing $6.5 million in awards from the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund to support the environmental assessment and cleanup of 20 contaminated sites across Massachusetts for redevelopment.

How long was last week’s session?

Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts.

Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been filed. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session.

During the week of July 28-Aug. 1, the House met for a total of eight hours and 46 minutes while the Senate met for a total of six hours and 46 minutes.

Mon. July 28 – House: 11:01 a.m. to 11:07 a.m. Senate: 11:08 a.m. to 11:59 a.m.

Tues. July 29 – No House or Senate session.

Wed. July 30 – House: 11 a.m. to  2:31 p.m. No Senate session.

Thurs. July 31 – House: 11:03 a.m. to 4:12 p.m. Senate 11:03 a.m. to  4:58 p.m.

Fri. Aug. 1 – No House or Senate session.

Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com. Bob founded Beacon Hill Roll Call in 1975 and was inducted into the New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA) Hall of Fame in 2019.