Flurry of activity as legislative session comes to a close

THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week.

The 2024 legislative session ends on Jan. 1. There was a flurry of activity on Beacon Hill last week as sponsors of dozens of bills attempted to get final approval on the measures from the House and Senate and have the bill sent to Gov. Maura Healey for her signature.

This week’s report includes several key bills that were acted on last week. None of the proposals have yet received final approval from both branches. The ones that do so before Jan. 1 will be sent to Healey for her consideration. Any measures that don’t receive approval in both branches by Jan. 1 are dead and would have to be refiled by their sponsors for consideration in 2025.

PROTECT CATS AND DOGS (S 2908) – The House approved legislation that would prohibit the sale or transfer of any puppies and kittens under eight weeks old. Violators would be fined $100 per animal.

When the animal is more than eight weeks old, the outright ban is lifted and replaced with a section that would prohibit the sale or transfer of any dogs or cats at specified outdoor locations, such as flea markets and roadsides. This prohibition would not apply to the transfer of a dog or cat by, or to, a shelter, animal control or animal rescue; or to the display of a dog or cat as part of a state or county fair exhibition, a 4-H program or similar exhibition or educational program. Violators would be fined $50 per animal for a first offense, $100 for a second offense and $300 for a third and subsequent offenses.

“Early separation of puppies and kittens from their mother, and the unregulated roadside sale of dogs and cats, are practices that often lead to serious health or behavioral problems for the animal and no recourse for the new owner,” said sponsor Sen. John Velis (D-Westfield). “I was proud to file this legislation in the Senate this session and am glad that it is one step closer to becoming law and establishing new protections for animals throughout the commonwealth.”

“Passing this legislation would represent an end to the supply-and-demand relationship between Massachusetts and puppy mills and give these animals a better opportunity at finding a home,” said Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth), a sponsor of an earlier version of the measure. “I am a longtime supporter of animal protection issues, even before I ran for Senate. I have co-sponsored many animal protection bills and I am focused on protecting animals as some of the most vulnerable members of our society. All animals deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and I am proud to be a voice for animal rights on Beacon Hill.”

ID FOR LIQUOR PURCHASES (H 4131) – The Senate approved a House-approved bill that would allow alcohol-serving establishments to accept all out-of-state motor vehicle licenses and Global Entry cards issued by the United States Customs and Border Protection office, as valid proof of age and identification.

“As a state that welcomes visitors from across the country to enjoy our museums, sporting events, tourism attractions and other venues, this is a vitally important economic measure that takes the burden off of our small businesses and allows out-of-state visitors to enjoy a drink if they choose,” said House sponsor Rep. Paul McMurtry (D-Dedham). “This bill will go a long way in supporting the commonwealth’s businesses as they continue to recover from the pandemic and compete with surrounding states.”

“A constituent of mine reached out regarding Global Entry cards, and how she had been refused service in attempting to use one to purchase alcohol,” said Senate sponsor Sen. Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville). “These cards require two rounds of interviews, one with Customs and Border Protection, and another with a Global Entry Enrollment Center. You must also provide your passport and one other form of identification. Only after this extensive process can you receive the Global Entry Card, which includes the individual’s photo, full name and date of birth. Over 5 million people have gone through this process, and it feels unnecessary to bar them from utilizing this form of identification in the commonwealth for the purchase of alcohol.

STUDENT ID CARDS AND SUICIDE LINE (S 3001) – The Senate approved a House-approved bill that would require that student ID cards include the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline phone numbers and text message numbers.

“This is a critical step in increasing information and access to life saving support and resources, while working to eliminate the mental health stigma those in crisis fear and face,” said co-sponsor Rep. Jack Lewis (Framingham). “At one point or another, we have all faced the difficulty of not knowing where to turn for help or assistance … I am forever thankful to the MetroWest Regional Coalition for Suicide Prevention for first bringing the idea of this legislation to my attention and to Ashland High School for modeling similar policies. 988 is a supportive resource, and I encourage anyone who faces times of crisis to use this hotline to access compassionate support.”

“This is a simple proposal that can have critical impact, ensuring our students are equipped with the 988 Behavioral Help Line on their Student IDs,” said House co-sponsor Rep. Natalie Higgins (D-Leominster). “This will ensure that they, and their friends, know a trusted mental health resource in a time of need.”

Supporters noted that while suicide is a leading cause of death for people of all ages in the United States, young people are particularly at risk. They said that according to a study published by the National Center for Health Statistics at the end of last year, suicide was the second leading cause of death for Americans aged 15-24, representing a 56% increase in the previous decade. They argued that there are significant disparities in these numbers, with LGBTQ+ youth being at greater risk, and Black youth seeing a 73% increase in youth suicide rates in that same time period.

OPIOID CRISIS (H 5143) – Healey signed into law legislation that supporters say would expand non-opioid pain treatments; establish licenses for recovery coaches; support pregnant women and their children who have been exposed to substances; and vastly expand access to opioid-reversal drugs.

Other provisions mandate that all health plans cover opioid reversal drugs such as naloxone and Narcan —without cost-sharing or prior authorization; require hospitals and substance use treatment facilities to educate patients on opioid reversal drugs and prescribe or dispense at least two doses to at-risk patients upon discharge; require pharmacies in areas with high incidences of overdoses to maintain a sufficient and consistent supply of opioid reversal drugs while also requiring them to stock both over the counter and prescription versions.

The bill includes several new insurance provisions, including a prohibition on life insurance companies from limiting or refusing coverage to a person solely because they obtained an opioid-reversal drug, and a prohibition on medical malpractice insurers from discriminating against health care practitioners who provide harm reduction services. The bill also updates requirements for insurance providers to ensure adequate coverage and access to pain management services including non-opioid treatments and expands access to non-opioid pain treatment by incorporating non-opioid alternatives into provider training.

“Over the course of my career, I’ve been motivated by those who have tragically lost loved ones to the opioid crisis that is impacting all of our communities,” said Healey. “Their stories have served as important reminders of the urgent need to increase treatment, prevention and recovery services to save lives. I’m proud to sign this bill that will expand access to lifesaving overdose reversal medications and coaching throughout the recovery process.”

“This important legislation reflects an approach to substance use disorder that emphasizes recovery, compassion and evidence-based care,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “The measures included in this bill will help break down barriers to care and push back against the stigma that hinders far too many from seeking effective treatment and moving toward recovery. Notably, this model of care affirms that the commonwealth is committed to treating substance use disorder as a public health issue, not as a moral failing. It recognizes that with the right support, individuals can reclaim their lives, families can heal and communities can thrive.”

INCREASE PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN AND UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS IN CONSTRUCTION – Healey signed an Executive Order to increase the participation of women and historically underrepresented groups in construction.

The Executive Order establishes a Diverse and Equitable Construction Workforce Participation Committee to facilitate interagency collaboration on this work. It also identifies and encourages best practices for state agencies to encourage equitable workforce participation in construction, such as utilizing registered apprentices, hiring local businesses and those with a record of hiring women and underrepresented groups, and encouraging contractors to provide supportive services like childcare. The committee will also work with state agencies on data collection to measure the workforce participation of women and underrepresented groups.

“Here in Massachusetts, we know that we get the best results when our workforce reflects the rich diversity of the people of our state,” said Healey. “The construction industry offers good-paying jobs and benefits that sustain families, and it’s important that we increase access to this field for women and historically underrepresented groups. Not only is it good for these workers and their families, but it’s also good for our employers and our economy as a whole.”

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to breaking down barriers to employment and increasing access to career opportunities,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “We look forward to building on our great partnership with the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, the Massachusetts Building Trades, Building Pathways, contractors and many more to meet workforce demands and advance representation among women and people of color in the trades.”

Also up on Beacon Hill

AUTO AND HOME INSURANCE DISCOUNTS (H 5133) – The House approved and sent to the Senate legislation waiving, for six years, until 2030, a law that requires businesses and groups to have a 35% participation rate in order to qualify for group auto and home insurance discount rates. The measure permits groups with less than the 35% participation to take advantage of group rates, which supporters said will save members between 5-8%. The law has been waived since 1997. The 35% requirement was first included in a 1973 law.

Supporters said if the bill is not approved, insurance discounts for 322,000 vehicles and 142,000 homes in the Bay State would disappear on Jan. 1, 2025 and consumers will pay millions of dollars more for insurance.

Reps. Dan Cahill (D-Lynn) and Tom Walsh (D-Peabody) sponsors of the measure did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking them to comment on their bill.

ALLOW ELECTRONIC RECEIPT FOR DELIVERY OF FUEL OILS AND PROPANE (H 4132) – The Senate approved a House-approved bill that would allow companies to send customers an electronic delivery receipt for the bulk sale of fuel oils and propane.

“This legislation modernizes the receipt system by allowing the vendor of bulk sale deliveries to utilize an electronic receipt, ticket or other form of recorded representation for the purchaser to review the sale item,” said House sponsor Rep. Jeff Roy (D-Franklin). “Massachusetts is one of the last states to update this antiquated system of delivery of receipts/invoices from bulk sales. In today’s world of technology, it only makes sense that the delivery of receipts/invoices can be safely and efficiently transmitted to the consumer without having to leave a paper bill at the door or mailbox. Many, if not most businesses, already operate this way and there is no good reason not to advance bulk sales in this direction as well particularly as the consumer would have a choice in the method of delivery.”

Supporters also noted that customers frequently complain about the current practice of the company leaving bags with receipts on their doorknobs or in their mailboxes. They said leaving the receipts in a USPS mailbox is not permitted by law and also leaves consumers vulnerable to identity fraud. They also pointed out that leaving a plastic bag which might remain on the doorknob for several days is a clear signal to would-be criminals that the homeowner is not home and might be traveling.

COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSES (S 3002) – The Senate approved a House-approved proposal, originally sponsored by Healey, which would prevent commercial drivers from losing their licenses due to passenger vehicle offenses they committed prior to Sept. 30, 2005.

The Registry of Motor Vehicles recently notified hundreds of bus and truck drivers that they were ineligible for commercial licenses due to at least two past major offenses, blindsiding many motorists who for years thought their infractions were behind them.

“Over time, the relevance and predictive value of these older offenses has diminished, particularly for those drivers who have remained offense-free since,” said Healey. “In most circumstances, a commercial driver who meets the safety requirements of federal law should not be disqualified from driving due solely to passenger vehicle offenses that occurred 19 or more years ago.” She noted her bill would remove consideration of pre-Sept. 30, 2005 passenger vehicle offenses from our disqualification law, except for multiple instances of operating under the influence.

RENAME THE OFFICE OF ELDER AFFAIRS (S 3006) – The Senate approved and sent to the House legislation that would change the name of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to the Executive Office of Aging and Independence. The proposal also replaces outdated language in the state’s lawbooks, including changing “elderly persons,” to “older adults” and “handicapped” to “adults with a disability.” The new legislation also incorporates gender-neutral language into current law. The original version of the bill was filed by Healey in May.

“The Executive Office of Elder Affairs was established more than 50 years ago and was one of the nation’s first state agencies dedicated to addressing the needs of older people,” said Healey. “Today, the agency has evolved to offer programs and services that support 1.7 million older residents and nearly 1 million family caregivers. Our administration is committed to meeting the changing needs of today’s older adults, and I am thrilled that this name change better reflects those that we serve.”

“The new name … mirrors the values and goals of our older adult population and our commitment to support the vibrancy, independence and dignity of our family members, friends and neighbors as they age,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh.

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 Dec. 23-27, the House met for a total of four hours and 26 minutes and the Senate met for a total of four hours and one minute.

Mon. Dec. 23 – House 11:07 a.m. to 1:55 p.m. Senate 11:08 a.m. to 2:09 p.m.

Tues. Dec. 24 – No House or Senate session.

Wed. Dec. 25 – No House or Senate session.

Thurs. Dec. 26 – House 11:02 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. Senate 11:18 a.m. to 12:18 p.m.

Fri. Dec. 27 – 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.