THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local representatives’ votes on roll calls from the week of March 14-18. There were no roll calls in the Senate last week.
FORBID DISCRIMINATION AGAINST A PERSON WITH A NATURAL HAIRSTYLE (H 4554)
House 155-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would prohibit any person or entity including educational institutions, workplaces and public spaces from implementing any policy that would explicitly target someone who wears their natural hairstyle. The measure defines natural hairstyle as “hair texture, hair type and protective hairstyles including braids, locks, twists and other formation.”
The bill also expands existing anti-bullying law in schools to include recognition for students who may be more vulnerable to bullying or harassment because on their natural hairstyle. Another provision requires the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination to investigate complaints filed against employers who have discriminated based on natural hairstyle.
“This is an historic moment for Massachusetts. I am beyond delighted that the [bill] passed unanimously in the House, and words cannot describe how great it is to see the years of hard work from advocates, staff, legislators and community members bear fruit,” said co-sponsor Rep. Steve Ultrino (D-Malden). “Today, the votes in our chamber sent a clear message: race-based discrimination has no place in our commonwealth. On this day, we ensured that a person’s racial and cultural identity will no longer be an obstacle to their education, professional career and path to success.”
There was a light moment during floor debate on the bill. “As you may have guessed, I have never experienced hair discrimination,” said Rep. Ultrino, who is bald.
“People of color across the commonwealth, particularly Black women, continue to face discrimination in school, in the workplace and in public spaces based on the texture and style of their hair,” said Rep. Michael Day (D-Stoneham), House Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary. “It is racism, and this bill is necessary to address continued attempts to outflank our laws against discrimination based on race.”
The House approved the bill in the 2019-2020 session on July 31, 2020 and sent it to the Senate Ways and Means Committee where it died without further action and without a vote by the full Senate.
Beacon Hill Roll Call asked Senate President Karen Spika (D-Ashland) and Senate Ways and Means chair Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport) to explain why the Senate Ways and Means Committee in 2020 did not act on what seems to be a non-controversial bill and if they think the bill will die in committee again this year or get through the committee and be approved the Senate. Despite repeated requests, neither Spilka’s office nor Rodrigues’ office responded.
(A “Yes” vote is for the bill).
Rep. Donald Berthiaume, Yes; Rep. Natalie Blais, Yes; Rep. Daniel Carey, Yes; Rep. Mindy Domb, Yes; Rep. Jacob Oliveira, Yes; Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, Yes; Rep. Todd Smola, Yes; Rep. Susannah Whipps, Yes
CREATING WOMEN’S RIGHTS HISTORY TRAIL PROGRAM (H 4555)
House 154-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would require the state to develop and implement a Women’s Rights History Trail program. The measure includes requiring the state to designate properties and sites that are historically and thematically associated with the struggle for women’s rights and women’s suffrage. Another provision provides that the state promote education and awareness of the struggle for women’s rights in the commonwealth. A 13-member Women’s Rights History Trail Task Force would be formed to research, solicit public input and make recommendations for sites, properties and attractions to be included in the trail.
“I am humbled and proud to sponsor this legislation,” said Rep. Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury). “This legislation ensures that the many women from our commonwealth who contributed to the fabric of our nation and democracy are recognized, and their accomplishments preserved in our state’s history, so that their legacies may serve as inspiration for future generations of young women.”
“The establishment of this trail continues Massachusetts’ commitment to honoring women while also creating additional tourism and economic opportunities across the commonwealth,” said Rep. Carole Fiola (D-Fall River), House Chair of the Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. “It was an honor to pass this legislation during Women’s History Month.”
The House approved the bill in the 2019-2020 session on September 18, 2020 and sent it to the Senate Ways and Means Committee where it died without further action and without a vote by the Senate.
Beacon Hill Roll Call again asked Senate President Karen Spika (D-Ashland) and Senate Ways and Means chair Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport) to explain why the bill died in the Senate in 2020 and if they think the bill will die in committee again this year or be approved the Senate. Despite repeated requests, neither Spilka’s office nor Rodrigues’ office responded.
(A “Yes” vote is for the bill).
Rep. Donald Berthiaume, Yes; Rep. Natalie Blais, Yes; Rep. Daniel Carey, Yes; Rep. Mindy Domb, Yes; Rep. Jacob Oliveira, Yes; Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, Yes; Rep. Todd Smola, Yes; Rep. Susannah Whipps, Yes
CRIME VICTIMS’ PHOTOS (H 1917) – The House gave near final approval to and sent to the Senate legislation that would prohibit first responders from taking photos of crime scene victims, accidents or emergencies unless it is in the course of their official duties or with the consent of the victim. If the victim is unable to consent, an immediate family member of the victim is allowed to give consent. The House gave initial approval to the bill two weeks ago.
Supporters said the privacy of accident victims should not be violated by first-responder government workers who are entrusted with rescuing them. They noted it is outrageous that the photos are often posted online.
Following initial approval two weeks ago and following last week’s near-final approval of the bill, co-sponsors Sen. Eric Lesser (D-Longmeadow) and Rep. Joe Wagner (D-Chicopee) did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call to comment on the approval of the legislation.
SEVERAL BILLS ON THEIR WAY TO A “STUDY” COMMITTEE – House and Senate committees recommended that several bills be shipped off to a study committee where bills are rarely actually studied and are essentially defeated. It is a way to kill a proposal without holding a vote on the bill itself. Here are some of the bills that will soon be sent off to a study committee:
USE ELECTRICITY INSTEAD OF OIL AND NATURAL GAS (H 4477) – Would require all new construction of and major renovations to buildings to use electricity or thermal solar instead of oil and natural gas for space heating and cooling, cooking, clothes drying and hot water.
Sponsor Rep. Kay Khan (D-Newton) said she filed this bill because the state is facing a climate emergency and it is imperative that the state eliminate the use of fossil fuels as quickly as possible. “Natural gas, the most common fuel used for heating, is responsible for very significant greenhouse gas emissions,” said Khan. “The emissions come from burning natural gas to heat our homes and cook our food but also from … the old, decrepit pipes under our streets, and from our stoves even when they are turned off. Natural gas presents a danger of explosions, and exposure can aggravate asthma and lung conditions.
“Electricity can be generated with renewable power like solar and wind, while the natural gas and heating oil we use to heat buildings cannot be made cleaner,” continued Khan. “The offshore wind industry in Massachusetts is about to take off, making it a particularly opportune time to require that new construction be all-electric. I filed [the bill] to ensure that we are moving in the direction of electrification as quickly as possible and that we stop constructing new buildings with infrastructure that will need to be replaced almost immediately.”
MAKE POLLS ACCESSIBLE TO SENIOR CITIZENS AND DISABLED (H 760) – Creates a Polling Location Accessibility Fund, administered by the secretary of state, that will give grants to cities and towns to make improvements to ensure that polling places are easily accessible to senior citizens and disabled persons.
“I filed this bill because everyone deserves equal access to the right to vote,” said sponsor Rep. Bruce Ayers (D-Quincy). “We need to be diligent in ensuring that every citizen can vote easily and safely in person if they so choose, and we can’t let any physical barriers dissuade any resident from doing their civic duty in casting their vote.”
ALLOW SOME 17-YEAR-OLDS TO VOTE IN PRIMARIES (H 483) – Would allow 17-year-olds who will be 18 by the time of the November general election to vote in the preceding primary despite the fact that they will be under 18 on the day of the primary. The bill was initially introduced by sponsor Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth) three years ago on behalf of Samantha Bevins, a Hingham constituent and Dartmouth College student.
“Samantha was concerned that she would not have a voice in the primary election to select the party nominee for the presidential election, and proposed filing legislation to make her and other voters in this category automatically eligible to vote in the primary,” said O’Connor. “Samantha has been a great advocate for this policy and it has been refreshing to see more young people so interested in our electoral processes.”
PAY FINE FOR NOT VOTING (H 788) – Would require eligible voters to cast a ballot in every November general election or face a fine of $15 that would be added to the person’s state tax liability for each election missed. The measure also clarifies that the voter does not have to actually vote for anyone and is allowed to leave the ballot blank.
“There are two schools of thought when filing legislation,” said the bill’s sponsor Rep. Dylan Fernandes (D-Falmouth). “One is filing a bill that is rigorously vetted, that has been combed line by line and that you hope only receives marginal edits through the committee process. The other is filing an idea that you believe is worthy of a robust public debate that will reshape the bill. Although it won’t pass this session and may never pass at all, I believe mandatory voting is an idea worth debate and consideration at the Statehouse and by thoughtful citizens across the state because it drives at questions fundamental to our society, which is whether civic participation in democracy is a duty or a right. I filed this bill to spark that debate.”
“Freedom of religion means government cannot restrict the practice of any faith – nor the lack of it,” said Chip Ford, executive director of Citizens for Limited Taxation. “Freedom of speech prohibits government from regulating speech – or requiring it. In the same fashion, a citizen’s sacred right to vote should not and does not give government the power to mandate its exercise. This frivolous proposed mandate once again demonstrates that ‘fulltime’ Massachusetts legislators have far too much idle time on their hands.”
“Rep. Fernandes’ bill is a dangerous idea,” said Paul Craney, a spokesman for the Mass Fiscal Alliance. “The lawmaker wants to fine voters for not voting and we all know that the next step in this progression is to fine voters for voting the wrong way. Rep. Fernandes should spend his time more focused on what ordinary people care [about] and less time chasing far left driven fantasies.”
HOSPITAL GRADE BREAST PUMPS (S 2717) – Would require all health insurers to cover the monthly cost of renting a hospital grade breast pump for the mother of a newborn infant who is receiving care at an intensive care or special care nursery until the infant is discharged or the mother is no longer pumping breast milk.
Supporters said that many factors make it more difficult for mothers of premature infants to produce enough milk for their babies. They noted that hospital grade breast pumps are an excellent tool to help mothers increase their milk supply, so their babies are able to receive all the health and nutritional benefits of breast milk.
“Improving access to hospital grade breast pumps is a health equity issue and would help ensure financial considerations do not deter mothers from providing breast milk to newborns in ICUs or special care nurseries,” said sponsor Senate Majority Leader Sen. Cindy Creem (D-Newton). “Although there are many factors that contribute to a mother’s choice whether or not to provide breast milk to her baby, finances should play no role in that decision.”
“Massport is committed to working with our surrounding communities to reduce our impacts to the environment, while remaining focused on supporting the region’s economy. Massport’s Roadmap to Net Zero aligns with the commonwealth’s climate goals.”
Massport Board Chairman Lew Evangelidis announcing Massport’s plan to reduce carbon emissions across all facilities and become Net Zero by 2031.
“She’s no stranger to elective office which should make us all feel good.”
House Speaker Ron Mariano introducing Irish Minister of Education Norma Foley prior to her speech to the House.
“Our administration continues to work closely with our statewide municipal partners to help identify ways in which they can make further improvements to their transportation infrastructure. This legislation includes additional authorization to support investments in cities and towns to promote bicycle and pedestrian safety and invigorate our downtown community public spaces through several grant programs.”
Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito on Gov. Charlies Baker’s proposed $9.7 billion infrastructure bond bill to advance and support significant investments in the state’s transportation and environmental infrastructure.
The education experience of all of our students — regardless of their ancestral, racial and ethnic backgrounds — will be enriched by having a diverse set of educators throughout their learning years. Our students, who themselves represent ever more diverse backgrounds, need our public schools to be recruiting and retaining more educators of color and educators from varied backgrounds.
Massachusetts Teachers Association President Merrie Najimyds on legislation that would increase educator diversity.
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 March 14-18, the House met for a total of three hours and 53 minutes and the Senate met for a total of 56 minutes.
Monday, March 14 House 11:02 to 11:11 a.m.; Senate 11:10 to 11:17 a.m.
Tuesday, March 15, no House session; no Senate session
Wednesday, March 16, no House session; no Senate session
Thursday, March 17, House 11:05 a.m. to 2:49 p.m.; Senate 11:19 a.m. to 12:08 p.m.
Friday, March 18, no House session; no Senate session
Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com.