THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local senators’ votes on proposed amendments to the $60.9 billion fiscal 2026 state budget for the fiscal year that began July 1, 2025 which Gov. Maura Healey signed into law on July 4. There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week.
$350,000 FOR YWCA (S 3): Senate 39-0, approved an amendment that would increase funding for YWCAs across the state by $350,000 (from $650,000 to $1 million.)
Amendment supporters said the amendment would provide critical funding to support the YWCA’s programs that serve at-risk girls and young women throughout the state. They argued that these funds will help the YWCA expand outreach efforts, in addition to mental health professionals and social workers, and strengthen essential programming.
“I sponsored [the] amendment as I have seen firsthand the transformative impact the YWCA has on the lives of young women and girls,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Robyn Kennedy (D-Worcester). “At a time when adolescent girls are facing alarming rates of violence, mental health struggles and social pressure, we must invest in the support systems that uplift and empower them.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the additional $350,000.)
Sen. Joanne Comerford, Yes; Sen. Paul Mark, Yes; Sen. Jacob Oliveira, Yes; Sen. John Velis, Yes
$700,000 FOR YMCA (S 3): Senate 39-0, approved an amendment that would increase funding for YMCAs across the state by $700,000 (from $1.8 million to $2.5 million.)
Amendment supporters said the amendment will support YMCA programs that address the well-being and social-emotional health of at-risk youth. They argued that funding will go directly to all 28 YMCAs and 700 service locations across Massachusetts to serve and support more low-income youth in mental health and social-emotional learning programs. They noted that funding will also go towards scholarships for middle-income families who do not qualify for subsidies and support summer jobs for youth and teens.
“Social-emotional learning helps our young people feel more connected to their peers and their community,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem). “This funding is vital to upholding the good this program does for our young people, assisting them in living full, healthy and happy lives, regardless of their background.”
A “Yes” vote is for the additional $700,000.)
Sen. Joanne Comerford, Yes; Sen. Paul Mark, Yes; Sen. Jacob Oliveira, Yes; Sen. John Velis, Yes
PREGNANCY AID (S 3): Senate 39-0, approved an amendment that supporters say would ensure consistency between existing state law and budgetary language regarding eligibility for cash assistance from the Department of Transitional Assistance throughout a medically verified pregnancy.
“Cash assistance helps pregnant people access prenatal care and meet basic needs like housing and food security during all stages of pregnancy, improving maternal and infant health outcomes,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Becca Rausch (D-Needham). “Also implemented in more than a dozen other states, this policy uplifts both moms and babies while reducing overall health care costs. It’s a win-win.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.)
Sen. Joanne Comerford, Yes; Sen. Paul Mark, Yes; Sen. Jacob Oliveira, Yes; Sen. John Velis, Yes
BAN USE OF CELL PHONES IN SCHOOLS (S 2549): The Education Committee has recommended passage of a bill which would ban student use of cell phones 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 school and student health and safety; students with disabilities; student time spent off campus traveling to or from other learning opportunities; multilingual learners; permission from a teacher or other staff member; emergencies; and any other reasonable exception.
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.
Supporters say that students perform better academically when they are not distracted by cell phones and other personal devices during school hours. They cite one study that links cell phone use with increased stress, anxiety and depression; poorer sleep; and decreased self-esteem. They note that another study showed that students not using their cell phones wrote down 62 percent more in their notes, were able to recall more detailed information and scored a full letter grade and a half higher on their tests. They note that less time on screens encourages face to face interactions which can help increase meaningful relationships with peers, develop emotional intelligence, create more of a community within a school and lead to less bullying.
Education Committee Senate chair Sen. Jason Lewis (D-Winchester) said he expects the bill to be up in the Senate for debate and a vote by the end of July.
“There are a myriad of negative effects linked to the growing issue of student cell phone 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 Lewis. “According to Pew Research, 72 percent of high school teachers find cell phones a ‘major problem’ in the classroom; and numerous studies have shown the many benefits to student learning and growth by removing cell phones from their educational environment.”
Lewis continued, “We have growing support for action from teachers, students, advocates and state leaders such as Gov. Healey, Senate President Spilka and Attorney General Campbell, and I am very hopeful to see quick movement on this bill as it continues through the legislative process.”
BAN CORPORAL PUNISHMENT IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS (H 625): Another measure before the Education Committee would ban private schools from using corporal punishment on any students. It also would require private schools to submit reports to Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education of physical restraint in instances where it was necessary to protect students. Current law only prohibits the use of corporal punishment in public schools.
“I was horrified to learn, through the advocacy of a constituent, that corporal punishment was still permitted in private educational institutions,” said sponsor Rep. Mike Kushmerek (D-Fitchburg). “As a recent father, I shudder to think of any educator or staff member disciplining students through the use of force. I strongly believe, and ample data and research validate, that corporal punishment is both ineffective and cruel and should be banned from all educational settings in the commonwealth.”
VIRTUAL DRIVER ED (H 3661/S 2411): Legislation heard by the Transportation Committee would authorize the Registry of Motor Vehicle (RMV) to allow some driver education schools to teach aspiring drivers virtually online rather than in person. The law would only apply to driving schools that own or lease a physical office or classroom within the state; have been in business for at least three consecutive years; and are in good standing with the RMV.
“Massachusetts law requires young drivers under 18 years old to complete 30 hours of classroom instruction, and parents must complete a two-hour workshop,” said Senate sponsor Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem). “Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, these classes were only offered in person, creating barriers for students who had after-school jobs, participated in school sports or had no transportation to the classes. During the pandemic, driving schools were permitted to offer driver ed classes in an online format, which has proven to be effective and successful.”
“I filed this bill in collaboration with the American Automobile Association (AAA) to expand accessibility to driving school,” said House sponsor Rep. Carole Fiola (D-Fall River). “This curriculum was provided during the pandemic and was proven to be a great resource for students.”
JUNIOR DRIVERS (H 3611): Another bill before the Transportation Committee would enhance regulations and safety requirements for junior operators (drivers under 18).
Provisions require all high schools to annually provide a seminar on the dangers of texting while driving and makes attendance mandatory for all students; require applicants for a junior operator’s license to submit a letter of good standing from their school principal or designated school official; and increase the fine and length of license suspension for various violations by a junior driver.
Supporters said the bill introduces educational, administrative and enforcement changes aimed at promoting responsible driving habits among young drivers.
“This legislation aims to protect the safety of young drivers and the public by promoting early education, reinforcing responsible driving behavior and establishing clearer consequences for violations,” said sponsor Rep. Bruce Ayers (D-Quincy). “By strengthening the junior operator licensing process, we can help prevent avoidable accidents and save lives.”
PROHIBIT BUYING ALCOHOL AT SELF-CHECK OUT (H 366): The Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on a proposal that would prohibit customers from buying alcohol beverages in a self-checkout line at retailers and require the sale be conducted through a face-to-face transaction with a store employee over the age of 18.
“This bill is about keeping alcohol out of the hands of minors,” said sponsor Rep. Mike Finn (D-West Springfield). “By requiring face-to-face transactions, we ensure that a trained employee checks IDs every time, closing a loophole that’s made it too easy for underage buyers to slip through at self-checkouts. It’s a commonsense step to promote public safety and responsible alcohol sales.”
ALLOW ALCOHOL SALES ON THANKSGIVING (H 428): Another measure heard by the Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee would allow for the sale of alcohol on Thanksgiving.
“This is a common-sense bill that is intended to be a convenience to the public,” said sponsor Rep. David Linsky (D-Natick). “How many of us have needed to pick up a bottle of wine on Thanksgiving, only to find out that liquor stores were closed? Stores wouldn’t have to be open – it would be their option. The current law is a vestige of the blue laws and needs to be repealed.”