THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Last week was full of activity on Beacon Hill. The Legislature approved and sent to Gov. Maura Healey several bills passed on voice votes, without roll calls, prior to the end of the 2023-2024 session on Wednesday, January 1.

The Legislature also convened the 2025-2026 session that same day. Much of the day’s activities were ceremonial including the swearing-in of state senators and representatives. The only roll call votes were on the election of a speaker of the House and Senate president.

REP. RON MARIANO RE-ELECTED SPEAKER: The House reelected Rep. Ron Mariano (D-Quincy) as speaker of the House and Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading) as Republican minority leader.

Mariano received the votes of all 132 Democrats who voted. Jones fended off a challenge from Rep. Marc Lombardo (R-Billerica) for the GOP top spot. Jones received 21 votes to Lombardo’s four votes.

“Just as the Legislature acted to protect our residents during the first Trump administration, it will once again be our responsibility to step up when we can in the face of federal management changes and decreased federal support,” Mariano said. “It will be imperative that we rise above the infighting and partisan politics that continue to plague Congress, a goal that I know Gov. Healey and Senate President Spilka remain committed to.”

“I am truly grateful for the overwhelming vote of confidence and support I received from my colleagues this morning,” said Jones. “They were able to see through the divisive rhetoric and meaningless noise generated by outside special interests, extremist groups and others leading up to today’s vote. As we begin a new legislative session, I am honored to have the opportunity to continue to lead the House Republican Caucus over the next two years and will continue to work alongside my colleagues to advocate for responsible policies that are in the best interests of our cities and towns and the state’s taxpayers.”

“Today wasn’t a loss,” said Lombardo. “Today was the culmination of starting a conversation within the caucus and with the voters of the commonwealth about how they want the Republican Party of Massachusetts to operate, how they want the House caucus to operate. They want transparency, they want a strong Republican voice, and we haven’t had that.”

Rep. Natalie Blais Voted for Mariano; Rep. Mindy Domb Voted for Mariano; Rep. Homar Gomez Voted for Mariano; Rep. Kelly Pease Voted for Jones; Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa Voted for Mariano; Rep. Aaron Saunders Voted for Mariano

SEN. KAREN SPILKA RE-ELECTED SENATE PRESIDENT: The Senate re-elected Sen. Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) as Senate president and Sen. Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) as Republican Minority Leader.

Spilka received the votes of 34 of the Senate’s 35 Democrats while all five Republicans voted for Tarr. Sen. John Keenan (D-Quincy) voted “present.”

“What an exciting day to kick off 2025,” posted Spilka on Facebook. “Today I had the distinct honor of being sworn in as the Senator representing Middlesex and Norfolk and re-elected President of the Massachusetts Senate. The privilege and responsibility to serve the Senate and our commonwealth is not one I take lightly. I’m so thankful for my family who was able to be here today and those supporting me from afar. I’m forever grateful to my colleagues in the Senate and look forward to all we will tackle together in this coming year as we fight like hell for the great people of our commonwealth.”

Sen. Tarr posted on Facebook, “Thank you [Senate President Spilka] for your partnership and friendship as we continue to work together to defy the ongoing and disturbing trends of division and paralysis that are plaguing other legislative bodies, even as we face challenges, circumstances, and situations that demand the very best each of us has to offer on behalf of those we represent.”

“I voted ‘present’ today in the roll call for the election of a Senate President because changes are needed,” Keenan posted on X. “We have had significantly fewer roll calls, routinely missed deadlines, failed to adopt joint rules, waived rules, passed bills beyond the end of formal sessions with limited opportunities for members to participate fully, and have often been at odds with our partners in the House of Representatives.”

Keenan continued, “We have been less transparent and less connected with what the residents of the commonwealth rightly demand and deserve from the Massachusetts State Senate.”

Sen. Joanne Comerford Voted for Spilka; Sen. Paul Mark Voted for Spilka; Sen. Jacob Oliveira Voted for Spilka; Sen. John Velis Voted for Spilka

ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL

$8,391 PAY HIKE FOR EACH OF THE 40 SENATORS AND 160 REPRESENTATIVES: A total of $1.67 million per year is the annual estimated price tag for the base salary hikes given last week to each of the state’s 40 senators and 160 representatives.

Gov. Maura Healey announced that the 200 members of the Legislature will receive an 11.39 percent hike in their base pay for the 2025-2026 legislative session that began January 1. The hike will increase the base salary of each senator and representative by $8,391 per year — from the current $73,655 to $82,046.

Healey is required under the state constitution to determine the amount of a pay raise or cut that state legislators would receive for the 2025-2026 session. All Massachusetts governors are obligated to increase or decrease legislative salaries biennially under the terms of a constitutional amendment approved by the voters in 1998. The amendment, approved by a better than two-to-one margin, requires legislative salaries to be “increased or decreased at the same rate as increases or decreases in the median household income for the commonwealth for the preceding two-year period, as ascertained by the governor.”

Healey said she used the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey to determine that median household income for Massachusetts for the 2023-2024 period increased by 11.39 percent.

Supporters of the hike said that this automatic system was approved by voters by a two-to-one margin in 1998 and has worked well for 26 years. They noted that there have been years when this system resulted in a pay cut for legislators. They said it is also important that this system takes away the power of the Legislature to raise its own members’ salaries and eliminates any accusations of conflict of interest.

Critics were quick to respond. “Statehouse elected officials should not be receiving an automatic 11 percent pay raise,” said Paul Craney, spokesperson for Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance. “Not many workers in Massachusetts get that kind of a pay bump automatically. Legislative leaders set up a system in 2017 so that they don’t have to vote for any future pay raises. If lawmakers care about transparency, they should vote on their new pay raise.”

Craney continued, “Before the Legislature accepts their pay raise, they should accept the results of the audit the Legislature ballot question. This legislative session should not start with lawmakers further enriching themselves and then rejecting the will of the voters. It’s a broken legislative system at the Statehouse and their actions over the next week will demonstrate how corrupt it’s becoming.”

AUTO AND HOME INSURANCE DISCOUNTS (H 5133): Gov. Maura Healey signed onto law legislation waiving, for six years, until 2030, a law that requires businesses and groups to have a 35 percent participation rate in order to qualify for group auto and home insurance discount rates. The measure permits groups with less than the 35 percent participation to take advantage of group rates, which supporters said will save members between 5 percent and 8 percent. The law has been waived since 1997. The 35 percent 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.

“This bill will preserve access to more affordable home and auto insurance for Massachusetts residents,” said Gov. Healey.

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.

COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSES (S 3002): Gov. Healey signed into law a proposal which would prevent commercial drivers from losing their licenses due to passenger vehicle offenses they committed prior to September 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-September 30, 2005 passenger vehicle offenses from the disqualification law, except for multiple instances of operating under the influence.

“Our administration is committed to ensuring safety on our roads while also supporting the many hardworking Massachusetts residents who rely on commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) for their livelihoods,” continued Healey. “The RMV will take immediate action to inform eligible drivers that their CDLs will not be disqualified and will continue updating its regulations to ensure that drivers who have served disqualifications for significant periods of time will have a pathway to reinstatement.”

VENMO, PAYPAL AND CASHAPP (H 4840): Gov. Healey signed into law legislation that supporters say would put consumer protections in place for consumers who use payment apps like Venmo, PayPal and CashApp, while also leveling the regulatory playing field for businesses in the banking and finance industry.

Provisions include mandating updated regulations for domestic money transmission services, including licensing and compliance requirements; prohibiting an individual from engaging in domestic money transmission without a license; requiring licensees engaged in this business to submit regular reports on their financial condition, including quarterly and annual reports; requiring all licensees to refund to a sender all money received for transmission within ten days of receipt of the sender’s written request for a refund unless certain circumstances apply; and allowing the commissioner of Banks to suspend or revoke licenses for non-compliance, fraud or unsafe practices, and to impose civil penalties for violations.

“With this new law, consumers in Massachusetts will now have protection when transferring money to friends and businesses through payment apps,” said Gov. Healey. “The use of apps like Venmo and PayPal has skyrocketed over the years, with billions of dollars exchanging hands, so the importance of this legislation cannot be understated.”

“We are so excited to see the domestic money transmission bill become law because it will positively impact both consumers and businesses,” said Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao. “In addition to offering protection for those using payment apps here in Massachusetts, the bill also establishes regulatory consistencies for any business offering the same services as banking institutions.”

“With the increasing use of mobile payment applications like Venmo now established as part of the financial landscape, it’s time for regulatory oversight to ensure consumers will have the same protections that apply to traditional sectors of the financial industry,” said Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport), chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

ROSA PARKS DAY (H 3075): The House and Senate approved and sent to the governor a bill establishing February 4 as Rosa Parks in recognition of the historic civil rights leader.

“Rosa Parks’ bravery on that Montgomery bus was not just a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement — it was a lesson in courage, dignity and the power of standing up for what is right,” said co-sponsor Rep. Kip Diggs (D-Barnstable). “By establishing Rosa Parks Day, we honor her profound impact and inspire the commonwealth to reflect on the ongoing struggle for equality.”

Co-sponsor Rep. Mike Kushmerek (D-Fitchburg) said the measure will bring awareness and representation to the heroic actions of Rosa Parks during the Civil Rights Movement. “February 4th is the birthday of Rosa Parks, so it will be a great reminder to all those within the commonwealth to reflect on the role she played in raising international awareness of the struggles for civil rights,” said Kushmerek.

PROHIBIT REVOCATION OF PROFESSIONAL LICENSES (H 4937): The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Healey legislation that would repeal a current state law which creates professional licensure consequences for anyone who defaults on their student loan. Under current law, a borrower’s state-issued professional or occupational certificate, registration or license can be suspended, revoked or canceled if the borrower is in default on an education loan.

“I have been working on this legislation for the last three legislative sessions, because the current laws are potentially harmful to the more than one million student loan borrowers in the commonwealth,” said sponsor Rep. Natalie Higgins (D-Leominster). “With all of the uncertainty around the federal student loan forgiveness and repayment plans, now more than ever, we need to protect student loan borrowers and ensure they can continue their work and have the ability to repay their student loan debt.”

ID FOR LIQUOR PURCHASES (H 4131): The House and Senate approved and sent to the governor a measure 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.

“This vitally important economic measure will support our restaurants, bars and other entertainment venues as they continue to fully recover from losses experienced during the pandemic and allow our out-of-state visitors to enjoy a drink, if they choose,” said House sponsor Rep. Paul McMurtry (d-Dedham).

“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.”

DECLAWING OF CATS (S 2552): The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Healey a proposal that would ban cat declawing and tendonectomy unless it is done for the medical need of the feline.

“Declawing is an abhorrent practice that most veterinarians view as inhumane,” said sponsor Sen. Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford). “This is another step in my commitment to protect animals in the commonwealth. As a state we have done far too little to punish heartless abusers and to push back against a weak court system that has too often failed to hold them accountable.”

Montigny continued, “There are too many people who have committed horrendous abuses to animals that have been unpunished and are walking free to continue to do harm.”

Supporters said that declawing a cat involves amputating the last bone of each toe, which if performed on a human would be equivalent to cutting off each finger at the last knuckle. They noted that according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the physical side effects from declawing include both acute and chronic pain, improperly healed wounds, sudden loss of blood, impaired immune response and behavioral side effects include biting.

“Declawing of cats does not improve the human-animal bond and often results in serious medical and behavioral problems,” said Allison Blanck, Director of Advocacy at the Animal Rescue League of Boston. “Banning this cruel practice, which is in essence amputation, will prevent animals in Massachusetts from needless pain and suffering.”

PROTECT CATS AND DOGS (S 2908): The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Healey 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.”

RENAME THE OFFICE OF ELDER AFFAIRS (S 3006): The House and Senate approved and sent to the governor a bill 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 Gov. 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.

QUOTABLE QUOTES

“People must have access to the vital health care services they need. Hospital closures in recent years, however, have left patients worried about where they can access care and resulted in job losses for invaluable nurses and healthcare workers. Our audit of the Center for Health Information and Analysis revealed a startling lack of oversight around the financial conditions of hospitals in the commonwealth.

— State Auditor Diana DiZoglio urging the administration swiftly implement her recommendations in the audit.

“If you believe that the description of your property is inaccurate and over-assessed, an abatement will be the only remedy available to reduce your tax bill. Homeowners in some communities, including Boston, have already received their bills. Now is the time to consider whether to apply for an abatement.”

— Secretary of State Bill Galvin noting that as property taxes increase, property owners who are receiving higher than expected third quarter tax bills last week that the deadline to file for a property tax abatement is just a few weeks away.

“Stormwater pollution affects the water we drink, the rivers we cherish and the health of our communities. We are tackling this challenge collaboratively, leveraging expertise to reduce pollution and protect vital natural resources. This funding empowers local solutions to protect public health, preserve clean water, and reduce flood risk. It’s a proactive step toward cleaner water and greater resilience against climate-driven flooding.”

— Mass Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bonnie Heiple announcing $246,000 in grants to four regional watershed coalitions and planning collaboratives in Massachusetts.

“President Carter lived a life dedicated to peace, human rights, democracy and moral clarity. He set an enduring example of what it means to serve others, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. “I’m sending love and strength to the Carter family as they, and our nation, process this profound loss. May we all honor his memory by building a more just, peaceful and caring world.”

— Gov. Maura Healey ordering the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag to be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings until January 28, 2025 in honor of the life and legacy of former President Jimmy Carter.

Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com.