THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local senators’ and representatives’ votes on roll calls from the week of February 24-28.

$425 MILLION FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE (EA) SHELTER SYSTEM (H 61): House 127-23, Senate 32-7, approved and Gov. Maura Healey signed into law a fiscal 2025 supplemental budget that includes $425 million to fund the state’s emergency shelter system and make some changes to tighten eligibility for it.

The vote was almost strictly along party lines with all Republicans voting against it and all but four Democrats voting for it. The Democrats say the measure makes major reforms. The Republicans say while the bill includes some reforms they have long sought, it does not go far enough, and they all voted against it.

The bill allows families to stay for up to six months in shelters and grants the Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities the authority to grant hardship exemption waivers to families with young children, to families at risk of domestic violence, or other individuals in vulnerable circumstances, to lengthen their stay in shelters. It also caps capacity in the system at 4,000 families for the period Dec. 31, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2026. There were more than 6,000 families relying on the system at the end of January.

Another provision provides that benefits be given to families consisting entirely of residents of the commonwealth who are citizens of the United States or persons lawfully admitted for permanent residence or otherwise permanently residing in the United States under the color of law, except in cases where a child in the family is a citizen of the United States, a person lawfully admitted for permanent residence or a person permanently residing in the United States under color of law.

“This supplemental budget includes critical improvements that I proposed to reduce the taxpayer costs of the family shelter system and make it safer for residents and our communities,” said Gov. Healey. “We all know that urgent action is needed to lower the cost of the system and make sure it is a viable, safe and temporary option for Massachusetts families who have fallen on hard times.”

“We struck a balance between our fiscal responsibility to Massachusetts taxpayers and our moral obligation to moms, dads and kids who are in a difficult moment,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “We prioritize Massachusetts families in need, ensure transparency in the program, and take strong steps to ensure the safety of those in shelter.”

“From the beginning of the shelter system crisis, the House has worked to reform the emergency assistance program to ensure that it remains financially viable,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). “That’s why the House led the effort to cap the maximum length of stay, and to require job training programs for folks in the shelter system, reforms that this supplemental budget builds on. By creating stricter eligibility requirements, along with increased security measures, this supplemental budget is the latest iteration of the House’s continued commitment to protecting vulnerable children and families in Massachusetts in a fiscally sustainable manner.”

“I voted against the latest version of the $425 million supplemental budget because it represents an unsustainable expansion of the shelter system without accountability or a tangible long-term plan,” said Sen. Kelly Dooner (R-Taunton). “This budget is fiscally irresponsible and fails to prioritize homeless veterans, seniors and vulnerable families in Massachusetts who are still struggling to find shelter. We need practical solutions that prioritize our most vulnerable residents first.”

“The Emergency Shelter System is broken in very significant ways,” said Rep. John Gaskey (R-Carver). “House Republicans attempted to ensure the system was for Massachusetts families and veterans but Democrats are more concerned with the criminal illegal aliens they have welcomed and protected while many rape, murder and steal.

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

Rep. Natalie Blais, Yes; Rep. Mindy Domb, Yes; Rep. Homar Gomez, Yes; Rep. Kelly Pease, No; Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, Yes; Rep. Aaron Saunders, Yes; Sen. Joanne Comerford, Yes; Sen. Paul Mark, Yes; Sen. Jacob Oliveira, Yes; Sen. John Velis, No

ADOPT JOINT HOUSE-SENATE RULES FOR 2025-2026 SESSION (H 2026): House 128-23, adopted joint House-Senate rules on how the Legislature operates for the 2025-2026 session. The Senate has already approved its own version of joint rules and the House version now goes to the Senate for consideration.

The vote was strictly along party lines with all Democrats voting for the package and all Republicans voting against it.

Provisions include requiring joint committees to provide and then post online plain-language summaries of all bills in time for their hearings; requiring committees, when reporting a bill favorably, to provide a document showing any changes made by the committee to the underlying bill and any changes the bill makes to existing law; and requiring all testimony given to committees to be made publicly available in a manner to be determined by each committee.

Other provisions include prohibiting committee members from participating in a hearing remotely and requiring that they be physically present at a hearing in order to participate; allowing the public to testify remotely at a hearing; requiring how each individual member votes on polls conducted by the committees to be posted online; and extending the time allowed for formal sessions in the first year of the session from the current third Wednesday in November to the third Wednesday in December.

The second year of formal sessions will continue to end on July 31, but under the new rules, the House and Senate would be allowed to return to a formal session to act on reports of conference committees formed by July 31, budget bills and gubernatorial actions including vetoes of items in conference reports.

“There are many things in our rules package that align closely with the Senate proposals,” said Majority Leader Rep. Mike Moran (D-Boston). “The House went even further to alleviate the logjam of bills at the end of the session by requiring that bills be voted out of committee in a timely manner after a public hearing. And our constituents will know exactly how the members of a committee handle the bill process when we post hearing attendance and committee votes online. These are meaningful reforms.”

“I opposed the Joint Rules package because it did not go far enough in reforming the legislative process to improve transparency and public access,” said Rep. Steven Xiarhos (R-Barnstable). “We need stronger measures to prevent last-minute legislating behind closed doors and to guarantee a more open, deliberative process.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the new joint rules. A “No” vote is against them.)

Rep. Natalie Blais, Yes; Rep. Mindy Domb, Yes; Rep. Homar Gomez, Yes; Rep. Kelly Pease, No; Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, Yes; Rep. Aaron Saunders, Yes

ADOPT HOUSE RULES FOR 2025-2026 SESSION (H 2024): House 128-23, approved a set of House rules under which the House will operate in 2025-2026.

Provisions include requiring, to the extent practicable, summaries provided by committee chairs of bills to be posted online before the House takes them up for a vote; prohibiting committee members from participating in a hearing remotely and requiring that they be physically present at a hearing in order to participate; allowing the public to testify remotely at a hearing; and requiring how each individual member votes on polls conducted by the committees to be posted online.

Other provisions include requiring 72-hours-notice before a hearing can be held; requiring members to be physically present to cast their votes, unless the member has active reserve military duty, a serious health condition or limitations related to a member’s pregnancy, including pregnancy loss; and expanding a remote voting option for members for up to 20 weeks of parental leave.

“These critical reforms are representative of the House’s strong commitment to the pursuit of a more accessible and efficient Legislature that is responsive to the concerns of our constituents,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). “We remain focused on the all-important responsibility of bettering the General Court as an institution, a goal that I know so many of my colleagues are committed to.”

“Recognizing that there are ways we can make the legislative process more efficient, I am proud of this rules package,” said Rep. Bill Galvin (D-Canton), Chair of the Temporary House committee on House Rules. “The reforms … to govern both branches will help streamline legislative work in the current session, as well as provide the public with a greater understanding of where bills stand in the process.”

“The House Republican Caucus offered a series of rules reforms to shed more light on the legislative process and the inner workings of the House, including a proposal to honor the will of the voters by allowing the state Auditor to conduct the annual financial audit of the House, but these ideas were summarily rejected by our Democratic colleagues,” said Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “The new House rules package includes some welcome reforms, but it still falls far short of achieving the full transparency needed to restore the public’s confidence in state government, which is why I voted against it.”

“I voted against the House rules package because it fell short of delivering the transparency and accountability the public deserves,” said Rep. Steven Xiarhos (R-Barnstable). “The process should allow for more meaningful debate and input, ensuring all voices are heard rather than consolidating power among a few.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the new House rules. A “No” vote is against them.)

Rep. Natalie Blais, Yes; Rep. Mindy Domb, Yes; Rep. Homar Gomez, Yes; Rep. Kelly Pease, No; Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, Yes; Rep. Aaron Saunders, Yes

ALLOW STATE AUDITOR TO AUDIT THE HOUSE (H 2024): House 24-127, rejected an amendment that would require the state auditor, currently Diana DiZoglio, to conduct an annual audit of the House. This requirement was approved by the voters on Question 1 on the November 2024 ballot. The amendment would replace a House rule that the state auditor would recommend a firm to conduct an annual audit of the House and the business manager of the House would hire that firm.

“In November of 2024, Question 1 was overwhelmingly approved with the support of nearly 72 percent of the state’s voters who cast a ballot,” said amendment sponsor Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “This amendment would honor the will of the voters by allowing the state auditor to conduct these annual audits of the House in compliance with Question 1.”

“Every city and town in the commonwealth voted for this question to be the law,” said Rep. Marc Lombardo (R-Billerica). “Unfortunately, essentially on party lines, the House Democrats defeated the amendment and once again refused to comply with the will of the voters. Beacon Hill Democrats need to end this inter-governmental feud and finally respect the voters and give them the transparency they demand and deserve.”

Rep. Michael Day (D-Stoneham) said this new rule would violate the separation of power in the constitution. He noted that Article 30 says the legislative department shall never exercise the executive and judicial powers, the executive shall never exercise the legislative and judicial powers, and the judicial shall never exercise the legislative and executive powers.

Day also noted that the House rule that requires the House to hire a firm recommended by the state auditor is sufficient.

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment requiring the state auditor to conduct an annual audit. A “No” vote is against the amendment.)

Rep. Natalie Blais, No; Rep. Mindy Domb, No; Rep. Homar Gomez, No; Rep. Kelly Pease, Yes; Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, No; Rep. Aaron Saunders, No

POST AUDITS ON LEGISLATURE’S WEBSITE (H 2046): House 23-128, rejected an amendment requiring that if there are any audits of the Legislature by the state auditor, the results must be published on the Legislature’s website in a conspicuous place within 72 hours of receipt.

“This amendment aligns with the House Republican Caucus’ ongoing efforts to make the Legislature more transparent and accountable to our constituents,” said amendment sponsor Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “It simply requires that any audit of the House conducted by the state auditor be posted in a conspicuous place on the General Court website within 72 hours of receipt, so it is readily available and accessible to the public.”

“When 72 percent of our citizens are asking for more transparency, ensuring we post the audit within 72 hours would certainly be a step in the right direction,” said Rep. Dave Muradian (R-Grafton).

Rep. Michael Day (D-Stoneham) said all audits are already posted on the Legislature’s website. He noted that allowing the auditor to audit the House violates the separation of power in the constitution so there is no reason to require the posting of an audit that that likely will never happen.

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment requiring the posting of an audit. A “No” vote is against requiring it.)

Rep. Natalie Blais, No; Rep. Mindy Domb, No; Rep. Homar Gomez, No; Rep. Kelly Pease, Yes; Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, No; Rep. Aaron Saunders, No

KEEP COMMITTEE POLLS OPEN FOR TWO HOURS (H 2026): House 23-128, rejected an amendment that would require joint committee polls to be open for at least two hours or until all committee members have voted. Committee polls are used to record which members favor or oppose a bill that was heard by the committee.

“When voting to advance legislation, it is important that the members understand the bill they’re voting on so they can make an informed decision,” said amendment sponsor Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “That is not always possible with the short turnaround time required of some polls, especially when the bills under consideration have been redrafted, are lengthy, or are technical in nature. Providing a two-hour window to respond to a poll is a reasonable compromise that will help to ensure that each member feels comfortable with their vote without hampering the committee’s ability to move legislation in a timely fashion.”

“In Massachusetts, we have a full-time, professional Legislature, which requires preparation and preparedness,” said Rep. Kathy LaNatra (D-Kingston) who opposed the amendment. “When a poll is released by a committee chair, that should not be the first time we are reading a piece of legislation. Committee polls should remain at the chair’s discretion, ensuring decisions reflect urgency rather than arbitrary deadlines. Committees I have been on have provided days to review language. We must, however, always maintain our ability to act for our constituents when the time arises.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the two-hour minimum. A “No” vote is against it.)

Rep. Natalie Blais, No; Rep. Mindy Domb, No; Rep. Homar Gomez, No; Rep. Kelly Pease, Yes; Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, No; Rep. Aaron Saunders, No

NOTIFY REPRESENTATIVES OF COMMITTEE POLLS AT LEAST 12 HOURS IN ADVANCE (H 2024): House 23-128, rejected an amendment that would require all joint committee members to be notified at least 12 hours in advance if the committee is going to poll members electronically.

“When a poll is released with a tight deadline to respond, there is always a danger that a committee member may not see it until after the poll has closed because they may be tied up in a constituent meeting, attending a municipal event in their district, or driving to the Statehouse and unable to review their e-mails,” said amendment sponsor Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “This amendment simply provides members with advance notice of an upcoming poll so they can plan their schedule accordingly and provide a timely response.”

“As full-time legislators, committee work and committee votes are a major part of our role,” said Rep. Christine Barber (D-Somerville) who opposed the amendment. “Requiring a 12-hour notice for an electronic poll would not increase the efficiency of our legislative process and [would] only slow down our work to address critical issues.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the 12-hour minimum. A “No” vote is against it.)

Rep. Natalie Blais, No; Rep. Mindy Domb, No; Rep. Homar Gomez, No; Rep. Kelly Pease, Yes; Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, No; Rep. Aaron Saunders, No

ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL

HOUSE AND SENATE DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP TEAMS APPOINTED: House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy) and Senate President Karen Spilka announced their leadership teams for the 2025-2026 legislative session.

The vast majority of the House leadership team remains the same including Rep. Michael Moran of Brighton as majority leader; Rep. Kate Hogan of Stow as speaker pro tempore; Rep. Alice Peisch of Wellesley as assistant majority leader; Rep. Frank Moran of Lawrence as second assistant majority leader; Rep. Danielle Gregoire of Marlborough as First Division chair and Rep. James O’Day of West Boylston as Fourth Division chair.

Mariano added two members to leadership positions: Rep. Paul Donato of Medford moves up into the second assistant majority leader post vacated when Rep. Sarah Peake left to work for the Healey administration; Rep. Jeff Roy of Franklin took Donato’s former position as Second Division chair and Rep. Carlos Gonzalez of Springfield got the Third Division chair job previously filled by retired Rep. Ruth Balser.

Over in the Senate, Spilka kept her entire current leadership team intact including Sen. Cindy Creem of Newton as majority leader; Belmont’s Sen. William Brownsberger as president pro tempore; Sens. Joan Lovely of Salem, Michael Barrett of Lexington and Sal DiDomenico of Everett will return as assistant majority leaders; West Roxbury’s Sen. Michael Rush

$1 MILLION IN INNOVATION CAREER PATHWAYS GRANTS: The Healey Administration announced $1 million in Innovation Career Pathway grants to 29 school districts. This funding enables districts to plan and implement pathway programs that provide students with coursework and experience in high-demand STEM industries before they graduate high school, including in health care, technology, manufacturing, life sciences and environmental sustainability.

“Our administration has invested in Innovation Career Pathways, Early College programs and career technical education opportunities because we know they allow students to explore careers and make critical connections with local businesses and mentors,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. “I am grateful to the administrators, educators, employers and community partners who make these programs possible.”

“We want to support our public schools to enable students to see the connection between what they are learning and what they will need to know in the future,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “Today’s Innovation Career Pathways investment promotes engaging STEM experiences for students, while deepening local connections with employers and future career opportunities.”

BAY STATE SCORES BIG ON ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP): Gov. Healey announced that a third of students who graduated from Massachusetts public high schools in 2024 scored a 3 or higher on an Advanced Placement (AP) exam, the state’s highest percentage ever and the highest in the nation for the second year in a row, according to results released by the College Board. A score of 3 out of 5 on an AP exam shows a student’s ability to complete work for an introductory college-level course in that subject area. Most colleges will award students credit for AP scores of 3 or higher when enrolling in college.

“Congratulations to the Massachusetts students whose AP scores yet again were the highest in the nation – and the highest in state history,” said Gov. Healey. “To see the AP success rate for the graduating class rise above where it was for the classes before COVID is a true testament to the work of Massachusetts students and educators and to the state’s investments that have made AP exams more affordable. Massachusetts students can accomplish amazing things when they are encouraged to participate and given the support they need.”

“This is great news both for the members of the class of 2024 and for the students who follow them,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. “These students, their teachers and their families have shown what’s possible, and now more students than ever before will have a jump start on what it takes to succeed in college.”

$5.5 MILLION TO EXPAND STUDENTS’ BEHAVIORAL AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES: The Healey Administration announced that it is awarding $5.5 million in grants to 60 school districts, educational collaboratives and charter schools across Massachusetts to improve student access to behavioral and mental health services and support.

Supporters said this funding can be used to create or expand comprehensive, integrated systems of student support and aims, through collaboration with families and educators, to build strong local school partnerships with community-based mental health agencies and/or providers.

“Our educators are working to create safe and healthy learning environments that are joyful, engaging and equitable for every child,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Acting Commissioner Russell Johnston. “These grants will help provide student supports that advance that important work.”

Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com.