Mass. House and Senate move toward housing goals
Their economic development bills would address the housing crisis from several angles, but the work’s not over yet.
How productive are New Bedford legislators’ committees?
New Bedford’s legislators sit across 23 committees. So far, seven of these committees have not considered any bills this session, and eight have not held any hearings this year.
Where’s the funding to close Ash Street Jail?
The sheriff said the necessary funding hasn’t been a legislative priority. State legislators say they need a breakdown of the project’s costs to push it forward.
Mass. Senate wants to address primary-care doctor shortage
Thirty percent of Massachusetts residents have had difficulty accessing primary care. Will the House take up the bill this month?
New sexual misconduct protection for students becomes law
The long-awaited law prohibits sexual relationships between school staff and students who are 16 and 17.
Mass. Senate passes sweeping energy affordability bill
The bill is expected to save ratepayers more than $14 billion over the next decade, though details are scarce about how that translates to individual customers.
As ballot initiatives multiply, critics want to limit them
Massachusetts could have eight initiative questions on the November ballot. Legislative leaders don’t like that.
Mass. House passes bill safeguarding libraries from book bans
The bill would require all school libraries and public libraries in the state to adopt rules for handling book challenges.
Massachusetts House passes transparency bill
While most House members tout the legislation as “comprehensive,” critics say it falls short of meaningful reform sought by a 2024 ballot measure.
Mass. Senate proposes ‘historic’ increase in local aid. Is it enough?
New Bedford, Fairhaven, and Dartmouth officials all face budget struggles. They say they need more local aid from the state.
Long-awaited sexual misconduct protections for students advance on Beacon Hill
The Massachusetts Senate voted to extend protections against sexual misconduct and abuse by school staff to students who are 16 and 17.
How to cut energy bills? Mass. Senate, House disagree
A key senator wants to eliminate a gas pipe program. The House wants cuts from the Mass Save energy-efficiency effort.
Massachusetts gun regulations will go before voters in November
The fate of a 2024 Massachusetts gun law will soon lie in voters’ hands. A petition drive by gun advocates has sent it to the statewide ballot.
Massachusetts considers one of the nation’s strictest social media bills
Mental health and online safety advocates are praising the bill. Critics say it threatens personal privacy.
Farmers praise agriculture bill, but aquaculture concerns remain
The state Senate bill aims to make farming more affordable. Fishermen hope for more to help them.
Ballot proposal for income tax cut sparks debate
Voters may decide in November whether to cut Massachusetts’ income tax from 5% to 4%. Critics say it’ll blow a $5 billion hole in the state budget.
South Coast lawmakers lay out priorities for fiscal 2027 state budget
A floating dock, LBGTQ+ programming, community centers and the arts are just some of the areas that legislators have earmarked in the proposed state budget.
Advocates and lawmakers at odds over transparency ballot questions
Asking the Legislature to support changes to its procedures has proven an uphill battle, leading to tense hearings and prickly exchanges this month.
Mass. Senate wants ballot campaigns to report donors year-round
November’s election may include 12 ballot questions. The bill would require more transparency around the money behind them.
Mass. House bill seeks protections for immigrants
The bill focuses on courthouse protection, due process rights, detention facility conditions and law enforcement regulations.