Today, the Massachusetts Legislature passed legislation to extend the hybrid public meeting option, allowing cities and towns to offer remote participation through June 2027. The extension applies to public bodies and representative town meetings.
Read MoreToday, the Legislature passed a $425 million supplemental budget to support emergency housing assistance for unhoused families across the Commonwealth.
Read MoreToday, Senate President Karen E. Spilka announced the membership of the Senate Art Committee, a group of Senators and arts leaders who will be tasked with making the art and symbols in the Senate more representative of the residents of the Commonwealth.
Read MoreOn February 13, Senate President Karen Spilka hosted her third annual Galentine’s Day Celebration, bringing together women leaders from government, business, philanthropy, nonprofits, and the arts. With comedy and dialogue, the evening recognized and celebrated the contributions of the women shaping industries and communities across Massachusetts and the nation.
Read MoreThe Senate’s rules proposals for the 2025-2026 session aim to create a transparent and efficient Legislature that meets our current moment. These proposals will build on the Senate’s commitment to transparency and create a framework for increased productivity during legislative sessions.
Read MoreToday, the Massachusetts Senate passed legislation to allocate $425 million to support emergency housing assistance for unhoused families across the Commonwealth. The bill adds cost controls and reporting mechanisms to ensure the state responsibly uses taxpayer dollars, while continuing to fund a system that serves Massachusetts mothers, fathers, and children in crisis.
Read MoreSenate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland) released the following statement regarding the rollback of gender identity designations on federal documents
Read More"I applaud the Governor’s proposal to eliminate renter-paid broker fees, which reflects a priority the Senate championed and one which remains a central focus of the Senate," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland).
Read MoreToday the Massachusetts Legislature passed comprehensive reforms to lower the cost of prescription drugs at the pharmacy counter and improve oversight of the state’s pharmaceutical industry.
Read MoreToday, the Massachusetts Legislature passed legislation that will close loopholes in the health care market regulatory process exposed by the collapse of Steward Health Care, increase financial transparency by gathering more information regarding hospital finances, and assist in maintaining a more stable and sustainable health care system.
Read MoreIn December 2024, a conference committee of the Massachusetts House and Senate reached agreement on An Act relative to treatments and coverage for substance use disorder and recovery coach licensure. This compromise legislation widely expands access to opioid reversal drugs, bolsters non-opioid pain treatments, and strengthens treatment for Massachusetts residents going through recovery.
Read MoreToday the Massachusetts Legislature approved legislation to combat the opioid crisis and support residents living with substance use disorder (SUD).
Read MoreToday, the Massachusetts Legislature passed a sweeping economic development bill authorizing a nearly $4 billion infusion into the Commonwealth’s economy while making wide-ranging policy changes to make Massachusetts more competitive.
Read MoreToday the Massachusetts Legislature passed sweeping climate legislation to empower the state’s fight against climate change and accelerate progress towards the state’s goals of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Read MoreMassachusetts may be the home of American democracy, but it is also the community we call home—and I take the responsibility to protect our community—and its residents—very seriously.
Read MoreThis week the Massachusetts Senate passed two bills expanding services that must be covered by health insurers in the state. One requires that insurers provide coverage for the treatment of Down syndrome through speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and applied behavior analysis services. The other requires insurers provide coverage for diagnostic examinations for breast cancer.
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Today the Massachusetts Senate passed a supplemental budget closing out Fiscal Year 2024, fulfilling the state’s obligations to critical programs and services used by residents statewide
Read MoreAn Act relative to the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act would simplify custody jurisdiction laws and bring Massachusetts into conformity with other states around the country. By so doing, the Commonwealth would be creating a more streamlined process for families going through challenging times while supporting the safety and well-being of children who find themselves in custody challenges.
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