Joint Committee Hears Calls to Repeal Massachusetts Recreational Cannabis Law
Massachusetts lawmakers heard sharply divided testimony Monday on a ballot petition that would repeal the state's recreational cannabis law.
Dave Watkins
Massachusetts Ways and Means Holds First-Ever Budget Hearing in Mattapan
Massachusetts Ways and Means holds its first-ever budget hearing in Mattapan, with eight agencies presenting more than $2 billion in combined FY27 requests. Co-chairs Representative Russell E.
Massachusetts Senate Unanimously Passes Sweeping PETS Act Banning Puppy Mill Pet Sales
The Massachusetts Senate voted 38-0 Thursday to pass the PETS Act, banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet shops, prohibiting cosmetic animal testing, and expanding pet ownership rights in state-aided public housing.
Massachusetts House Advances Eight Labor and Safety Bills, Enacts Sick-Leave Measure
The Massachusetts House advanced eight labor and public-safety bills to a third reading in a brief informal session March 19. All actions were taken by unanimous voice vote with no roll-call tallies recorded.
Massachusetts Lawmakers Hear Push for School Celiac Meal Transparency Bills
Massachusetts lawmakers heard emotional testimony in support of two bills requiring schools to post clear online information about gluten-free and allergen-safe meals.
Massachusetts Senate Swears In Vanna Howard as 1st Middlesex Senator
Massachusetts Senate swears in Vanna Howard, the first Cambodian-American state senator in United States history. Howard, a former five-term state representative, won a March 3, 2026 special election to fill the 1st Middlesex District seat left vacant by the death of Senator Edward J.
Massachusetts House Passes $1.8 Billion Supplemental Budget 150 to 3
Massachusetts House passes $1.8 billion supplemental budget, sending $740 million to the MBTA.
Massachusetts Commission Convenes to Study Credit Card Fees Hitting Small Businesses
Massachusetts Legislature's new payments commission holds organizational session ahead of April hearings.
Massachusetts legislative panel hears testimony on landmark immigrant-protection bill
Massachusetts Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security hears sweeping testimony on immigrant protections, motocross safety, and nuclear emergency planning. Co-chairs Senator John J.
Massachusetts Legislative Stipend Overhaul Draws Supporters and Constitutional Challenge
A ballot initiative to overhaul Massachusetts's $5.4 million legislative stipend system faced expert scrutiny and constitutional challenge at a public hearing of the Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions on March 17.