Senate Eyes Vote on Economic Development Bill, Housing Components Unknown
Senate leaders are working to finalize their economic development package, seen as the last chance to pass meaningful housing reforms this legislative session.
Baker, Negotiators Eye Path To Energy Bill Deal
Lawmakers took the first steps Thursday on the road to a compromise offshore wind and climate bill as House and Senate leaders publicly detailed some of the issues they expect to spend part of the next three months hashing out. And as negotiations begin, the stakes are high for the real estate industry.
Massachusetts Senate to Debate ‘Red Flag’ Gun Measure
A bill that would allow for the temporary removal of firearms from people considered a danger to themselves or others could move another step closer to becoming law in Massachusetts this week.
Senate Committee Urges Tougher Sexual Harassment Policies
A Massachusetts Senate committee is urging the chamber to toughen its sexual harassment policies.
Senate Tees Up Short-Term Rental, Student Loan Bills
The effort to tax and regulate short-term housing rentals appears to be gathering steam. A week after the House voted 118-30 to pass a bill regulating and taxing rentals through sites like Airbnb, the Senate Ways and Means Committee has opened voting on the bill, usually a precursor to a bill’s consideration by the full Senate.
Homeowners: Don’t Panic Yet Over Senate Tax Overhaul
If you hoped that Senate Republicans would treat homeowners and buyers more kindly in their tax overhaul plans than their colleagues did in the House, you were an optimist. It didn’t happen.
Baker: Senate Health Bill Won’t Save State Money
Gov. Charlie Baker is questioning whether a wide-ranging health care bill under consideration in the Senate would save the state any money.
Senate Prepping Property Tax Relief Legislation
The Massachusetts Senate is planning to roll out a bill related to property taxes in the coming days, but details of the bill remained sketchy even to the Senate president Wednesday morning.
Senate Launching $22.6M Renovation Of Chamber
When the 191st General Court is sworn in on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019, senators will take their oath in a newly restored chamber that attempts to maintain the historic character of the space while incorporating new technology and making it more accessible.
Senate Passes $40.4B Budget
The Senate added just over $50 million in spending over three days of debate to its fiscal 2018 budget bill, unanimously passing the $40.39 billion budget Thursday night in the final session within the historic Senate chamber before it is to be renovated.
Senate Leader: Lawmakers May Look At New Marijuana Law
Massachusetts Senate President Stan Rosenberg said Thursday the initiative to legalize recreational marijuana that voters approved this week will need improvements to address such issues as taxes on marijuana sales, edible pot products and driving while high.
