Beacon Hill Roll Call
Volume 51 – Report No. 29
July 13 – 17, 2026
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THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call reports local representatives’ votes on one roll call from the week of July 13-17. There were no roll calls in the Senate last week.
During the week of July 13-17, the House met for a total of seven hours and 57 minutes and the Senate met for a total of six hours 11 minutes.
PETS (H 5589)- House 151-1, approved a bill that supporters say will strengthen animal welfare protections, modernize veterinary technician licensing and support responsible pet ownership.
The House version of the measure does not include a major provision that is in the version of the bill already passed by the Senate. Supporters of the Senate version say that the Senate version would end the inhumane puppy-mill-to-pet-shop system by banning commercial sales of cats and dogs in pet stores. The House version now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Provisions of the House measure include modernizing the state’s dog licensing and kennel oversight laws by strengthening inspection requirements; improving reporting from licensing authorities; ensuring that dogs housed in kennels are properly licensed; and establishing a clearer legal process for addressing cases of animal neglect. Law enforcement and animal control officers will be able to petition courts for timely intervention when animals are suffering from neglect, allowing courts to order appropriate care, remove animals from dangerous situations when necessary or permanently prohibit individuals from owning animals in serious cases.
The bill strengthens protections for animals used in research by expanding adoption opportunities for dogs and cats after research concludes. Other provisions prohibit a manufacturer or contract testing facility from using a traditional animal test method if there is an alternative test method when testing a product, product formulation, chemical or ingredient; updates Massachusetts law governing pet insurance by adopting nationally recognized consumer protection standards; establishes penalties for transportation network companies like Uber and their drivers who unlawfully refuse service to riders accompanied by service animals; and establishes a statewide pet ownership program for older adults living in public housing. The program prohibits blanket bans on pets while allowing housing authorities to adopt reasonable pet policies that protect residents, animals and housing facilities.
(A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.)
Rep. Kate Lipper-Garabedian – Yes
Rep. Donald Wong – Yes
For more information and details on each bill, roll call attendance, and other relevant information, please visit the Wakefield Daily Item at www.localheadlinenews.com.