Beacon Hill Roll Call
Volume 50 – Report No. 2
January 6 – January 10, 2025
Copyright © 2025 Beacon Hill Roll Call. All Rights Reserved.
During the week of Jan. 6-10, the House met for a total of ten minutes while the Senate met for a total of 25 minutes.
GOVERNOR SIGNS SEVERAL BILLS – Gov. Maura Healey signed several bills into law last week including:
DRUG COSTS AND INDUSTRY TRANSPARENCY – Gov. Maura Healey signed into law legislation (S 3012) that supporters say would lower the cost of prescription drugs.
ROSA PARKS DAY (H 3075) – Gov. Healey signed into law a bill establishing February 4 as Rosa Parks in recognition of the historic civil rights leader.
PROHIBIT REVOCATION OF PROFESSIONAL LICENSES (H 4937) – Gov. Healey signed into law legislation that would repeal a current state law which creates professional licensure consequences for anyone who defaults on their student loan. Under current law, a borrower’s state-issued professional or occupational certificate, registration or license can be suspended, revoked or canceled if the borrower is in default on an education loan.
ID FOR LIQUOR PURCHASES (H 4131) – Gov. Healey signed into law a measure that would allow alcohol-serving establishments to accept all out-of-state motor vehicle licenses and Global Entry cards issued by the United States Customs and Border Protection.
DECLAWING OF CATS (S 2552) – Gov. Healey signed into law a measure that would ban cat declawing and tendonectomy unless it is done for the medical need of the feline. The measure imposes a fine on offenders of up to $1,000 for a first offense, $1,500 for a second offense and $2,500 for a third or subsequent offense.
PROTECT CATS AND DOGS (S 2908) – Gov. Healey signed into law legislation that would prohibit the sale or transfer of any puppies and kittens under eight weeks old. Violators would be fined $100 per animal.
RENAME THE OFFICE OF ELDER AFFAIRS (S 3006) – Gov. Healey signed into law a bill that would change the name of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to the Executive Office of Aging and Independence. The proposal also replaces outdated language in the state’s lawbooks, including changing “elderly persons,” to “older adults” and “handicapped” to “adults with a disability.” The new legislation also incorporates gender-neutral language into current law. The original version of the bill was filed by Gov. Healey in May.
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.
