This is the earliest the rules have been adopted by the Senate since they moved to a two year session in 1995. The new rules reflect the priorities of openness and transparency for Senate business that Senate President Stanley Rosenberg (D-Amherst) promised in his inaugural Senate address on January 7th.
Legislative News
commonwealth conversations, outlook, senate press releases, updates and analysis
New Senate Committee Assignments
As we begin the new year, the Senate has released its Committee Chairs and assignments for the 2015-2016 legislature. Senator Brownsberger’s roles include the Judiciary Committee (chair), the Senate Ethics Committee (vice-chair), and membership on the Ways and Means Committee, Municipalities and Regional Government Committee, and Election Laws Committee
Some good bills at the end of session
The end of the legislative session is a time when bills that are not controversial can still make it across the finish line. There were five bills that I was particularly pleased to help over the finish line in the waning days of the session. Governor Patrick signed all of these bills, so they are now law.
Four questions
Hello Will, There are four questions on the ballot Tuesday: 1. Index Gas Tax to Inflation 2. Expand bottle bill to include other beverage bottles 3. Nullify the casino law 4. Provide sick leaves to most regular employees Will you please remind us of your leanings on these measures?
Joint Committee on Telecommunications Utilities and Energy Session Highlights
The Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy (TUE) had a productive 2013-2014 legislative session, notably advancing legislation, ultimately signed into law, which addressed aging natural gas infrastructure, broadband expansion and renewable energy resources in Massachusetts.
Net Metering – Committee Summary
A summary of S.2214, An act relative to credit for thermal energy generated with renewable fuels, written by the staff of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.