Massachusetts
Massachusetts confronts toxic ‘forever chemicals’
Massachusetts is not “in the vanguard” when it comes to addressing toxic “forever chemicals,” according to the Senate sponsor of a bill meant to help municipalities and water systems clean up related contamination.
It’s the second time House Speaker Pro Tempore Kate Hogan and Senate Assistant Majority Whip Julian Cyr have filed legislation that would phase out the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of chemicals that do not break down fully in the environment and are linked to harmful health issues like thyroid disease, liver damage, some cancers and immune system suppression.
The bills gained favorable reports last session from the Joint Committee on Public Health and Health Care Financing, but died in House Ways and Means Committee last session.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data show that more than 99% of people in the U.S. have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood, according to Laurel Schaider, a senior scientist at Newton-based Silent Spring Institute who spoke at a State House briefing on Thursday.
PFAS are often used in nonstick, stain-resistant, waterproof and grease-resistant products. Well owners and users, farmers and firefighters from across Massachusetts have testified before the Legislature in recent years and gathered at the State House Thursday to discuss the illnesses and other issues that have resulted from water and soil contaminated with PFAS and firefighting gear designed with PFAS in it.
“I think there’s two hurdles here. One is that we’re talking about complex policy related to environmental science, and the more that we learn about PFAS, the more we understand its ubiquity,” Cyr told the News Service. “As you build a statutory and then a regulatory scheme around it, this isn’t easy policymaking.”
A group of common items with and without per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in them, displayed at the State House briefing.
The Legislature in 2024 passed a few measures, according to Hogan, including those phasing out PFAS in firefighter protective gear and increasing funds to MassDEP to provide support for PFAS testing.
Other lawmakers have filed varying forms of legislation this session aiming to address different PFAS-related issues. A delegation of Massachusetts lawmakers visited Maine in August in an attempt to better understand how the state tackled contamination caused by PFAS specifically related to sewage sludge on farms.
“Massachusetts, we like to be in the vanguard of public health, of environmental health and safety. We are no longer in the vanguard. I think there are 13 or 14 other states that have passed some form of legislation related to PFAS. So we’re losing ground a bit,” Cyr said.
Alaska, New Jersey and New Hampshire also recently passed laws specifically addressing PFAS used in firefighting equipment. States including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont have passed varying laws phasing out the use of PFAS.
AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) – The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has announced the return of its Pride Hikes, a series of guided walks across several state parks in celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.
These events will take place throughout June to create welcoming outdoor experiences for all communities during Pride Month. Each of the six hikes will be held at a different DCR property, with the events varying in length, terrain, and level of difficulty.
Participants are welcome to dress in Pride colors and are encouraged to bring necessary hiking supplies, including sturdy footwear, water, bug spray, and sunscreen.
“Our public lands and open spaces belong to everyone, and our Pride Hikes are a chance to celebrate the beauty of our landscapes and of each other,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “We’re welcoming members of the LGBTQIA+ community, their families, friends, and allies into our parks to enjoy the outdoors together and strengthen connections to nature and one another. We’re grateful to our partners across the state for helping create welcoming spaces where people can celebrate Pride, build community and experience a sense of belonging.”
The DCR is partnering with Queer Men of the Berkshires, the Stonewall Center at UMass Amherst, OUT MetroWest, and the Greater Boston and Franklin-Hampshire chapters of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays to host this series of hikes, with additional support from volunteers with Mass Audubon and RiverCulture.
This year’s Pride Hikes will take place at the following DCR properties:
- Great Falls Discovery Center, Montague
- Sunday, June 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Wachusett Reservoir, Clinton
- Saturday, June 20, 7:30 to 9:15 p.m.
- Mount Holyoke Range State Park, Amherst
- Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Riverfront State Park, Lawrence
- Saturday, June 27, 1 to 3 p.m.
- Douglas State Forest, Douglas
- Saturday, June 27, 2 to 4 p.m.
- Bristol Blake State Reservation, Norfolk
- Sunday, June 28, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The hikes are subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. To learn more about each Pride Hike location, visit mass.gov.
All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WWLP. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat information into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by WWLP staff before being published.
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THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call reports local representatives’ and senators’ votes on roll calls from the week of June 1-5,
$1.35 BILLION SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET (H 5470)
House 153-0, Senate 37-3, approved and sent to Gov. Maura Healey a $1.35 billion fiscal 2026 supplemental budget that includes $558 million for education and $794 million for transportation.
Some of the funding will come from the $1.3 billion generated by the 2022 voter-approved constitutional amendment, known by supporters as the Millionaire’s Tax and the Fair Share Amendment, which imposes a surtax of an additional 4 percent income tax, in addition to the current flat 5 percent one, on taxpayers’ earnings of more than $1 million annually. Language in the constitutional amendment requires that “subject to appropriation, the revenue will go to fund quality public education, affordable public colleges and universities, and for the repair and maintenance of roads, bridges and public transportation.”
Education provisions include $152 million for special education reimbursements; $150 million for making childcare more affordable and accessible; and $40 million to help young learners read, including $20 million for high-dosage tutoring and $20 million for classroom programs designed to accelerate reading skills for kids in kindergarten through third grade.
Transportation provisions include $595 million for the MBTA including $450 million to keep the T running; $60 million for maintenance and upgrades to physical infrastructure with an emphasis on commuter rail improvements; $50.4 million to improve workforce and safety; $20 million to make fares more affordable for low-income riders; and $15 million for water transportation infrastructure across the state.
Other provisions create a new tax exemption, capped at $35 million per year, on building materials used in the construction of affordable, moderate-income and middle-income housing projects; a permanent extension of the state’s temporary 20-cent fee on Uber, Lyft and other rideshare trips; $100 million to help cities and towns recover from major storms over the winter; $1 million to help public school districts implement bell-to-bell cell phone-free policies; and $1 million toward free legal services for immigrants and refugees who need help navigating the courts.
“This legislation reflects exactly the responsible, forward-looking governance that Massachusetts families deserve,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “It makes significant investments in our schools and transit, paired with fiscally prudent steps to protect our state finances during a period of uncertainty. From making childcare more affordable to keeping the T running to helping immigrants access legal protections, this package addresses the needs of residents across the commonwealth.”
“From significant investments in public transportation and public education, to support for Department of Transitional Assistance caseworkers and expenses related to the World Cup, to fiscally prudent tax conformity measures – this legislation is representative of the responsible approach that Massachusetts must continue to take during this period of significant fiscal uncertainty, while still ensuring robust state support for vital projects,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy).
“Reflecting the priorities of my Senate colleagues, this package makes meaningful investments in education and transportation that touch all corners of the commonwealth,” said Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport), chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “The bill prioritizes municipal winter relief and targeted tax incentives to jumpstart housing production. With its passage, we are bolstering our public transportation system, supporting statewide education initiatives, training the next generation of doctors and teachers and taking proactive steps to responsibly mitigate the fallout from federal tax changes.”
“The use of these one-time surplus funds provides us with a unique opportunity to better strengthen the commonwealth in numerous ways,” said Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, (D-Boston), chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means. “By further improving our educational and transportation sectors, we will build off the work we have done in the last several budget cycles with a judicious use of the Fair Share funds. The tax changes contained in this bill will help support the state’s economic competitiveness, while giving us time to absorb the expected loss in revenue.”
“The supplemental budget included a legal defense fund for non-citizens, as well as tax provisions that prevented tax relief for residents—the very people funding that defense fund through their own taxes and who could face penalties if they tried to reduce their tax burden,” said Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton) one of only three legislators to vote against the budget.
Sens. Kelly Dooner (R-Taunton) and Peter Durant (R-Spencer), the other two senators who voted against the budget, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking them why they voted against it.
“Only in Massachusetts, do they pass a supplemental budget while passing their annual budget at the same time,” said Paul Craney, executive director of the Mass Fiscal Alliance. “This short term budget was filled with policies that would exclude tax benefits that were passed by Congress, in order for Statehouse politicians to keep more of our tax dollars. It once again shows how Statehouse lawmakers can never tax you enough.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the $1.35 billion budget. A “No” vote is against it.)
Rep. James Arciero Yes, Rep. Simon Cataldo Yes, Rep. Rodney Elliott Yes, Rep. Kimberly Ferguson Yes, Rep. Colleen Garry Yes, Rep. Kenneth Gordon Didn’t Vote, Rep. Natalie Higgins Yes, Rep. Tara Hong Yes, Rep. Meghan Kilcoyne Yes, Rep. Michael Kushmerek Yes, Rep. Marc Lombardo Yes, Rep. Tram Nguyen Yes, Rep. David Robertson Yes, Rep. Margaret Scarsdale Yes, Rep. Dan Sena Yes, Rep. Jonathan Zlotnik Yes, Sen. Michael Barrett Yes, Sen. John Cronin Yes, Sen. James Eldridge Yes, Sen. Barry Finegold Yes, Sen. Cindy Friedman Yes, Sen. Vanna Howard Yes, Sen. Bruce Tarr Yes.
$4.58 BILLION FOR TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS INCLUDING $300 MILLION FOR LOCAL ROADS AND BRIDGES (H 5375)
House 152-0, Senate 39-0, approved and sent to Gov. Healey a measure that authorizes $4.58 billion in bonding for various local, regional and state transportation programs. The package includes $300 million for cities and towns for local road and bridges — $200 million which will be distributed to all municipalities based on the standard Chapter 90 Program distribution formula and another $100 million which will be distributed to all municipalities based solely on road mileage.
Other provisions include $500 million for the Lifecycle Asset Management Program which aids non-federally funded roads and targets the pavement and bridges across the state that are in the worst condition; $200 million for capital projects to support housing development, including stormwater management, culverts and bike and pedestrian improvements; $200 million for a new accelerated deferred maintenance and modernization program for infrastructure under the care and control of the Department of Conservation and Recreation; and $200 million for the MBTA for the procurement of electrically powered locomotives.
The legislation also reauthorizes $3.18 billion in funding for several programs included in the 2022 Transportation Bond Bill including $2.3 billion for projects on interstates and other federally aided highways; $800 million for improvements to non-federally aided roadways and bridges; $65 million for the Municipal Pavement Program for engineering, permitting, design and climate change adaptation on municipal ways; and $12 million for grants for the Shared Streets Program for improvements to municipal streets to create additional capacity for pedestrians and cyclists.
“Today, the Legislature is taking action to fix potholes, repair local bridges and build on the progress Massachusetts public transit has made,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “At the same time, this legislation will help ease serious financial burdens on cities and towns that are navigating a difficult financial landscape.”
“Providing funding for critical infrastructure projects through investments in the commonwealth’s public transportation, roads and bridges is one of the most important responsibilities that we have as members of the Legislature,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). “I’m proud of the support for local infrastructure repairs that this legislation provides, and of the funding included for the MBTA.”
“I am proud to see another annual Chapter 90 bill fund the commonwealth’s immediate municipal roadway and transportation needs,” said Rep. Michael Finn (D-West Springfield), House Chair of the Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. “This year’s legislation also gives the Administration the flexibility to deploy additional funds towards large-scale transportation investments which may arise over the next few years.”
“Grateful that we can say the winter of 2026 is finally in the rearview mirror, the Legislature has moved forward in addressing long-term capital projects for roadways and bridges all across the commonwealth,” said Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport), chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “This bond bill provides support for critical capital projects in transportation that will spur housing development, make our roads and bridges safer and continue to build and improve upon the MBTA’s ongoing railway improvement projects.”
“As we head into peak construction season, local leaders from every region and corner of the commonwealth greatly appreciate the Legislature’s prioritization of this vital transportation and infrastructure package, which includes critical funding to support local road, bridge, sidewalk and culvert repairs,” said Massachusetts Municipal Association Executive Director Adam Chapdelaine. “The essential Chapter 90 local road and bridge program has a direct positive impact on public safety, economic development and quality of life in every single city and town in Massachusetts, especially as many municipalities face serious fiscal challenges.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the $4.58 billion package.)
Rep. James Arciero Yes, Rep. Simon Cataldo Yes, Rep. Rodney Elliott Yes, Rep. Kimberly Ferguson Yes, Rep. Colleen Garry Yes, Rep. Kenneth Gordon Didn’t Vote, Rep. Natalie Higgins Yes, Rep. Tara Hong Yes, Rep. Meghan Kilcoyne Yes, Rep. Michael Kushmerek Yes, Rep. Marc Lombardo Yes, Rep. Tram Nguyen Yes, Rep. David Robertson Yes, Rep. Margaret Scarsdale Yes, Rep. Dan Sena Yes, Rep. Jonathan Zlotnik Yes, Sen. Michael Barrett Yes, Sen. John Cronin Yes, Sen. James Eldridge Yes, Sen. Barry Finegold Yes, Sen. Cindy Friedman Yes, Sen. Vanna Howard Yes, Sen. Bruce Tarr Yes.
AUDIT THE LEGISLATURE AND MORE (H 5469)
House 125-28, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would narrow the scope of a voter-approved legislative audit and create a formal process to govern public access to legislative records. Democratic leaders argued the bill preserves the constitutional separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches, where the auditor’s office is positioned. Democratic State Auditor Diana DiZoglio and the Republicans disagreed and argued the bill goes against the will of the voters who, in the November 2024 election, approved Ballot Question 1 asking them if they favor allowing the state auditor to audit the Legislature. The question passed overwhelmingly by 72% of the vote. It has now been 19 months since the voters approved the audit but an audit has yet to take place.
According to the State House News Service, the bill would limit the auditor’s power to investigate the branch to four categories of administrative functions, rather than the more expansive language outlined in the 2024 ballot law. And the legislation would also create a new statute establishing a legislative records request process and codifying which records would be public — most of which are already publicly available — and subject the governor’s office to the public records law from which they currently claim an exemption. The bill also stops Secretary of State Bill Galvin’s office (who usually oversees public records inquiries) from interfering in requests to the Legislature, but allows a path of judicial review, while simultaneously barring the courts from resolving disputes between the auditor and lawmakers.
“For you all know, the House does not oppose an audit,” said Speaker Ron Mariano. “The House is already audited every year by an independent auditing firm, the results of which are posted on the Legislature’s website upon completion. What we oppose is a politically motivated audit conducted in violation of the Constitution, which is why we didn’t see a path forward until recently, when the auditor finally specified the scope of the audit before the Supreme Judicial Court.”
All 25 Republicans voted against the bill. All Democrats but three voted for it. Five Democrats did not vote. The three Democrats who voted against it were Reps. Mike Connolly (D-Cambridge), Jim Hawkins (D-Attleboro) and Alan Silvia (D-Fall River). Rep. Susannah Whipps (U-Athol), the one non-party affiliated member in the Legislature, voted for the legislation.
“This legislation was drafted in partnership with good government experts to increase access to public records from the executive and legislative branches, and to establish a clear framework for legislative audits conducted by the state auditor,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy), the chief proponent of the measure. “These measures will build on the rules reforms that the Legislature adopted earlier this session, and will ensure greater transparency while respecting legislative privilege and the separation-of-powers principles outlined in the state Constitution. We hope this legislation will put an end to protracted litigation, address an issue that may otherwise come before voters on the ballot and allow the Legislature to refocus on the many issues facing Massachusetts residents.”
DiZoglio disagreed. “The people have a co-equal right with the Legislature to create laws, and the courts have a constitutional right to adjudicate laws,” she responded. “With this proposed bill, and under the guise of transparency, your state representatives are not only throwing the 72% voter-mandated law in the dumpster – they’re taking a match and lighting that dumpster on fire, violating the people’s constitutional rights and undermining democracy.” She said House leaders were “painting this as some sort of a transparency measure” while “essentially negating everything that you voted for in the November 2024 ballot question.” “They are conducting a victory lap right now for themselves, patting themselves on the back for helping to ensure transparency and accountability, and using all the buzz words.”
“The speaker is acting like an authoritarian, and I am calling on him to resign,” DiZoglio said on Boston Public Radio. She also urged Gov. Healey to veto the bill if it ever reaches her desk. She continued, “The speaker needs to retire, resign, move on. We need new leadership in our state government, in our state Legislature.” She said lawmakers “need to move on” if they “don’t think they need to answer to anybody.”
A spokesperson for Mariano responded, “The speaker is calling on the auditor to tone down the rhetoric. Personal attacks will not solve the fundamental flaws with the audit ballot question — the legislation that the House passed this week does exactly that.”
“The voters of Massachusetts made their voices clear when they overwhelmingly supported giving the state auditor the authority to audit the Legislature,” said Rep. John Gaskey (R-Carver) who opposed the bill. “This bill does not honor that mandate. Instead, it creates a system where legislative leaders maintain control over what information can be reviewed, who can be interviewed and whether disputes can ever be challenged in court. An audit without enforcement is not accountability,” Gaskey said. “If the Legislature can decide what information to provide, deny requests without meaningful review and prevent the courts from stepping in, then the people of Massachusetts are not getting the independent audit they voted for.”
“What the Massachusetts House of Representatives is doing today is choosing solutions over constitutional stalemates,” said Rep. Andres Vargas (D-Haverhill) who supported the measure. “Building on best practices and working with good-government experts, this bill ensures that the governor’s office will be subject to the existing public records law — a longstanding goal of public records advocates. And the House is taking the historic step of subjecting the Legislature to a new public records requirement and process — one that is consistent with leading constitutional scholars, and that, for the first time, creates a clear process and a statutory right for the public to access legislative records. This is the constitutional path to transparency.”
“This is exactly the kind of Beacon Hill insider maneuver voters thought they were rejecting,” said bill opponent Paul Craney, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance. “You have politicians taking a law passed by 72% of voters, watering it down behind closed doors and then getting applause from organizations that claim to stand for transparency and accountability. Calling this a transparency bill doesn’t make it one. It is a rebranding effort designed to give cover to an attempt to weaken accountability, and it is disappointing to see organizations that present themselves as watchdogs lending credibility to it. These outside groups like to describe themselves as watchdog organizations, but they prove to be nothing but lapdogs for the Legislature.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.)
Rep. James Arciero Yes, Rep. Simon Cataldo Yes, Rep. Rodney Elliott Yes, Rep. Kimberly Ferguson No , Rep. Colleen Garry Yes, Rep. Kenneth Gordon Didn’t Vote, Rep. Natalie Higgins Yes, Rep. Tara Hong Yes, Rep. Meghan Kilcoyne Yes, Rep. Michael Kushmerek Yes, Rep. Marc Lombardo No , Rep. Tram Nguyen Yes, Rep. David Robertson Yes, Rep. Margaret Scarsdale Yes, Rep. Dan Sena Yes, Rep. Jonathan Zlotnik Yes.
CHANGE ARCHAIC LANGUAGE REFERRING TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (H 5474)
House 150-0, approved, Senate approved on a voice vote without a roll call, and sent to Gov. Healey legislation that would modernize and remove archaic language in state laws to reflect the evolution of terminology relating to persons with disabilities.
Changes include replacing “handicapped persons” with “persons with disabilities;” replacing “the mentally retarded” with “persons with an intellectual disability;” replacing “retarded children” with “children with an intellectual disability;” and replacing “disabled American veterans” with “American veterans with disabilities.”
“Removing out-of-date and offensive language from the Massachusetts General Laws to describe people with disabilities is an important step in ensuring that our values are also reflected in our statutes,” said Rep. Jay Livingstone (D-Boston), House chair of the Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities. “As legislators, it is our job to help make sure that people with intellectual or developmental disabilities feel included, accepted and embraced for who they are, and this is an important step in doing so.”
“I am proud to support [the bill] and take this long-overdue step toward ensuring the laws of the commonwealth reflect the dignity and humanity of every person,” said Rep. Mike Finn (D-West Springfield), sponsor of the House bill. “Our General Laws still contain outdated language that demeans our neighbors with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and that language has no place in the statutes of a state that has always led on civil rights and inclusion. Updating these words is an affirmation that Massachusetts stands for the respect and dignity of all its people.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)
Rep. James Arciero Yes, Rep. Simon Cataldo Yes, Rep. Rodney Elliott Yes, Rep. Kimberly Ferguson Yes, Rep. Colleen Garry Didn’t Vote, Rep. Kenneth Gordon Didn’t Vote, Rep. Natalie Higgins Yes, Rep. Tara Hong Yes, Rep. Meghan Kilcoyne Yes, Rep. Michael Kushmerek Yes, Rep. Marc Lombardo Yes, Rep. Tram Nguyen Didn’t Vote, Rep. David Robertson Yes, Rep. Margaret Scarsdale Yes, Rep. Dan Sena Yes, Rep. Jonathan Zlotnik Yes.
MOVE “LAST CALL” FOR ALCOHOL TO 3 A.M. (H 5478)
House 150-0, approved and sent to the Senate legislation that would enable Massachusetts bars to push their “last call” to as late as 3 a.m., this summer, from June 8 to July 31, if they get local approval from their city or town. The measure would also allow municipalities to establish designated public consumption districts for expanded alcohol purchase and consumption.
Rep. Carole Fiola (D-Fall River), the sponsor of the bill, did not respond to repeated requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call asking her to comment on the bill and its passage.
“With the World Cup and 250th anniversary celebrations slated to take place in Massachusetts this summer, this pilot program won’t just allow us to better understand the one hour last call extension, it will also ensure that businesses are able to take advantage of the influx of visitors – creating a better experience for everyone,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy).
“Extending serving hours through this legislation will help enhance the exciting summer activities that will be occurring all across the commonwealth,” said Rep. Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston), chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means. “By making these changes, it will create a fun atmosphere for residents and tourists alike and will enhance the economy for all our residents.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)
Rep. James Arciero Yes, Rep. Simon Cataldo Yes, Rep. Rodney Elliott Yes, Rep. Kimberly Ferguson Yes, Rep. Colleen Garry Didn’t Vote, Rep. Kenneth Gordon Didn’t Vote, Rep. Natalie Higgins Yes, Rep. Tara Hong Yes, Rep. Meghan Kilcoyne Yes, Rep. Michael Kushmerek Yes, Rep. Marc Lombardo Yes, Rep. Tram Nguyen Didn’t Vote, Rep. David Robertson Yes, Rep. Margaret Scarsdale Yes, Rep. Dan Sena Yes, Rep. Jonathan Zlotnik Yes.
DATA PRIVACY (H 5479)
House 146-0, approved a proposal that would guard personal privacy and provide data protection for Massachusetts residents.
The Senate has already approved a different version of the measure and the House version now goes to the Senate for consideration.
The House proposal gives all Bay State residents the right to access their personal information; the right to correct inaccurate information; the right to opt out of certain processes such as targeted advertising; the right to transport personal data; and the right to delete certain information.
A key provision would prohibit sensitive data from being sold or shared without a user’s consent. Sensitive data includes information such as biometric or genetic information, precise geolocation data, health and wellness information, reproductive and sexual health data, data of a minor under 18, government-issued identifiers, and data that reveals an individual’s racial or ethnic origin, national origin or citizenship or immigration status, religious beliefs, sex life, sexual orientation, status as transgender or non-binary, union membership, status as a military service member or veteran and status as a victim of a crime.
Other provisions include requiring that personal data collection must be proportionate to providing requested services, and data must be protected and deleted when no longer necessary or required by law; special protections for individuals under 18, including a prohibition on targeted advertising to minors; and giving the Office of the Attorney General broad regulatory authority to enforce these new laws.
“The Massachusetts Consumer Data Privacy Act centers the consumer and is a must for the 21st century,” said Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier (D-Pittsfield), House chair of the Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity. “Through the technology that we have come to rely on daily, companies collect and legally sell our data, including sensitive data, without our knowledge or consent. The [bill] is a critical step to hold companies accountable, protect minors and establish strong consumer protections. It is the result of public hearings and thoughtful deliberation with privacy experts, advocates and industry representatives.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)
Rep. James Arciero Yes, Rep. Simon Cataldo Yes, Rep. Rodney Elliott Yes, Rep. Kimberly Ferguson Yes, Rep. Colleen Garry Didn’t Vote, Rep. Kenneth Gordon Didn’t Vote, Rep. Natalie Higgins Yes, Rep. Tara Hong Yes, Rep. Meghan Kilcoyne Yes, Rep. Michael Kushmerek Yes, Rep. Marc Lombardo Yes, Rep. Tram Nguyen Didn’t Vote, Rep. David Robertson Yes, Rep. Margaret Scarsdale Yes, Rep. Dan Sena Yes, Rep. Jonathan Zlotnik Yes.
Quotable Quotes
“Massachusetts is where the American Revolution began. We’re also the birthplace of the abolition movement, a constant leader in civil rights movements and a state made stronger by our immigrant communities. As we celebrate MA250 and America250, it is a disgrace that President Trump is attempting to erase voices and perspectives from one of our nation’s most important historic sites. That’s not preserving history. That’s censoring it. President Trump doesn’t get to decide which parts of our history are worth remembering.”
-Gov. Healey on the National Park Service’s plan to remove informational panels from Boston’s Bunker Hill Monument featuring quotes about suffrage, immigration, abolitionist and anti-war movements. President Trump has sought to scrub national monuments, museums, parks and other historical sites of markers that the administration says cast the country’s “founding principles and historical milestones in a negative light.”
“This progress, experienced by families across the commonwealth as years of extra joy and life, is the result of a comprehensive and collaborative public health response that has prioritized evidence-based care, community partnership and compassion. Data show us that providing access to housing, harm reduction, treatment options and supportive peer communities works to prevent overdose. The commonwealth will continue its commitment to supporting and expanding access to these tools and services.”
-Health and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah on the number of opioid-related overdose fatalities in the Bay State falling below 1,000 for the first time in more than a decade, marking a significant improvement since Massachusetts broke a devastating record a few years ago.
“School meals do so much more than feed students. They connect children to local farms, introduce them to new foods and help build healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Congratulations to Northampton and all of this year’s Terrific Tray winners for showing what is possible when schools, farmers and communities work together.”
-Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll on the 80th anniversary of the National School Lunch Program, announcing that Northampton is the winner of the 2026 Massachusetts Terrific Tray of the Year award for its school lunch tray featuring the new field fritter developed by Commonwealth Kitchen with peas grown in Maine, carrots grown in Hadley, apples from New York, lettuce from Shirley and tzatziki and allergen-free hummus.
“As the end of the school year approaches for our high school students across the state, Operation Safe Prom and Graduation helps remind students and parents about the real risks of underage drinking. We hope by raising awareness, we can promote responsible choices for our state’s young people.”
-State Treasurer Deb Goldberg
How long was last week’s session
Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts.
Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been filed. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session.
During the week of June 1-5, the House met for a total of 13 hours and 27 minutes and the Senate met for a total of six hours and four minutes.
Mon. June 1 — House: 11:00 a.m. to 11:12 a.m. Senate: 11:02 a.m. to 11:09 a.m.
Tues. June 2 — No House or Senate session.
Wed. June 3 — House: 11:00 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. No Senate session.
Thurs. June 4 —House: 10:59 a.m. to 6:24 p.m. Senate: 11:07 a.m. to 5:04 p.m.
Fri. June 5 — No House or Senate session.
Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com. Bob founded Beacon Hill Roll Call in 1975 and was inducted into the New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA) Hall of Fame in 2019.
Massachusetts
Just South Of Boston Is A Friendly, Laid-Back New England Escape With A Tranquil Park And Historic Downtown – Islands
Wedged right between Boston and Providence, Walpole, Massachusetts, has all the makings of a laid-back day trip. Known for its walkable and historic downtown, abundant green spaces creating a peaceful atmosphere, and a friendly community, Walpole allows visitors to go at a slower pace. Named for Sir Robert Walpole, England’s first prime minister, this New England town was first settled in 1659 and officially established in the 1720s. Main Street once served as a stagecoach route connecting Boston and Providence — you can still find a stone marker dating back to Walpole’s early days, which reads “20 miles to Boston 1740.” The marker was originally in front of the Brass Ball Tavern, Walpole’s very first tavern.
Over time, industrialization began to shape Walpole, according to Destination Downtown Walpole, with items including cotton, carpet, medical supplies, diapers, and bandages all produced in the surrounding factories and mills. Nowadays, the city’s population is a little over 26,000 people, but it has maintained a relaxed feel, with numerous trails and local businesses to explore. It’s also known for its friendly, community-centric atmosphere, with a lineup of events, from summertime farmers markets to live concerts and holiday celebrations held throughout the year in downtown. Walpole is also easily accessible — from Boston, it’s roughly 45 minutes south, driving or via public transport
History and charm in downtown Walpole
Nearby Boston is one of America’s most historic places, and visitors will find plenty of historic charm right in Walpole as well. In downtown, find historic buildings like a town hall and church, both dating back to the 19th century. You can also learn more about Walpole’s past at the Walpole Historical Society, which is located within a home from 1826. Here, you’ll find a number of rooms decorated with the building’s original Victorian-era style, as well as archives detailing Walpole’s history. The building opens to the public most Saturdays, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., or by appointment, and admission is free.
Apart from its historic sites, Walpole’s downtown is also lined with an array of local restaurants and businesses. The Farmer in the Dell is a Walpole mainstay, with 4.7 stars on Google. Visitors praise not only the food (dishes range from fried chicken and egg breakfast sandwiches to slow-roasted brisket with horseradish cream), but also the friendly service. Tessie’s Bar and Kitchen, meanwhile, is rated 4.4 stars on Google and is frequently recommended by locals for its array of comfort foods like burgers, sandwiches, and entrees like steak frites and baked mac and cheese. For international cuisine, one of the town’s top-rated options is Kosmos, which has earned a 4.8-star rating on Google for its Greek dishes and warm, welcoming staff. The Main Street restaurant serves a variety of family recipes, with dishes like brizola (30-day aged ribeye with potatoes and shishito peppers) and lavraki (pan-seared branzino with a pistachio skordalia, a garlicky potato dip). Visitors looking for some local shopping should head to Amelia Sky Boutique, rated 5.0 on Google. The fashion boutique has been around since 2020, and carries brands like Free People and Vintage Havana.
A Massachusetts nature escape
From scenic state parks to classic New England landscapes, Massachusetts has no shortage of natural settings to explore. The entire town of Walpole is connected to a 230-mile trail network around Boston, known as the Bay Circuit Trail. Right within Walpole, you’ll find a number of trails — and along with the town’s numerous parks, it’s easy to relax and take things at a slower pace here. The 89-acre Francis William Bird Park is one of Walpole’s most tranquil spaces, featuring several miles of trails, sports courts, and three ponds. The park is even home to a stage, where community events are sometimes held. The park was created back in 1925 by Charles Sumner Bird, Sr., and his wife, Anna, in honor of their son, who had passed away a few years prior, and today, it has a 4.7 Google rating with nearly 900 reviews, and is dotted with picturesque tree groves and stone bridges. Visitors consistently praise the scenery, amenities, and peaceful atmosphere.
At Adams Farm, meanwhile, find over 700 acres with several trails (including trails for mountain biking), plus a butterfly garden, an organic community garden, and wildlife like eastern blue birds, yellow warblers, foxes, deer, and more. The farm is operated by the town and often hosts community events, like concerts and free nature walks. Also rated a 4.7 on Google, past visitors praise the shaded, well-maintained trails and diverse recreational opportunities. For an affordable Massachusetts destination with restaurants, parks, and trails, also consider a visit to Ludlow, 90 minutes from Walpole.
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