THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, AugusT 19 2022 Page 21 Discount Services - Raccoons - Squirrel Removal 781-269-0914 BEACON | FROM PAGE 11 rails on host community agreements to make sure municipalities don’t extort cannabis enterprises. The technical adjustments in the law allow for communities to pursue social consumption sites if they wish. With the signing of [this bill], we better refl ect the intentions behind the voter referenda and assure an equitable and vibrant homegrown cannabis industry.” The vision of the drafters of the legalization initiative to address the harms of the war on cannabis is now more fully realized,” said Will Luzier, former campaign managerfor the 2016 marijuana legalization campaign. “The pathways to participate in the cannabis industry for those harmed by the war on drugs are clearer and the prospect of social consumption is now reachable. Cities and towns that have skirted the law by overreaching host community agreements will now be properly policed.” $165.5 MILLION TO MODERNIZE THE STATE’S COURTHOUSE AND COURT TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM AND A CHANGE IN GUN LAWS(H 5163) – The governor signed into law a bill providing $165.5 million to modernize the state’s courthouses and technology system. The measure also includes a section dealing with state’s gun laws. Provisions include $95 million to allow courts to go digital; $35 million to ensure the safety of the courts’ employees and guests; and another $35 million for the technological modernization of court administrative operations. Another key provision included is in response to a recent New York Supreme Court decision in the New York State Rifl e and Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen that took away local police chiefs of signifi cant discretion about who is allowed to possess and carry a fi rearm. The provision amends Massachusetts law to bring gun licensing provisions into compliance with the court decision and to ensure that individuals seeking a license to carry are fi rst interviewed personally by their local police chief. “This bill authorizes up to $165.5 million in spending, which will enable the Judiciary to address information technology needs through future capital investment plans,” said Gov. Baker. “Specifi cally, this bill supports key investments that will enhance the virtual and physical security infrastructure of court facilities, increase the effi ciency of courts systems, modernize administrative processes, and improve court proceedings for the many stakeholdClean-Outs! We take and dispose from cellars, attics, garages, yards, etc. We also do demolition. Best Prices Call: 781-593-5308 781-321-2499 ers in our justice system.” “When courts do not have proper communication systems, let alone access to a reliable internet connection, it limits the Judiciary’s ability to serve the people,” said Rep. Mike Day (D-Stoneham), House Chair of the Judiciary Committee. “I am proud to have advanced this bill which promises to enhance the courts effi ciency. This will improve our residents’ access to justice by providing a more equitable approach to the law, In addition to this historic investment, we also take action to strengthen our gun safety measures, so the commonwealth can continue to be one of the safest places in America.” “The … bill makes a signifi cant fi - nancial investment in critical technology upgrades that are needed to help modernize our state’s court system,” said Rep. Todd Smola (R-Warren). “Providing for digital document management and the electronic fi ling of legal documents and signatures will help streamline administrative operations and ensure that the courts are more user-friendly, open and accessible to the public.” QUOTABLE QUOTES “I will try to explain this without slipping and falling.” ---Senate Ways and Means chair Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport) on the Senate fl oor while debating a measure requiring MDC skating rinks to remain open for the full rink season. “We are committed to supporting childcare providers across the commonwealth who have worked tirelessly to care for children and support Massachusetts’ families. We know that investments in early education and care settings are vital for children and families through providing high-quality early childhood education and out-ofschool time programs in enriching and engaging settings.” ---Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito on The Baker administration awarding $3.9 million in Early Education and Out-of-School Time capital improvement grants to organizations to renovate childcare facilities that serve primarily low-income families. “The best ideas for clean energy often start at the local level. If we want to have cleaner air, healthier communities and a safer future for us and our children, we must transition to 100 percent renewable energy. These cities and towns are showing how to get it done.” --- Ben Hellerstein, state director for the Environment Massachusetts Research and Policy Center on the center’s report that Massachusetts’ cities and towns are taking action to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and transition to clean energy. “If Massachusetts is to remain a desirable place for individuals, families and businesses, then we need to confront the housing crisis together. This law is not a housing production mandate. It is all about setting the table for more transit-oriented housing in the years and decades ahead— which is not just good housing policy, but good climate and transportation policy, too.” --- Transportation Secretary Mike Kennealy releasing the final set of multi-family zoning rules that half of all municipalities in Massachusetts will soon have to meet if they want to preserve their access to important sources of state funding. 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 fi led. 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 period of August8-12, the House met for a total of 23 minutes and the Senate met for a total of 51 minutes. Mon. Aug. 8 House 11:03 a.m. to 11:18 a.m. Senate 11:11 a.m. to 11:44 a.m. Tues.Aug. 9 No House session No Senate session Wed. Aug. 10 No House session No Senate session Thurs. Aug. 11 House 11:02 a.m. to 11:10 a.m. Senate 11:07 a.m. to 11:25 a.m. Fri.Aug.12 No House session No Senate session Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.comBob founded Beacon Hill Roll Call in 1975 and was inducted into the New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA) Hall of Fame in 2019.
22 Publizr Home