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Page 14 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, SEpTEmbER 19, 2025 Beacon Hill Roll Call Volume 50 -Report No. 37 September 8-12, 2025 Copyright © 2025 Beacon Hill Roll Call. All Rights Reserved. By Bob Katzen THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local representatives’ votes on roll calls from prior sessions on the $60.9 billion fi scal 2026 state budget. There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week. $10 MILLION FOR CITIES AND TOWNS (H 4000) House 26-130 rejected an amendment that would repeal the state’s 2023 No-Cost Calls Law, which provides $10 million to fund unlimited phone calls for inmates at county and state correctional facilities, and would redirect the $10 million to support unrestricted local aid for cities and towns. The amendment would also establish a commission to study and develop recommendations for a fi scally constrained and sustainable alternative to the NoCost Calls Law. “The state’s sheriff s have collectively raised concerns about the No-Cost Calls Program’s rising costs, which Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott recently testifi ed has already cost taxpayers $12.5 million this fi scal year,” said sponsor Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “By redirecting the money allocated to this program to unrestricted general government aid, we can assist our cities and towns that are struggling to pay for es~ HELP WANTED ~ Type of Person Needed: * Are you an experienced/willing to learn, motivated person looking for a shop where your skills can be valued? A local company with a fleet shop is a busy, family-owned business dedicated to providing high-quality transportation services and public State inspection services. We are seeking a talented Automotive Technician or mechanical knowledge to join our close-knit crew. If you are dependable and proficient in automotive technical work with a passion for excellent customer service, we want to talk to you. Location: Malden, MA Job Description: * Be able to acquire and maintain a certification for the State Inspection License. Perform light duty mechanical preventive duties, including Fleet preventive maintenance. * State Inspection Services * Miscellaneous shop duties Requirements: * Valid driver’s license with good driving history * Possess or pass the required State Inspector License Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Saturday 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM * Rate will be based on experience Contact: Ed Hyde or David Morovitz Call: 781-322-9401 Email: ehyde@maldentrans.com Website: www.maldentrans.com sential municipal programs and services. I also believe it’s critical to have a commission study the No-Cost Calls Program to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used more efficiently and effectively.” Rep. Michael Day (D-Stoneham) said that the No-Cost Calls Law works because when prisoners are able to communicate with their families, to talk outside of the walls, it results in better success rates and less recidivism. He argued that this $10 million is well-spent and means we have to spend less money on our criminal justice system. (A “Yes” vote is for redirecting the $10 million to fund unlimited phone calls to instead fund $10 million in unrestricted local aid for cities and towns. A “No” vote is for keeping the $10 million funding for the No-Cost Calls Law.) Rep. Joseph McGonagle No ALLOW DEBATE AND VOTE ON 2034 GAS CAR BAN (H 4000) House 132-25, supported the ruling of the chair that prohibited admission to the House for debate and a vote, an amendment that would prevent the state from banning all gas-powered cars by 2035. The chair ruled that the amendment should not be allowed for consideration because the House has already rejected an amendment to postpone the ban and this amendment to prevent the ban outright exceeds the amendment to postpone. They noted under House rules consideration of the amendment to ban is not allowed to be considered. “The chair had ruled that the underlying amendment should not be taken up because the House had already rejected an amendment that would have delayed the enforcement of the [ban],” said Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “I voted against the chair’s ruling so that the underlying amendment could at least be taken up for consideration by the House.” Rep. Mark Cusack (D-Braintree) said the ruling of the chair is correct and that a delay in the ban and prevention of the ban are similar and under House rules only one can be considered. (A “Yes” vote is for the ruling of the chair that prohibits the admission to the House for debate and a vote, an amendment that would prevent the state from banning all gas-powered cars by 2035. A “No” vote is against the ruling of the chair and favors allowing the House to consider the amendment.) Rep. Joseph McGonagle Yes MBTA COMMUNITIES ACT (H 4000) House 30-126, rejected an amendment to the current law, known as the MBTA Communities Act, which according to the state’s website, requires that an MBTA community “must have at least one zoning district of reasonable size in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right and meets other criteria including minimum gross density of 15 units per acre; and a location not more than 1/2 mile from a commuter rail station, subway station, ferry terminal or bus station. No age restrictions can be applied and the district must be suitable for families with children.” Cities or towns that do not comply with the MBTA law are in danger of losing various state grants. The amendment would put the law on hold and not enforce it again until December 31, 2026. Amendment sponsor Rep. Ken Sweezey (R-Hanson) said the law should be put on hold in order to allow public hearings on several bills fi led to deal with this emergency. “[The] amendment addresses the emergency created by unfair enforcement of the MBTA Communities Act by this administration,” said Sweezey. “There are over 20 bills fi led pertaining to revisions to the law. I support the public hearing process and look forward to the work we continue to do to help our towns but wish more consideration would have been given to granting temporary relief through this amendment.” Rep Danielle Gregoire (R-Hanson) said the Supreme Judicial Court ruled that the MBTA Communities Act is the law of the land and is constitutional. She said that 95 percent of communities subject to this law are in compliance or interim compliance. She noted that this law is reasonable and mandates zoning changes but it does not mandate that anyone build anything. (A “Yes” vote is for the delay until December 31, 2025. A “No” vote is against the delay.) Rep. Joseph McGonagle No ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL STUDENT ID CARDS AND SUICIDE LINE (H 2221) – The House gave initial approval to legislation that would require that newly printed student ID cards for public school students in grades 6-12 and students in public colleges, include the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline phone numbers and text message numbers. The line directs all callers to trained call takers who are available to provide free, confidential emotional support for those in crisis. The measure allows schools that have a supply of unissued student identifi cation cards that do not comply with this new requirement, to issue the old student identifi cation cards to students until the remaining supply is depleted. In 2024, the House and Senate approved diff erent versions of this bill, but the legislative session ended before the two sides could agree on a version. “Making suicide prevention resources more available and accessible will help ensure that every student is aware of the free, confi dential resources that are available to them at any time,” said sponsor Rep. Jack Lewis (D-Framingham). “Since the 988 hotline was implemented in 2021, there has been massive increases in calls and texts — clearly showcasing the benefi ts and lifesaving support the hotline provides. Supporting this initiative is an essential part of providing young people with equitable access to critical resources, promoting help-seeking behaviors and de-stigmatizing mental health.” REMOVE FOOD DYES FROM SCHOOL FOOD (S 1531) – The Public Health Committee held a hearing on legislation that would prohibit public schools from selling food which contains any food dyes. A school would be permitted to sell any BEACON | SEE PAGE 16

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