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BHRC | FROM PAGE 15 propose constitutional amendments if two-thirds (34) of state legislatures call for it. Supporters of the resolutions said such a convention could open the entire Constitution to unpredictable changes, as there are no clear guidelines or limitations on what delegates could propose. They noted that while an Article V convention has never been called before in American history, there is recent conservative momentum to add up all active resolutions to meet the twothirds threshold. Supporters said the resolutions are in response to concerns that Congress and the Trump Administration could attempt to use prior Massachusetts resolutions to call for a Constitutional Convention to advance their own political agenda, moves that could have broad and sweeping implications on current protections under the U.S. Constitution. “Given the uncertainty surrounding an Article V convention, such a process could present a serious threat to the U.S. Constitution, our democracy and the civil rights and liberties that are the foundation of our nation,” said House sponsor Assistant Majority Leader Rep. Alice Peisch (D-Wellesley). “Today, we come together in defense of the U.S. Constitution, a document that for more than two centuries has guided our nation, safeguarded our freedoms and provided the framework for our democracy.” “Today’s bipartisan vote is a resounding affirmation of our commitment to protecting the stability and integrity of the U.S. Constitution,” said Senate Majority Leader Cindy Stone Creem (D-Newton), Senate sponsor of the resolutions. “By acting swiftly and collaboratively, both chambers are turning the page on these outdated petitions that no longer reflect the values or priorities of the commonwealth. Massachusetts will not allow our past resolutions to be misused in ways that could undermine fundamental rights or destabilize our constitutional framework.” “I am the Senate sponsor of the ‘We the People’ bill to repeal the Citizens United decision, including through an Article V Convention. I continue to believe it is a legitimate path to change the U.S. Constitution, and therefore I voted ‘No’ on the resolutions.” None of the other six legislators who voted against the resolutions responded to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking them why they voted against them. Those six legislators are Sens. Kelly Dooner (R-Taunton); Peter Durant (R-Spencer); and Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton); along with Reps. Nicholas Boldyga (R-Southwick); John Gaskey (R-Carver); and Marc Lombardo (R-Billerica). (A Yes” vote is for the resolutions. A “No” vote is against them.) Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Steven Ultrino Yes Sen. Jason Lewis Yes CANNABIS CHANGES (S 2722) Senate 30-7, approved a bill that makes changes to the 2016 voter-approved state law that legalized the recreational use of cannabis including reducing the size of the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) from five members to three members. Supporters said the bill updates licensure policies to meet the needs of businesses and consumers today and in the future, allowing retailers to expand and hold a maximum of four licenses and removing operational barriers for smaller companies to enter the medical marijuana market. They noted that following the successful introduction of recreational consumption since voters approved legalization in 2016, recreational consumers would be allowed to possess a maximum of two ounces, an increase from the current oneounce limit. “As Massachusetts’ cannabis industry continues to mature, our laws must evolve to meet the moment,” said Sen. Adam Gomez (D-Springfield), Senate Chair of the Committee on Cannabis Policy. “[The bill] is a thoughtful step forward streamlining the CCC to improve oversight, expanding opportunities for local entrepreneurs and recognizing the reality of adult cannabis use in our communities. By modernizing our approach, we’re strengthening public accountability, supporting small businesses, and advancing equity, fiscal responsibility and patient access.” THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Wednesday, November 26, 2025 “Almost 10 years have passed since the people of Massachusetts voted to legalize recreational cannabis use, and, as the market has grown, it has become clear that we should make adjustments to strengthen our regulatory structure and relax limits on possession,” said Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “The Senate acted swiftly, overwhelmingly passing legislation that will reform operations at the CCC while increasing public accountability. This legislation responsibly increases individual possession limits and requires the commission to report on the mental health impacts of cannabis use in the commonwealth.” "We should work to ensure the cannabis industry operates responsibly and safely, and while I believe the bill does put a better structure in place for the regulation of the industry, I also believe [it] failed to put in place sufficient guardrails mitigating the potential negative public health outcomes related to a sharp increase in cannabis accessibility,” said Sen. John Keenan (D-Quincy) who voted against the measure. “Constituents have told me about how cannabis has negatively impacted their lives, particularly young people. With them in mind, I voted against the bill." "My primary reasons for opposing [the bill] are related to two major provisions that could affect regulation and public safety,” said Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton). “First, the bill reduces the commission from five members to three--a change that could weaken oversight and accountability. Second, the bill increases the legal possession limit for those under 21 from 1 to 2 ounces and raises the civil penalty threshold from 2 to 3 ounces for those under 21. For those reasons, I couldn’t support this bill’s final form due to fast expansion without solidified safeguards." The House has approved a different version of the bill and the Senate version now goes to the House for consideration. (A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.) Sen. Jason Lewis Yes WHISTLEBLOWER (S 2722) Senate 37-0, approved an amendment that would ensure that the Cannabis Control ComPage 17 missioners can maintain their ability to receive complaints and information regarding the quality, efficiency and integrity of the CCC’s programs and operations despite [this bill’s] new language that builds a stronger firewall between commissioners and ongoing investigations being conducted by CCC employees. “The CCC’s commissioners are meant to serve a dual role – both as a regulator of the cannabis industry, and as a regulator of the Cannabis Control Commission itself,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Mike Moore (D-Millbury). “While I understand the purpose of building a firewall between commissioners and the work being done by the CCC itself, given the myriad scandals the agency has faced over the last several years, language in this bill should not stop commissioners’ ability to receive whistleblower reports and other feedback about the agency’s work. This amendment clarifies that the path of whistleblower reports still goes through the commissioners who have the power to immediately take action to correct failures of the agency they oversee.” (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.) Sen. Jason Lewis Yes WARNING LABELS (S 2722) Senate 11-26, rejected an amendment that supporters said would require that cannabis and cannabis product packaging include clear and accurate warning labels that address health risks, ensuring consumers are informed about potential effects. They noted that these effects include impairment, dependency or risks during pregnancy. They noted the amendment expands labeling requirements by adding batch numbers, testing results, use-by dates, allergen information, THC amounts per serving and a required FDA disclaimer. They said this amendment requires rotating health warnings including risks like addiction, mood disorders, psychosis, suicidal thoughts and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. “Many other states already use similar warning-label requirements, and following those standards helps keep consumers informed and safe,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth).“It’s a practical step towards stronger public health.” "Accidental marijuana ingestion poses serious and rising risks to children, especially since its legalization in Massachusetts,” said Sen. John Keenan (D-Quincy). “One study found that in 2020 unintentional cannabis exposure in children under five accounted for 41.6 percent of all poison control cases nationwide, I supported [this] amendment because its passage would have required clear labeling, similar to many other products, indicating that it is marijuana and is dangerous for children. It also would have included labels with information directed at adults, including THC level, a unique batch number, a full list of ingredients and potential allergens.” Sen. Adam Gomez (D-Springfield) said the bill already includes robust labeling requirements and argued this amendment goes too far. (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.) Sen. Jason Lewis Yes ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL SUICIDE AWARENESS AND REMEMBRANCE DAY (H 3888) – Gov. Maura Healey signed into law legislation designating September 22nd as Military Service Members and Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day. The day acknowledges that suicide is an epidemic among service members and veterans and is designed to foster awareness and call for suicide prevention measures and support. Supporters said that passage of this law follows years of advocacy, including the tireless contributions from the Partyka family, whose son, Sgt. Matthew Partyka, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran from Hingham, died by suicide in 2022. Matthew’s family has been instrumental in raising awareness about veteran suicide and pushing for legislative change. “We brought forward this legislation in direct response to the tragedies that have left holes in the fabric of our communities and in order to build awareness to prevent future tragedy,” said sponsor Rep. Joan Meschino (D-Hull). “[The bill] is an important step in offering support to both our active service members and veterans.” BHRC| SEE PAGE 19

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