Page 16 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2025 BHRC | FROM Page 15 ates 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 suffi cient 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 fi nal form due to fast expansion without solidifi ed safeguards.” The House has approved a diff erent 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. Lydia Edwards Yes WHISTLEBLOWER (S 2722) Senate 37-0, approved an amendment that would ensure that the Cannabis Control Commissioners can maintain their ability to receive complaints and information regarding the quality, effi ciency and integrity of the CCC’s programs and operations despite [this bill’s] new language that builds a stronger fi rewall 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 fi rewall 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. Lydia Edwards 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 eff ects. 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, useby 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 (RWeymouth). “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 fi ve 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 (DSpringfield) 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. Lydia Edwards No 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.” CAR RENTALS (H 4705) – The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Healey a bill that supporters said would align the Bay State with the majority of other states by updating car rental insurance requirements to maintain liability coverage on a secondary basis, making rental companies responsible only if the renter is uninsured or underinsured. If a lessee or operator of a leased vehicle already has a valid liability policy or equivalent fi nancial security meeting the state minimum requirements, the lessor’s coverage obligation is considered satisfi ed. Supporters said that by shifting primary liability to the renter’s personal auto insurance, the legislation helps make car rentals more aff ordable and accessible for Massachusetts residents, reducing costs while maintaining necessary protections. “When friends visited me on Cape Cod this summer, they were stunned at just how expensive it was to rent even a small sedan for the weekend,” said sponsor Sen. Julian Cyr (DTruro). “And they’re not wrong — rental car prices in Massachusetts are higher than almost anywhere else in the country, in part because we’ve kept an outdated insurance requirement on the books. We’re one of the only states where rental companies, not your own insurance, are required to carry primary coverage, and the cost of that policy gets passed right along to consumers.” Cyr continued, “By aligning Massachusetts with the rest of the country, we’re helping lower rental car prices for families, travelers and anyone who needs to rent a car in a pinch. I’m proud the Senate has taken this step to make life just a little more aff ordable for our residents and visitors.” PROTECT COMMUNICATIONS OF LABOR UNIONS (H 2087) – The House gave initial approval to a measure that would protect the confi dentiality of all modes of communications between labor unions and their union members, except in the rare circumstances where disclosure appears necessary to prevent injury from a crime or when legal claims are brought in formal proceedings against unions. “Workers need to know they can bring issues on the job to their union without fear of reprisal or retaliation,” said Lindsay Kenney, Legislative Director of the Massachusetts AFLCIO. “If workers don’t feel safe to disclose safety issues – they won’t disclose. If workers fear inquiring with a union about representation could get them fired – they won’t seek out union representation. “[The bill] would address that issue BHRC | SEE Page 17
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