19

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTOBEr 10, 2025 Page 19 THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week. This week, Beacon Hill Roll Call reports on the Revenue Committee’s hearing on several bills including: EXEMPT BABY SUPPLIES FROM THE SALES TAX (H 3268) – Would exempt from the state’s 6.25 percent sales tax a wide array of baby and infant supplies including breast pumps, cribs, strollers, bottles and wipes. The measure also exempts apparel for children aged 5 and under including clothing, shoes, diapers and other accessories. “This bill was fi led to reduce the fi nancial burden on families by making essential baby and children’s items more affordable,” said Samantha Beaudry, a spokesperson for the sponsor Rep. Marcus Vaughn (R-Wrentham). “It’s also a way to recognize that many of these goods are necessities rather than luxuries.” TAX LOTTERY TICKETS (H 3071) – Would impose the state’s 6.25 percent sales tax on the purchase of Lottery tickets. Currently Lottery tickets are exempt from the sales tax. “There is a need to be somewhat more consistent, in retail business, across the range of commerce,” said private citizen Vincent Dixon who sponsored the bill under a state law that allows a private citizen to ask their state legislators to fi le bills on their behalf. “Many stores, with retail traffi c, have a substantial part of their business, in Mass Lottery ticket sales which competes, with more traditional products and services, including convenience store availability of modest groceries, beverages and fading amounts of media publications and more.” Dixon continued, “We know that gambling addiction is a reality and can be a burden on many, particularly lower income individuals and families. The modest charge of the sales tax on Lottery tickets may provide a small disincentive to excessive gambling. I think that we have likely expanded the range of gambling across the commonwealth, beyond a level, and a culture, than we should. If we are going to have such products, which is normal business, they should share normal retail taxes, in the retail economy rather than being a kind of bypass, from more productive products and services.” EXEMPT NEW HAMPSHIRE BORDER COMMUNITIES FROM THE SALES TAX (H 3195) – Would exempt communities within a 10-mile border of New Hampshire from the Bay State’s 6.25 percent sales tax. “[Rep.] Moran has been fi ling this bill since 2013 in an eff ort to support small businesses in the Merrimack Valley who typically lose revenue due to their proximity to their competitors across state lines,” said Francis Munroe, the staff director for Rep. Frank Moran (D-Lawrence). SALES TAX EXMPTION FOR PRESCRIPTIONS FOR ANIMALS (H 3024) – Would exempt animal medication prescribed by veterinarians from the 6.25 percent sales tax. Sponsor Rep. Michelle Badger (D-Plymouth) said her proposal is aimed at easing the fi - nancial burden on pet owners and ensure pets get the care they need. “This bill provides parity with the existing exemption for human prescriptions, recognizing that pets are family members who also deserve accessible and affordable medical treatment,” said Badger. “With veterinary costs cited as the main barrier for 72 percent of pet owners avoiding care, this measure is a compassionate and practical step to help keep animals healthier and reduce public health risks associated with untreated animals.” HIKE CIGARETTE TAX (S 2200) – Would hike the tax on the sale of cigarettes by $1 from $3.51 to $4.51 per pack. “Studies show that making cigarettes more expensive would deter young people from smoking and encourage those who already smoke to quit by making their deadly habit less aff ordable,” said sponsor Sen. John Keenan (D-Quincy). “At a time when the federal government has undertaken an unprecedented assault on public health, and far too many Massachusetts residents continue to die from cancer, it is urgent that we help keep people from tobacco and nicotine addiction.” CLOSE THE NICOTINE LOOPHOLE (S 1949) – Would broaden the definition of “smokeless tobacco,” which is subject to the tobacco excise tax, to include any product whether chewed, absorbed, dissolved or ingested. “Right now, Big Tobacco and other companies are skirting the rules by selling products made with lab-created nicotine instead of tobacco,” said sponsor Sen. Julian Cyr (D- Truro). “[The measure] has broad bipartisan support and closes that loophole so all nicotine products are treated the same under state law. This means products like nicotine patches can’t slip through the cracks, making it more difficult for young people to get hooked and ensuring Massachusetts keeps strong protections for public health.” EXEMPT RESIDENTIAL SECURITY SYSTEMS FROM THE SALES TAX (S 1982) – Would exempt home security systems from the state’s 6.25 percent sales tax. “[The} bill provides a sales tax exemption for residential security systems and related equipment, such as wiring devices and appliances used for access control, surveillance and alarm systems,” said sponsor Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton). “This bill incentivizes and encourages homeowners to more aff ordably protect their most valuable investment—their homes.” SALES TAX ON DIGITAL ADVERTISING SERVICES (H 3208) – Would impose a 6.25 percent sales tax on digital advertising services that target users in Massachusetts, using tools like IP address or geolocation. The tax would only apply to companies that make more than $2.5 million a year from digital ads aimed at Bay State residents. The funds would be used to support three key areas: local access TV stations; mental health and safe social media use; and research on artifi cial intelligence in education. “Digital advertising brings in billions of dollars from Massachusetts each year, yet not a single cent is going back to the communities being targeted,” said sponsor Rep. Francisco Paulino (D-Methuen). “Local media outlets, especially community stations, are struggling to survive while Big Tech keeps growing. This bill is about fairness. If you’re profi ting from our residents, you should help fund the programs that serve them.” ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL EXCUSE SCHOOL ABSENCES FOR STUDENTS IN NATIONAL OR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS (H 667) – The House gave initial approval to a bill that would permit students who are participating in national or international competitions sanctioned by a U.S. National Governing Body to be given an exception to their absences. It requires that students seeking approval maintain a B grade point average or equivalent and gives the school principal discretion over excuses exceeding seven full days or 14 half days. “I fi led this legislation at the request of a constituent of mine after learning of the unintended consequences of the current school absence policy,” said sponsor Rep. Alice Peisch (D-Wellesley). “Due to his involvement in USA Fencing, the constituent explained how student athletes involved in national and international competition, sanctioned by a National Governing Body and representing the United States abroad, were having to withdraw from public school and reenroll or pursue other academic opportunities because their travel time for competitions would cause them to violate the current absence policy.” VETERANS AND FEDERAL AFFAIRS – The Veterans and Federal Aff airs Committee held a hearing on several bills including: CREATE VIETNAM WAR COMMEMORATION FUND (H 3854) – Would establish a Vietnam War Commemoration Fund, which would be funded through legislative appropriations as well as public and private gifts, grants and donations. Cities and towns would be able to apply for funding to support the renovation of memorials, events planning and educational materials about the Vietnam War. “This year marks the 50th anniversary of the United States’ withdrawal from the Vietnam War, which claimed the lives of more than 1,300 service members from Massachusetts,” said sponsor Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “The ultimate sacrifi ce that those men and women paid in service to our state and our nation deserves recognition now more than ever, and this fund will help cities and towns honor their memories.” FLY FLAGS AT HALF MAST (H 3825) – Would require the state fl ag to be fl own at halfstaff following the death of an actively serving service member from the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corp, U.S. Space Force, U.S. Coast Guard, the Reserve Component or the state’s National Guard. Supporters said this legislation guarantees equal recognition and respect for all branches of military service when honoring those who have fallen in the line of duty. “The reason why Rep. Arriaga introduced this bill is because the current law does not include the United States Air Force Reserve or other reserve branches,” said Tevin Colon, a spokesperson for Rep. Shirley Arriaga (D-Chicopee). “Because of this omission, members of these branches are not covered under the existing statute regarding fl ags fl own at half-staff for those killed in action.” DECLARE QUINCY THE MOST PATRIOTIC CITY IN AMERICA (H 3828) – Would call on Congress to declare Quincy the most patriotic city in America, recognizing its unique role in the nation’s history. It highlights Quincy as the birthplace and fi nal resting place of Presidents John and John Quincy Adams, the home of John Hancock and the MasBEACON | SEE PAGE 20

20 Publizr Home