State House Spotlight: The storm before the calm
Dec 20, 2024
BOSTON (WWLP) - This week on Beacon Hill, there was a flurry of activity as the end of the session drew near.
While the holidays are quickly approaching, lawmakers still made progress this week, including the passage of a substance use disorder bill, although it did not include a controversial provision that would have allowed for safe injection sites.
A growing group of advocates called for an audit of the state legislature this week, including some of the original signers of the petition that became ballot question 1, which gave the auditor the authority to examine the legislature's finances.
"Our state legislature is not being there for their constituency. They're not representing their interests, they're representing their own personal, selfish interests," said Jennifer Nassour, an original petition signer.
Some signers say they will be plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the legislature if they continue to refuse an audit.
Ollie's Law took effect this week, named after a Longmeadow dog who died from injuries sustained at doggie daycare. "The fact that other animals will be protected in his name is, I think, just the best thing that could've come from this tragedy," said Amy Baxter, Ollie's owner.
Ollie’s law goes into effect in Massachusetts
This law puts safety regulations in place at doggie daycares, keeping your pets safe.
State officials and community members celebrated Hanukkah on Wednesday evening and addressed rising incidences of antisemitism in the state.
"I want to be clear, as always, that Massachusetts cherishes and stands with our Jewish community, which our Jewish brothers and sisters, we will not tolerate antisemitism wherever it appears," said Governor Maura Healey.
Hanukkah runs from sundown on December 25 to sundown on January 2.
Expect quieter days on Beacon Hill next week, as lawmakers head home for the holidays ahead of the end of the session on December 31.
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