State House Spotlight: Shelter inspections and a suite of bills
Jan 10, 2025
BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP)--This week at the State House in Boston, the governor called for inspections of the state's emergency housing sites and signed a handful of bills that passed at the end of last session.
The inspections come after a shelter resident was arrested, who allegedly possessed one million dollars of fentanyl and a loaded AR-15.
Substance use disorder ceremonial bill signing
The governor said on Friday that she will be strictly enforcing background checks for all shelter residents to determine eligibility.
"Inspections of hotels are complete and we are moving through the rest of those sites as we speak," said Governor Maura Healey.
Four important bills were signed this week, including a pair of health bills that work to improve access to primary care and make prescription drugs more affordable, among other provisions.
"In Massachusetts, patients should always come before profits, and I'm proud that the Senate and the House came together to pass two bills that do just that," said Senate President Karen Spilka.
On Friday, the governor held a signing ceremony for a bill that increases the accessibility and affordability of substance use disorder treatment.
"This is a disease that knows no bounds that touches and can touch just about any family anywhere, regardless of race or religion," said Governor Healey.
The governor also signed an animal welfare bill that prohibits puppies and kittens from being sold until they are at least 8 weeks old.
Looking ahead to next week, both branches have sessions on the books and Governor Healey will be delivering her annual State of the Commonwealth address.