Medical Emergency Amnesty For Underage Drinkers

I spoke with NBC Boston reporter Karen Hensel about legislation that I filed to create a medical lifeline for those under the age of 21 who have consumed alcohol or they are with an underage drinker in a medical emergency. Seeking help fast is far more important than trying to evade potential punishment. The bill had a State House public hearing Tuesday and I look forward to an opportunity to move it to the Senate floor for action.

The bill creates a mechanism, for those acting in good faith, to be shielded from prosecution from our underage alcohol laws if they 1)contact authorities providing their full name and other relevant information at the request of law enforcement officers, 2) remain on the scene until emergency assistance arrives, and 3) cooperate with all authorities on the scene. Senate Bill 967, provide a lifeline medical amnesty for persons under age 21, you can track it's progress here- Senate Bill 967


Here is her report-"http://www.nbcboston.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Fighting-for-a-Lifeline-Law_NECN-435259693.html"

Hamilton Signs State Partnership Compact

The Commonwealth Community Compact is an initiative created by Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant (it was the Governor’s first executive order) to help communities pursue best practices in efficient and effective governing and reduce red tape. Yesterday, Hamilton became the 289 community to ender this voluntary program at a compact signing with Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito.

We were joined by Representative Brad Hill, Selectman Shawn Farrell, and members of the Hamilton town staff including department directors. To learn more about the Compact program follow this link - Community Compact

Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail Schedule

Today, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation released the Bus Shuttle Schedule for weekend and weekday service on the Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail Line to mitigate service disruption attributable to the installation of the federally-mandated Positive Train Control project and the replacement of the Beverly Drawbridge. These schedules are posted below:   

For additional information please go to: http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/?id=6442458158#Weekend_service

Independence Day 2017

Happy Independence Day to you and to your family. Parades, feasts, and gatherings with friends are time-honored traditions since our liberty was won.

Our founding fathers welcomed celebrations to cause us all to remember the hard fought freedoms that our service men and women secured. Although I won't be able to join you at the parades this year, because I'm a bit under the weather, I'm glad that the Bruce Tarr Band is ready to kick off the Horribles Parade and play the hits we all love. Catch up with the crew in Manchester and Rockport tomorrow.

Happy Birthday to Rockport's Edith Humlin

Congratulations to Edith Humlin of #Rockport who turned 102 yesterday. She was joined at the Rockport COA by Dick Curran of my staff who presented her with a Senate Citation that was prepared to honor her on this very special occasion.

MBTA Adds Additional North Shore Shuttle Service for Summer Newburyport/Rockport Construction

Shuttle buses to stop at all impacted stations during PTC work and all stations north of Salem during Beverly Drawbridge work.

BOSTON – The MBTA has announced additional bus service for passengers impacted by the construction on the Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail this summer. This new schedule is the result of collaboration with and feedback from passengers, community leaders and elected officials. Alternate weekend shuttle bus service along the Newburyport/Rockport Lines will make stops at all stations (including Chelsea, Lynn, and Swampscott) during federally mandated Positive Train Control (PTC) installation during weekends beginning July 8 through September 30. The MBTA will also provide alternate weekday shuttle bus service along the Newburyport/Rockport Lines to each station north of Salem during Beverly Drawbridge construction beginning July 17 through August 13.

Weekend Service for July 8 through September 30

From Saturday, July 8, through Sunday, September 30, weekend Newburyport/Rockport Line Commuter Rail service will be unavailable and replaced with alternate shuttle bus service making stops at all stations (including Chelsea, Lynn, and Swampscott Stations) on the line between Boston and Newburyport as well as Boston and Rockport. Roundtrip fare on the alternate weekend shuttle bus will be $10 with Zone 3 monthly passes accepted to and from all stations. Weekend shuttle bus schedules and more information are available at mbta.com.

Weekday Service for July 17 through August 13

From Monday, July 17, through Sunday, August 13, weekday Newburyport/Rockport Line Commuter Rail service will be unavailable north of Salem Station to allow for the Beverly Drawbridge replacement project. Bus shuttles will replace Commuter Rail service between Salem and Newburyport and Salem and Rockport, making stops at each station. Weekday shuttle bus service is free with Zone 3 monthly passes accepted at all stations north of Salem Station for the months of July and August. Weekday shuttle bus schedules and more information are available at mbta.com.

Weekday and weekend shuttle buses will include free WiFi and restroom facilities. Bicycles, including folding bikes, are prohibited on all shuttle buses during all service hours.

Parking will be free at all available station lots north of Beverly Depot Station (North Beverly, Hamilton/Wenham, Ipswich, Rowley, Newburyport, Montserrat, Beverly Farms, Manchester, West Gloucester, Gloucester, and Rockport).” Passengers should not drive to and/or park in Salem, as station parking is very constrained. Parking will be strictly enforced in downtown and neighborhood areas.

For more information on PTC installation, the Beverly Drawbridge Replacement Project, and shuttle bus service, please visit http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/?id=6442458158.

Bills regarding the Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana

This week the Senate and the House of Representatives will be debating legislation regarding the recreational use, regulation and taxation of marijuana. The House will consider its version of this legislation on Wednesday, June 21 and the Senate will be meeting Thursday, June 22. Given the probability of substantial differences between each chamber’s version of the bill, a conference committee will most likely be needed to reconcile these differences into a final piece of legislation. Such a committee is comprised of three members of the House and three members of the Senate.  

 

Here are some helpful links:

 

Adopted Ballot Question (Chapter 334 Acts of 2016): https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2016/Chapter334

House Bill (H.3786): https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H3768

Senate Bill (S.2090): https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S2090