Nearing the End of Formal Sessions

With July 31^st nearing quickly, signifying the end of formal sessions, there is a great amount of work still to be completed by the legislature. Currently, there are several bills within conference committees, which are committees of six members (three from the House and three from the Senate) that are formed after the House and Senate engross their own respective versions of a particular bill and work together to produce a final version of the legislation.  Those bills in conference committee include:

·         An Act promoting economic growth across the Commonwealth;

·         An Act relative to the reduction of gun violence;

·         An Act enhancing protection for victims of domestic violence;

·         An Act financing information technology equipment and related projects; and

·         An Act providing for the preservation and improvement of lands, parks and clean energy in the Commonwealth.

Recently, the House and Senate also passed their own versions of a capital bond bill; however, a conference committee has yet to even be appointed.  Including today, there are only 8 days left of formal sessions for the conference committees to file their reports on the various bills in order for the legislature to have the opportunity to debate and possibly enact them.

Also of concern, there are several important measures still awaiting committee action before the legislation can be brought to the floors for a vote.  Those bills include:

·         An Act relative to the penalty for killing, maiming or poisoning of animals;

·         An Act establishing a Massachusetts seafood marketing program;

·         An Act relative to the expansion of the state DNA database; and

·         An Act relative to local housing authorities.

With time running out, the legislature needs to act swiftly to ensure these matters get the attention they deserve.  Keep checking back to read updates on these measures and others as the legislature continues to progress towards the July 31^st deadline.