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June 08, 2024 Clouds | 73°F
The 193rd General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Press Room



Wheelchair Warranty Reform Passed by Massachusetts Senate

January 4, 2024

Today, the Massachusetts Senate voted unanimously to strengthen consumer protections for wheelchair users.

"Blue Envelope" Bill Supporting People with Autism Passes Senate

January 4, 2024

Today, the Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder—also known as the “Blue Envelope” bill—to improve communication during traffic stops involving a person with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Senate Passes Legislation Legalizing Fentanyl Test Strips

January 4, 2024

Today, the Massachusetts Senate debated and unanimously passed An Act relative to fentanyl test strips—S.2543—legislation to help prevent overdoses and save lives by making legal the sale, possession, and distribution of fentanyl test strips, and other testing equipment used to identify fentanyl, in the Commonwealth.

Supplemental Budget to Close Fiscal Year 2023 Passed by Senate, Signed Into Law

December 4, 2023

Today, the Massachusetts Senate took final action on a supplemental budget designed to close out Fiscal Year 2023. The Senate’s supplemental budget totals $3.1 billion and contains several provisions to support the ongoing operations of programs and services that benefit the residents of the Commonwealth.

SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET TO CLOSE FISCAL YEAR 2023 PASSED BY SENATE, SIGNED INTO LAW

December 4, 2023

Bill passes shortly after being received from House, clears way for funding of emergency shelter aid and worker contracts

SENATE PASSES PHARMACEUTICAL ACCESS, COSTS AND TRANSPARENCY (PACT) ACT 3.0

November 15, 2023

Bill continues Senate’s work to lower prescription drug costs, promote transparency, and increase patient access

Senate Unveils Pharmaceutical Access, Cost and Transparency (PACT) Act 3.0

November 9, 2023

Today, the Massachusetts Senate unveiled An Act relative to Pharmaceutical Access, Cost and Transparency, otherwise known as the PACT Act 3.0. This comprehensive pharmaceutical cost control legislation is aimed at addressing the rapidly increasing costs of prescription drugs. By connecting the need for greater drug price transparency with policies to improve oversight for the pharmaceutical industry, the PACT Act 3.0 puts the Senate at the forefront of the state’s efforts to tackle rapidly increasing prescription drug costs. It will also reduce drug costs for patients and lower health care costs overall, as well as provide a no-cost sharing option for certain prescription drugs used to treat chronic illnesses that disproportionately affect communities of color and residents with lower income.

Senate votes for historic expansion of access to menstrual products

October 26, 2023

Today, the Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation to broadly expand access to menstrual products in a wide range of public facilities across the state.