Senate Passes $2.86 Billion Boost to Life Sciences, Climate Tech, A.I., and Small Businesses
July 11, 2024Today the Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed a comprehensive economic development bill that makes bold investments in life sciences, climate tech, and small businesses, building on Massachusetts’ national leadership and creating an environment where businesses and workers thrive.
Massachusetts Senate Votes to Raise the Age of Juvenile Jurisdiction to Include 18-Year-Olds
July 11, 2024Today the Massachusetts Senate voted to raise the age of juvenile jurisdiction to include residents who are 18-years-old. The initiative, known as “Raise the Age” by advocates, is proven to decrease crime and improve public safety by allowing emerging adults who are 18 years old—the typical age of a senior in high school—to be tried as juveniles instead of adults for certain crimes.
Senate Votes to Inject $5.4B into Housing, Put Homeownership and Affordable Units in Reach
June 27, 2024The Massachusetts Senate took action today to address the state’s housing crisis. S.2834, An Act relative to affordable homes—also known as the Affordable Homes Act—authorizes $5.4 billion in borrowing and makes crucial policy changes with the goal of building new housing, accelerating the rehabilitation of existing housing, reducing barriers to development, and promoting affordable housing.
Senate Takes Bold Action to Supercharge Clean Energy Adoption Statewide
June 25, 2024Today the Massachusetts Senate passed comprehensive climate legislation to make systemic changes to the state’s clean energy infrastructure that will help the state achieve its net zero emissions by 2050 goals, expand electric vehicle (EV) use and infrastructure, and protect residents and ratepayers. The bill passed the upper chamber by a vote of 38-2.
Massachusetts Senate Passes ‘Bottle Bill’ Amendment, Modernizing Bottle Deposit System
June 25, 2024Today, the Massachusetts Senate voted to modernize the bottle bill, adding noncarbonated beverages, wine, and spirits to the list of containers eligible for a bottle deposit, and increasing the deposit amount from 5 cents to 10 cents.
Massachusetts Senate Acts to Ban Plastic Bags, Reduce Straw and Plasticware Usage, Boost Recycling and Composting
June 20, 2024Today the Massachusetts Senate passed legislation that builds on the state’s climate and environmental leadership by banning single-use plastic bags, making straws and plasticware available by request only, and making it easier to recycle. The legislation passed by a vote of 38-2.
Massachusetts Senate to Take Action on Sweeping Climate and Plastics Bills
June 17, 2024This week, the Massachusetts Senate will debate comprehensive climate and plastics legislation aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, helping the Commonwealth achieve its net zero emissions by 2050 goals drastically reducing plastic waste statewide.
FACT SHEET: An Act Upgrading the Grid and Protecting Ratepayers
June 17, 2024Key points of the Massachusetts Senate's legislation to put the state on track to meet the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.