Volume 49 – Report No. 27
THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local senators’ votes on recent roll calls from the week of June 24-28. There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week.
During the week July 1-5, the House met for a total of 27 minutes and the Senate met for a total of 15 minutes.
CLEAN FUEL STANDARDS (S 2829): Senate 1-39, rejected an amendment that would force transportation fuel providers to comply with new clean fuel standards set by the Department of Energy Resources. The amendment would create a credit system to penalize providers who do not meet those standards. Collected credits from public entities will be used to fund projects aimed at clean energy and transportation projects that disadvantaged communities need.
“This amendment was a measure that would have had a drastic impact on reducing emissions while also creating a benefit for local transportation infrastructure in the communities that need it most,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Mark Pacheco (D-Taunton).
Amendment opponents offered no arguments during floor debate. Sen. Mike Barrett (D-Lexington), a lead sponsor of the bill, did not respond to requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call to comment on his opposition to this amendment.
(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against the amendment.)
Sen. Bruce Tarr: No
OFFSHORE WIND (S 2829): Senate 2-38, rejected an amendment that would give the governor’s executive branch the right to procure offshore wind projects without the need to go through the Legislature.
“This amendment would provide the Executive Branch with more flexibility and would eliminate the necessity of having to seek the Legislature’s approval for how much megawattage they are able to procure from clean energy projects,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton). “The Healey-Driscoll Administration should be able to go out and solicit multiple forms of clean energy at the same time, as long as they are moving toward meeting the overall emissions requirements by 2050.”
Amendment opponents offered no arguments during floor debate. Sen. Mike Barrett (D-Lexington), a lead sponsor of the bill, did not respond to requests by BHRC to comment on his opposition to this amendment.
(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against the amendment.)
Sen. Bruce Tarr: Yes
FLOOD RISK (S 2829): Senate 39-0, approved an amendment that would require the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs to review existing flood risk mapping resources in the state and assess the need for and feasibility of creating additional flood risk mapping resources to identify areas vulnerable to current and future flooding across the state.
“Ignoring the long-term effects of climate change on our vulnerable communities while continuing to rely on traditional approaches like insurance and federal assistance is inadequate and inequitable,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton). “As damages from flooding become more frequent and costly, and our traditional options for addressing these issues become inadequate, we need a novel and equitable way to protect and relocate people and property.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.)
Sen. Bruce Tarr: Yes
ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL
ALLOW VIRTUAL MEETINGS OF CONDO ASSOCIATIONS (H 1338): The House approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would allow condominium association boards to hold meetings virtually and vote on issues electronically.
“This bill will allow for more participation in condo associations,” said sponsor Rep. Kevin Honan (D-Boston). “It provides convenience for all involved in the maintenance and care of their condos.”
FIRE CHIEF MUST BE A FORMER FIREFIGHTER (H 2347): The House gave initial approval to legislation that would require that any candidates for appointment to the position of Fire Chief, Fire Commissioner or head of a fire department in any city or town must have been a uniformed member of the Massachusetts firefighting force of a Massachusetts Fire Department for a minimum of five years.
Supporters said this would ensure that anyone appointed to one of these high positions has some hands-on experience as a firefighter and has come up through the ranks.
Rep. Dan Hunt (D-Boston), the sponsor of the measure, did not respond to requests by BHRC to comment on his bill and its passage.
ALLOW ELECTRONIC RECEIPT FOR DELIVERY OF FUEL OILS AND PROPANE (H 4132): The House approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would allow companies to send customers an electronic delivery receipt for the bulk sale of fuel oils and propane.
“Massachusetts is one of the last states to update this antiquated system of delivery of receipts/invoices from bulk sales,” said sponsor Rep. Jeff Roy (D-Franklin). “In today’s world of technology, it only makes sense that the delivery of receipts/invoices can be safely and efficiently transmitted to the consumer without having to leave a paper bill at the door or mailbox. Many if not most businesses already operate this way and there is no good reason not to advance bulk sales…particularly as the consumer would have a choice in the method of delivery.”
Supporters also noted that customers frequently complain about the current practice of the company leaving bags with receipts on their doorknobs or in their mailboxes. They said leaving the receipts in a USPS mailbox is not permitted by law and also leaves consumers vulnerable to identity fraud. They also pointed out that leaving a plastic bag which might remain on the doorknob for several days is a clear signal to would-be criminals that the homeowner is not home and might be traveling.
HOSPITAL HELIPADS (H 2400): The House gave initial approval to a bill that would ban non-emergency aircraft from practicing training maneuvers, including simulated landings, practice approaches, turns about a point and power off turns, within a two-nautical mile vicinity of a hospital with a helipad. Aircraft would be allowed to fly directly over the helipad as long as it is not performing these maneuvers and is flying at an altitude of over 2,000 feet.
“As a representative from a district with a hospital that operates a helipad, I filed this bill after much input from the public,” said sponsor Rep. Dan Sena (D-Acton). “I heard from constituents that recreational aircraft often utilized the helipad for training flights and maneuvers that were completely unrelated to the operation of the hospital, which had a significant impact on those in the area. This bill is designed to ensure that hospital helipads are kept open and safe to ensure they are always prepared for an emergency and free of interference.”
