BOSTON (WWLP) – April and May are often the busiest months of the year at the State House, with planning state spending for next fiscal year, major policy bills pending in both branches, and prep for the upcoming midterm election.
House plans vote to ban social media use for children under 14
Last year, the Massachusetts legislature was deemed the least productive in the country by a study of bills passed, and although lawmakers have pushed back against this notion all year, they are facing a pile-up of priorities this busy season.
These major bills, some of which have been passed by either the House or Senate but not both, include, but are not limited to, environmental and transportation bond bills, a surtax supplemental budget, immigrant protections via the PROTECT Act, two major economic bills, energy legislation, and much more.
A notable point of contention on Beacon Hill, lawmakers have the option to pass any of 11 pending ballot questions. This year, they range from lowering the state income tax, to undoing recreational marijuana legalization to restructuring lawmakers’ stipends.
Despite pushes from advocates and the secretary of the commonwealth alike, it seems unlikely lawmakers will pass any, underscoring the very reason petitioners say they filed their questions: legislative inaction.
The House and Senate both have plans to work on bills this week. The House will debate a social media ban for young teenagers, and the Senate will debate the supplemental budget.
Lawmakers are up against a July 31 deadline for scheduled formal sessions, but due to a rule change this session, they will be able to schedule more formal sessions and keep working on priorities throughout the fall.
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