County governmental affairs staff briefed the board on Pasco Day in Tallahassee and identified more than 200 bills being tracked; commissioners flagged Senate Bill 1548 (an evolution of 'Live Local'), local preemption bills and a proposed homestead-exemption measure that staff estimated could create a $6,000,000 shortfall for mandated services in the first year.

RiverCOG staff told the regional committee they are tracking roughly 100 bills, including measures on solar permitting, affordability calculations, transit funding and a controversial bill that would allow by-right residential development in many industrial districts; members expressed concern about preserving limited industrial land.

State Broadband Office staff summarized HB 2365, which would add a state digital equity plan responsibility to the SBO and must pass the House by Feb. 17, and HB 2579, a public media/digital equity proposal funded by a proposed 20'cent phone-line tax estimated to raise about $25 million annually but which did not pass policy cutoff.

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The Massachusetts state budget process is an annual cycle that begins with the governor's budget proposal, usually submitted in late January. This proposal, referred to as "HB1" in the first year of a...

Memorial Day is not only a moment of remembrance–it’s also an opportunity to reflect on how we support those who’ve served, and the policies that shape their lives and well-being today. In this blog, ...

In this week’s blog, we pay homage to the longest-serving legislators in Massachusetts. Their continued dedication and commitment to the Commonwealth has spanned several decades and their influence ca...

The Importance of Civility in Policy Negotiations In today’s highly charged political climate, maintaining civility in policy discussions is more crucial than ever. Respectful negotiation isn’t just...

Council members express concerns over tracking opioid-related legislation and harm reduction initiatives.

Town staff and a legislative liaison told the Planning Board that a state parking bill (H369) has not passed and now includes an exemption for coastal counties; a separate regulatory bill on ADUs (S445) and proposed height mandates were negotiated to exempt smaller towns, while the state budget and other bills remain in flux.

Legislators monitor progress of 100 bills amid 4,000 proposed in the general assembly.