Beacon Hill Roll Call, Feb. 9-13

THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local representatives’ and senators’ votes on roll calls from the week of Feb. 9-13.

REGULATE THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) IN POLITICAL ADS (H 5094): House 157-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would require that any synthetic media audio or video communication intended to influence voting for or against a candidate or ballot proposition, must disclose at the beginning and end of the communication that it contains AI-generated materials. Violators would be fined up to $1,000.

“If you watched the Super Bowl, you saw how widespread artificial intelligence has become,” said Rep. Daniel Hunt (D-Dorchester), House Chair of the Committee on Election Laws. “AI is no longer theoretical — it is in our everyday lives. At the same time, the conversation around election security, which has been front and center for the last several years, feels more turbulent and under siege. Voters deserve to know that what they’re seeing is real. That’s why the Legislature continues to strengthen our election infrastructure, and why we’re focused today on setting clear standards for the use of AI in election materials so we can guard against deceptive or misleading content.”

“The use of AI-generated deepfakes for the purposes of manipulating voters and disrupting elections is an attack on democracy,” said Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier (D-Pittsfield), House Chair of the Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity. “As technology advances at a rapid pace, voters should not have to wade through maliciously altered or AI-generated content to get the facts about an election. The House is taking reasonable and timely steps to mitigate any possible negative outcomes and preserve election integrity.”

A “Yes” vote is for the bill.

Rep. Mindy Domb, Yes; Rep. Homar Gomez, Yes; Rep. Kelly Pease, Yes; Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, Yes; Rep. Aaron Saunders, Yes

ELECTION MISINFORMATION (H 5093): House 154-3, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would prohibit the distribution of deceptive communications within 90 days of an election, including audio or visual media which depicts a candidate with intent to injure their reputation or deceive a voter into voting for or against them. It also bans content with the intent to mislead voters of the date and time of an election; the requirements, methods or deadlines to vote.

Exemptions to the 90-day prohibition include media outlets which air the ads or report on the ads as part of a newscast as long as they clearly acknowledge that there are questions about its authenticity; websites, newspapers, magazines and periodicals; and satire and parody.

The bill allows a political candidate whose voice or likeness appears in a materially deceptive audio or visual media to seek injunctive or other equitable relief prohibiting the distribution of the media, or to bring an action for damages against the party that distributed the media.

“As artificial intelligence continues to reshape our economy and many aspects of our daily lives, lawmakers have a responsibility to ensure that AI does not further the spread of misinformation in our politics,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy).

“With the rapid advancement in new media technologies, it is important that we have proper safeguards in place to ensure this technology is not abused or manipulated to intentionally mislead voters,” said House Minority Leader Brad Jones (R-North Reading).

“I believe the law takes too broad of an approach,” said Rep. John Gaskey (R-Carver), one of only three House members who voted against the bill. “The wording is vague and can be easily used to keep grassroots organizations and campaigns from getting any traction through fines and additional court action, not to mention the chilling effect on our First Amendment rights. Ninety days before an election ultimately results in enforcement of AI use for almost 6 months straight between the primary and the general. This is the establishment afraid of the truth getting traction.”

Reps. Nick Boldyga (R-Southwick) and Marc Lomardo (R-Billerica), the two other representatives who voted against the measure, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking them why they voted against the bill.

A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.

Rep. Mindy Domb, Yes; Rep. Homar Gomez, Yes; Rep. Kelly Pease, Yes; Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, Yes; Rep. Aaron Saunders, Yes                              

CHANGE DATE OF PRIMARY ELECTIONS (H 5093): House 25-132, rejected an amendment that would set the state primary date in Massachusetts four weeks earlier than currently. The state primary, under law, typically takes place in September on the seventh Tuesday preceding the biennial state elections. The amendment would move the date up to August, specifically to the eleventh Tuesday preceding the general election, essentially moving the date from early/mid-September around the Labor Day holiday weekend, up to early August.

“The amendment would have added a desperately needed change to our state elections,” said amendment sponsor Rep. Ken Sweezey (R-Duxbury). ”In 2026, our state primaries will be the latest in the entire nation which is a contributing factor to why we have some of the least competitive state level elections.”

“Setting the primary date four weeks earlier than usual not only would better align our schedule with other states but also would provide candidates with an additional four weeks between the primary and the general election, to help get their message out to the voters,” said House Minority Leader Brad Jones (R-North Reading).

Amendment opponents said the amendment is beyond the scope of the bill and should be considered as a separate piece of legislation that would be the subject of a public hearing.

Rep. Daniel Hunt (D-Dorchester), a supporter of the bill itself and a staunch opponent of the amendment, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him why he voted against the amendment.

A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.

Rep. Mindy Domb, No; Rep. Homar Gomez, No; Rep. Kelly Pease, Yes; Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, No; Rep. Aaron Saunders, No                                     

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS (S 2946): Senate 37-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that supporters said would help the certified public accountant (CPA) workforce grow and meet consumer demand while upholding its longtime professional standards. The proposal updates the standards for certification as a CPA by offering a mix of college education and work experience, such as a bachelor’s degree combined with two years of full-time professional experience, or a master’s degree paired with one year of professional experience. It also would remove an outdated threshold, currently in place, which often burdens an applicant with completing more course credits than are needed for a college degree.

Another provision helps meet the demand for CPA services by authorizing CPAs who are licensed in other states to practice in Massachusetts, as long as they have met Massachusetts’ educational requirements and passed the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination.

“CPAs play an invaluable role in ensuring that Massachusetts remains a leader in industries across the country,” said Sen. John Cronin (D-Fitchburg) the lead sponsor of the measure. “This legislation removes financial barriers to pursuing a career as a CPA, while maintaining the same rigorous academic and professional standards that have guided the profession for decades.”

“Massachusetts businesses, municipalities and families all rely on trusted financial professionals, and right now the pipeline into the accounting profession is shrinking,” said Sen. Pavel Payano (D-Lawrence), Senate Chair of the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. “This legislation opens practical pathways to licensure while preserving the high educational standards that define the CPA credentials. By modernizing how qualified candidates enter the profession, we strengthen our workforce, support economic stability and ensure the next generation of accountants can meet the needs of our communities.”

A “Yes” vote is for the bill.

Sen. Joanne Comerford, Yes; Sen. Paul Mark, Yes; Sen. Jacob Oliveira, Yes; Sen. John Velis, Didn’t Vote

SALE OF VEHCLES (S 2945): Senate 38-0, approved and sent to the House legislation that supporters say would strengthen consumer rights for people who buy new and used vehicles by expanding the state’s car buyer protection law; increasing the mileage for used car warranties; and strengthening the bonds that give relief to victims of auto sale fraud.

The bill expands current Lemon Law protections by allowing a buyer to void a sale if the vehicle fails to pass inspection within seven days of delivery. This would replace the current law which allows the voiding of a sale seven days from the date of purchase.

Other provisions increase the maximum mileage of the used vehicle warranty from 125,000 miles to 175,000 miles; double — from $25,000 to $50,000 — the amount of the surety bond that used car dealers are required to post for the benefit of consumers who experience fraud; and allow the attorney general to make claims against dealers’ surety bonds on behalf of affected consumers, in addition to the existing ability of car buyers to pursue their own claims.

“When it comes to the purchase of a vehicle — one of the most significant financial decisions a person will make in their lifetime — consumers deserve to know they are protected from financial ruin should that vehicle turn out to be a lemon or fail to meet minimum standards,” said Sen. Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough), the bill’s lead sponsor. “The stakes are simply too high when the vast majority of Massachusetts residents rely on their vehicle as a daily lifeline to economic opportunity, whether it be transportation to work, school or other opportunities that keep our commonwealth moving forward. By updating consumer protection laws to align with the realities of modern vehicle technology, we are reaffirming our commitment to shielding families from unfair and deceptive practices that can upend their lives.” 

“For most families, buying a car is a necessity, not a luxury,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “When a car purchase goes wrong, the consequences can be devastating. This law ensures Massachusetts consumers have clear rights, real recourse and confidence when making one of the most important financial decisions of their lives.”

   (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)

Sen. Joanne Comerford, Yes; Sen. Paul Mark, Yes; Sen. Jacob Oliveira, Yes; Sen. John Velis, Didn’t Vote                            

HOUSING DISCRIMINATION (S 2947): Senate 38-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that supporters said would advance the goal of ensuring every Massachusetts resident has a fair opportunity to access housing. The measure mandates fair housing training for all real estate agents and strengthens state enforcement of the Fair Housing Law.

Details include requiring applicants for a real estate license to attend at least four hours of classroom instruction on the Fair Housing Law as part of their application process and training them on how to avoid discrimination against potential buyers or renters based on demographics like race, national origin, religion, disability or age.

The measure also requires at least two hours of instruction as part of the renewal process for real estate licenses; increases the penalty from a 90-day license suspension to up to a 180-day suspension for licensed real estate brokers or salespeople who commit a second violation of the Fair Housing Law within a two-year period; and requires the Real Estate Brokers’ Registration Board to annually publish a list of licensed brokers or salespeople whose real estate licenses were revoked due to Fair Housing Law violations, along with a summary of complaints filed and the number and type of disciplinary actions taken by the board.

Supporters pointed to a 2020 study by the Boston Foundation and Suffolk University which found that 71% of Black participants faced housing discrimination and were 30% more likely to be “ghosted” by real estate agents. The same study found that renters of all backgrounds with housing vouchers were highly likely to be prevented from seeing apartments.

“Fair housing is a cornerstone of equity and opportunity in Massachusetts,” said Sen. Adam Gomez (D-Springfield), the lead sponsor of the proposal. “This legislation strengthens accountability and ensures that every licensed real estate professional understands and upholds the principles of fair housing law. By increasing transparency, enhancing education requirements and enforcing stronger penalties for violations, we are taking meaningful steps to protect residents across the commonwealth.”

“No prospective homeowners should encounter discrimination in realizing the American dream of owning a home,” said Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “This legislation ensures a pathway for all to access housing by strengthening existing fair housing law, providing mandatory instruction to real estate agents on how to avoid discrimination and stiffening the penalty when violations to the law occur.”

A “Yes” vote is for the bill.

Sen. Joanne Comerford, Yes; Sen. Paul Mark, Yes; Sen. Jacob Oliveira, Yes; Sen. John Velis, Didn’t Vote                        

ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL

DECEASED ANIMALS ON STATE HIGHWAYS (H 3678): The House gave initial approval to, without a roll call vote, legislation that would require any State Department of Transportation (DOT) highway employees who find deceased dogs or cats on roads with identification, to either attempt to directly contact the owner or to notify local animal control officers or the police department.

“Losing a pet is hard enough,” said sponsor Rep. Richard Haggerty (D-Woburn). “Not knowing what happened to them makes it even harder. Right now, if a DOT employee finds a dog or cat, with an ID tag or microchip, that has been hit and killed on a state highway, there is no requirement for them to let the owner know. Families are left waiting and wondering, sometimes never getting answers. It is a straightforward, compassionate step that asks very little of the state but gives grieving families the one thing they need most — closure.”

REAL ESTATE TAX EXEMPTION (H 3132): Without a roll call vote, the House gave initial approval to a bill that would allow municipalities to grant a property tax reduction to property owners who serve as volunteer, call or auxiliary firefighters or EMTs. The reduction of the tax bill would be capped at $2,500 per property owner but would be in addition to any other exemption or abatement to which the property owner is entitled.

The municipality would be responsible for establishing the parameters of its property tax reduction, including the criteria by which the reduction would be calculated, and the local rules and procedures necessary for implementing it. The firefighters and EMTs would not be considered employees of the municipality and the tax reduction would not be considered wages for income tax purposes.

Supporters said these people are invaluable and selfless and should be given a property tax reduction.

Chief sponsor Rep. Steve Howitt (D-Seekonk) and co-sponsor Susannah Whipps (U-Athol) did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking them why they sponsored the bill.

INTEREST RATE ON UNPAID PROPERTY TAXES (H 3238): The House gave initial approval to, without a roll call vote, a proposal that would allow the city council, town meeting or other equivalent city or town legislative body to change the interest rate on unpaid real estate property or personal property tax bills from the current 14% to “up to 14 percent.” The measure also allows the local tax collector or treasurer to waive interest fees on late payments and set up a payment plan with the person who owes the unpaid balances.

Supporters said the bill would give local officials more flexibility on these outstanding balances and would get rid of the cookie cutter/one size fits all current law.

Sponsor Rep. Adam Scanlon (D-North Attleborough) did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him why he filed the bill and how he feels about its passage.

ISSUE MOBILE ID (S 2905): The Transportation Committee will hold a public hearing on March 3 on legislation that would require the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) to issue a mobile ID — compliant with American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators standards — to any individual eligible for a physical driver’s license, learner’s permit or state ID. The mobile ID would not replace the physical version, and individuals would still be required to carry their physical ID while driving.

Supporters say that the bill authorizes the RMV to contract with third parties for development and maintenance of the mobile ID system, charge fees for issuance and determine the ID’s validity period. They argue the measure includes strong privacy protections, requiring data use to mirror that of physical IDs, prohibiting tracking without consent and mandating compliance with data security laws.

“We are living in a digital world, and our public systems should evolve responsibly to meet people where they are,” said sponsor Sen. Julian Cyr (D-Truro). “This bill modernizes identification in Massachusetts while maintaining strong privacy protections and civil liberties safeguards. A mobile ID offers convenience and security without replacing physical IDs when they are actually necessary or required.”

Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com.

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