Top 10 Most Read Bills on MassTrac of 2023
As we navigate through the legislative landscape of the new year, we’re highlighting the top 10 most read bills that have captured the attention of lawmakers and citizens alike! These bills, ranging from issues of taxation to firearm regulations, represent the embodiment of the state's political and social discourse.
HB4104 (An Act to Improve the Commonwealth’s Competitiveness, Affordability, and Equity): Governor Maura Healey's tax reform legislation in its final stage. It later passed and has taken effect as of Jan. 1, 2024. It is a multifaceted $1 billion package encompassing a range of tax breaks largely for parents, renters, and seniors. Here are the perks:
Child/dependent tax credit increases from $180 to $310 per child for 2023 and then $440 for 2024.
Senior circuit breaker credit of $2,400
Rental deduction of $4,000
Estate tax credit that reduces tax for estates valued $2 million or less
Septic tax credit of $18,000
Short-term capital gains tax is reduced to 8.5% from 12%
Hot topics for debate included the effectiveness of tax credits, especially regarding estate tax exemptions. Moving forward Bay-Staters will see tax relief for their 2023 tax returns and beyond.
HB1250/SB799 (An Act to Advance Health Equity): The second most read bill on MassTrac so far, this stands out as a transformative piece of legislation focused on health equity. Establishing a new Chapter 6F in the General Laws, the bill creates an Executive Office of Equity, which would ensure quality and accessible care, as well as putting a check on the healthcare system. The Equity Office is tasked with developing multi-year strategic plans, setting standards for data collection and public reporting by demographic factors, and creating data dashboards. Specifically, the office would oversee:
An expansion of MassHealth coverage to all residents in the Commonwealth
Telehealth payment parity
Growing and diversifying the healthcare sector
Potential hot topics for debate may include the implementation challenges of disaggregated data collection and concerns over the general effectiveness of the Equity Office.It remains in the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing and had a hearing in September. When asked about the status of the bill, Chair Sen. Cindy Friedman (D-Arlington) gave a feeble response, hinting that this bill will not leave committee.
HB1849/SB1191 (An Act Relative to Salary Range Transparency): The next bill addresses a critical aspect of workplace transparency and pay equity. Introducing a new Section 105E to GL Chapter 149, the bill mandates that covered employers disclose the pay range for a specific position in job postings or advertisements and when queried by applicants or current employees. The legislation outlines penalties for employers violating these provisions and entrusts the Attorney General with enforcement and public awareness campaigns. Proponents of the bill applaud the efforts to reduce pay gaps and remove guesswork when applying to jobs. Opponents cite that employees will compare their salaries with peers which shows how much the company values them. There are additional concerns with increased pressure on companies to stay competitive and potentially overspend on unskilled employees. The bills were voted favorably by both chambers and now are on their way to the third reading.
HB2197/SB1356 (An Act to Protect Massachusetts Public Health from PFAS): Within the top 10 bills in Massachusetts, HB2197/SB1356 take center stage in addressing environmental concerns associated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), aka forever chemicals. The bills outline a phased eight-year approach to eliminate the sale of products containing PFAS, signaling a commitment to environmental sustainability. Moreover, it mandates the Department of Environmental Protection to amend groundwater discharge permits, emphasizing rigorous monitoring and reporting of PFAS. The importance of HB2197/SB1356 lies in its proactive stance against the contaminant, known for its environmental and health risks. However, many businesses push back on the economic consequences and hurdles such sweeping legislation could have. The bills have moved out of the Joint Committee on Public Health with both chambers giving favorable reports. The next step is to go to the respective Chambers’ Third Reading Committees.
HB3929 (An Act to Improve Quality and Oversight of Long-Term Care): The next bill, HB3929 plays a crucial role in addressing the needs of the long-term care workforce and enhancing oversight of facilities. The bill establishes grant programs for nursing facility supervisory and leadership training, an extended care career ladder, and tuition reimbursement for certified nursing assistants, aiming to strengthen the long-term care workforce. Additionally, it substantially overhauls licensing and oversight of long-term care facilities, granting the Department of Public Health (DPH) increased authority to enforce standards and take corrective actions. The importance of HB3929 lies in its potential to improve the quality of care in long-term facilities, safeguard residents, and support the workforce. However critics argue the balance between regulatory oversight and facility autonomy, workforce development effectiveness, and the financial implications for long-term care facilities is too murky.The bill currently sits in the House Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling and saw its last movement in November 2023.
HB4135 (An Act Modernizing Firearm Laws): Within the top 10 read bills on MassTrac, HB4135 stands out as a comprehensive overhaul of firearm laws, significantly impacting the sale and possession of firearms in the Commonwealth. The legislation introduces a new licensing process for carrying firearms, defines "prohibited persons," and sets less stringent requirements for long gun permits. The importance of HB4135 lies in its potential to enhance public safety, regulate firearm ownership, and address evolving challenges in firearm-related issues. Many people and organizations have protested against the bill’s passage as they claim it is a blatant override of the 2nd Amendment. Additionally, opponents cite public safety concerns and the implications for law enforcement. Moving forward, after many amendments, HB4135 goes to the Senate for its third reading.
HB4138 (An Act Known as the Affordable Homes Act): The next bill, HB4138, the Governor’s housing bond bill, takes a prominent position due to its far-reaching impact on housing initiatives in the Commonwealth. Appropriating approximately $4.12 billion, the bill focuses on promoting housing production and rehabilitation, with a strong emphasis on public and affordable housing. The significance of HB4138 lies in its potential to address housing challenges, enhance affordability, and implement sustainability standards. Hot topics for discussion may include the impact of ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) on neighborhood dynamics, the feasibility of transfer fees,and the overall effectiveness of the proposed measures. Negative implications of the bill could include the reduction of property values, limited availability of regular housing, or quality concerns. The bill recently had a hearing on Jan. 18, 2023 in the Joint Committee on Housing, where it still sits.
As we look at the top 10 most read bills in Massachusetts for 2024, it's evident that these legislative pieces touch upon crucial aspects of public life. The debates and discussions surrounding these bills reflect the diverse perspectives and priorities of the citizens and lawmakers. Moving forward, it will be interesting to see how these bills progress through the legislative process and shape the future of the Commonwealth.
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