The Senate will come to order.
The chair will ask all members guests and staff
to rise and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United
States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands.
One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty
and justice for all.
I think we need to have [INAUDIBLE]
Senate President, which the clerk will read.
Dear Mr. Clerk, I write to inform you
of the following appointments--
Cynthia Stone Creem, Majority Leader,
Senate Committee on Redistricting Chair.
Sal N DiDomenico, Assistant Majority Leader,
Senate Committee on Bills and Third Reading Chair,
Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs Vice
Chair, Senate Committee on Ways and Means member.
Jason Lewis, Assistant Majority Whip.
Joan Lovely, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee
on Ways and Means, Senate Committee
on International Government Affairs Chair.
Sonia Chang-Diaz, Assistant Vice Chair
of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.
Thank you for your attention to this matter,
sincerely, Harriette L Chandler, President of the Senate.
The senator from-- the senator from First Bristol
and Plymouth, Mr. Rodigues, moves that the communication
be printed in the Journal.
The question comes on the motion.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it and the motion prevails.
And the statement will be printed
in the Journal of the Senate.
The senator from Norfolk and Plymouth, Mr. Keenan,
has presented resolutions which the clerk will read.
By Mr. Keenan-- Resolutions Commending the Lymphatic
Education and Research Network on its recognition
of March 6th, 2018 as World Lymphedema Day.
The question now comes on the adoption of the resolution.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
The senator from Mr.--
[INAUDIBLE]
Brief recess.
What am I doing here?
The senator from Middlesex and Suffolk--
Senate will come to order.
The senator from Middlesex and Suffolk, Mr.--
no, no, the Senator from Plymouth and Barnstable,
Mr. deMacedo, I'm sorry.
I have not moved, but I doubt the presence of a quorum.
The senator doubts the presence of a quorum.
The officers will close the doors and summons the members.
Come to order.
The senator from Hampden, Mr. Welch,
has offered an order which the clerk will read.
Order that, notwithstanding the provisions of Joint Rule 10,
the Committee on Health Care Financing
shall make final report not later than last Wednesday
of April the 2nd annual session on all matters
referred to them on or before the fourth Wednesday of March
and within 30 days on all matters
referred to it after the fourth Wednesday
in March of the second annual session of the general court.
The Senator from the First Suffolk and Middlesex, Mr.
Boncore--
oh.
Under the rules referred to the Committee
on Rules of the two branches acting concurrently report
of a committee.
The Committees on Rules, two branches acting concurrently,
to whom is referred [INAUDIBLE] order report recommend
same ought to be adopted, Mark C. Montigny, for the committee.
The senator from the first Suffolk and Middlesex,
Mr. Boncore, moves that the rules be suspended.
so that the matter may be considered forthwith.
Is there objection?
The.
Chair hears none.
The question comes on adoption of the order.
[INAUDIBLE]
The senator from First Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr.
Thank you, Madam President, and through you to the members.
Madam President, it's delightful to be gathered with you here
this afternoon and to see you presiding on the rostrum.
Madam President, we have before us an extension order
which is of an unusual--
Mr. Tarr, if you don't mind, can we
subdue all of our conversations?
Can we perhaps find our seats so that we
can hear the gentleman from her First Essex and Middlesex?
Thank you, Madam President.
And thank you for bringing the Senate to order.
Madam President, we have before us
an extension order which is unusual in nature
due to a particular set of unfortunate circumstances.
And Madam President, before we take
action on this particular extension order,
I'm hoping that we can get an explanation of the order
from the distinguished chairman of the Committee
on Health Care Financing as to the scope
and magnitude of this particular order
and the timing of the order, Madam President,
before we can take action.
And again, I know that these are very--
there are very specific circumstances
that warrant this type of action,
and I'm hoping we can get an explanation of that
from my good friend from Springfield.
Hampden, Mr. Welch.
Thank you, Madam President, and through you to the members,
and I thank my good friend the minority
leader for his question.
And this truly is a unique situation.
As we all know, our good friend and colleague, the chairman--
former-- or Chairman of Health Care Finance, Peter Kocot,
unfortunately passed away last week,
and this order will allow our house colleagues
additional time to identify someone capable of filling
Peter's shoes.
And we'll give that chosen individual
the time needed to carefully consider
the matters that have been pending before the committee.
Now, the number of bills that are being extended-- it's
kind of tricky, because we haven't been
referred all of the bills yet.
But at least the number is 208 bills that are currently
before the committee.
We don't know how many bills might
be referred from other committees
to health care financing in the upcoming weeks,
and we also do not know when they will be referred.
At a certain point in time, currently
after the fourth Wednesday in February,
bills referred to the health care financing
are subject to a 30 day reporting deadline, which
is different from its standing reporting deadline, currently
the fourth Wednesday in March.
That means a net effect of today's extension order
on the time to consider a particular bill that has not
been referred the committee is unfortunately not
knowable at this time.
But given the unusual circumstances
and our willingness, obviously, to work in partnership
with the house, I do ask that this be approved.
The senator from First Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr.
Thank you, Madam President, and through you to the members.
Madam President, I appreciate the gentleman's explanation.
We are all deeply saddened at the loss of our house
counterpart that chairs the committee.
This order, while it is more extensive
than we would normally countenance,
is certainly warranted under those circumstances.
And in order to be able to facilitate the work
of the Committee on health care financing--
which has some very significant matters before it--
this is an appropriate action to take.
And so, Madam President, we have throughout extension season
over the last several weeks seen for the most
part very judicious and reasonable use of extension
orders.
This particular order is different than some of those.
But the unusual circumstances before us
justifying the request for it and the granting
of that request, so I hope the order is adopted.
Thank you, Madam President.
All right.
The question comes on adoption of the order.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed no.
The ayes have it, and the order is adopted.
Brief recess.
Report of a committee.
The committee on rules to whom is referred the Senate
bill designating certain bridges in the town of Bourne
as the US Army Special Forces Staff Sergeant Matthew Pitino
Memorial bridges, set number 2264
reports and may have replaced [INAUDIBLE]
for the next session Mark C. Martigny for the committee.
The Senator from First Plymouth and Bristol, Mr. Pacheco,
asks unanimous consent that the rules
be suspended to allow the matter to be considered forthwith.
Is there an objection?
Chair hears none and the rules are suspended.
The question now comes on ordering the bill
to a third reading.
The senator from Plymouth and Barnstable, Mr. deMacedo,
has presented an amendment, which the clerk will read.
Mr. deMacedo moves to amend the bill
by substituting a new draft, Senate number
2316 with the same title.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed no.
The ayes have it and the amendment is adopted.
The question now comes on ordering the bill as amended
to a third reading.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the bill as amended is ordered to a third reading.
Third reading of the bill.
An act designating certain bridges in the town of Bourne
as the US Army Special Forces Staff Sergeant Matthew A.
Pitino Memorial Bridge is Senate number 2316.
The bill has been read a third time.
The question comes on passing the bill to be engrossed.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the bill is passed to be engrossed.
Report of a committee.
The committee on rules to whom is referred the House bill
relative to the Baker Hill Road district
in the town of Lanesborough, House number 3760.
Reports demand replacing the [INAUDIBLE] date
for the next session, Mark C. Martigny for the committee.
The senator from Worcester and Middlesex, Mr. Tran,
asks unanimous consent that the rules
be suspended to allow the matter to be considered forthwith.
Is there an objection?
The chair hears none.
The question now comes on ordering the bill
to a third reading.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the bill is ordered to a third reading.
Third reading of the bill.
An act expanding the powers of the Baker Hill Road District
in the town of Lanesborough to include economic development
efforts, House number 3760, its title
having been changed by the Committee
on Bill with third reading.
The bill has been read a third time.
The question now comes on passing the bill
to be engrossed.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the bill is passed to be engrossed.
Report of a committee.
The Committee on Rules to whom is referred the House bill
designating a certain bridge in the city of Chelsea
as the John P. Bruttaniti Memorial Bridge, House number
4072.
Reports demand replacing the [INAUDIBLE] date
for the next session.
Mark C. Martigny for the committee.
The senator from Second Essex, Miss Lovely,
asks unanimous consent that the rules
be suspended to allow the matter to be considered forthwith.
Is there an objection?
The chair hears none.
Question now comes on ordering the bill to a third reading.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the bill is ordered to a third reading.
Third reading of the bill.
An act designating a certain bridge in the city of Chelsea
as the John P. Bruttaniti memorial bridge, House number
4072.
The bill has been read a third time.
The question now comes on passing the bill
to be engrossed.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
The bill is passed to be engrossed.
Report of a committee.
The Committee on Rules to whom is reffered the House bill
designating the month of March as Massachusetts Maple month,
House number 4246 reports that demand
replacing the [INAUDIBLE] date for the next session.
Mark C. Martigny for the committee.
The senator from Worcester, Hamden, Hampshire,
and Middlesex, Miss Gobi, asks unanimous consent
that the rules be suspended to allow the matter
to be considered forthwith.
Is there an objection?
The chair hears none.
The question now comes on ordering the bill
to a third reading.
All those in-- all those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the bill is ordered to a third reading.
Third reading of the bill.
An act designating the month of March
as Massachusetts Maple month, House number 4246.
The bill has been read a third time.
The question now comes on passing the bill
to be engrossed.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the bill is passed to be engrossed.
Report of a committee.
The Committee on Ways and Means to whom
is referred the House bill establishing a sick leave bank
for Alissa Nelson, an employee of the Office of Victim
Assistance, House number 4239.
Reports to the same ought to pass.
Karen E. Bilka for the committee.
The senator from Bristol and Norfolk, Mr. Feenie,
asks unanimous consent to suspend
the rules to allow the matter to be considered forthwith.
Is there an objection?
The chair hears none.
And the rules are suspended.
The question now comes on ordering the bill
to a third reading.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the bill is ordered to a third reading.
Third reading of the bill.
An act establishing a sick leave bank
for Alissa Nelson, an employee of the Massachusetts
Office for Victim Assistance, House number
4239 its title having been changed by the Committee
on Bills in the third reading.
The bill has been read a third time.
The question comes on passing the bill to be engrossed.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the bill is passed to be engrossed.
I'm going to stop for a moment.
The sick leave bank reminds me of something.
I think we all want to say welcome
back to our colleague, who is here on crutches,
but he is here, one week later.
And welcome back Senator Montigni.
We're glad to have you back.
It's good to be back.
And I'll never put aside [INAUDIBLE]..
Until next week.
Until-- report of a committee.
The Committees on Rules, two branches acting concurrently,
to whom is referred the Senate petition of Cindy F.
Friedman, Patricia D. Jalen, Paul R. Feenie, Joan A.
Belovely and other members of the Senate
for legislation to ensure greater transparency
at the group insurance commission.
Reports recommend that [INAUDIBLE]
be suspended with reference thereto.
Mark C. Martigny for the committee.
The senator for first Middlesex and Norfolk, Miss Cream,
moves that Senate rule 36 be suspended,
so the matter may be taken up forthwith.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed no.
The ayes have it.
And the rule is suspended.
The question now comes on suspension of Joint Rule 12.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the rules are suspended.
The petition will be referred to the Committee
on Public Service.
Paper from the House.
The House Order relative to extending until Thursday, March
15, 2018, the time within which the Committee
on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
is authorized to report on current House documents,
comes from the House with the endorsement that
has been approved by the Committee
on Rules of Two Branches acting concurrently
and adopted in the House, House number 4251.
The senator from Norfolk and Plymouth, Mr. Keenan,
moves that the rules be suspended.
Is there an objection?
The chair hears none.
The Senator from First Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr.
Thank you, Madam President.
This extension order comes to us from the Committee
on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy.
I know the Chair of that committee is not present,
Madam President.
So I'm hoping that we can get an explanation
from the clerk of the number of bills
that is in this extension order request,
and the time which being--
which is being requested, Madam President.
Clerk?
There are three bills that are requested for the extension,
House documents numbered 4149, 4151, and 4222.
And they should be granted until Thursday, March 15, 2018.
The Senator from First Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr.
Thank you, Madam President.
Madame President, I'm sure if my good friend were here,
he would inform us that these bills center largely
around the issue of internet neutrality, which
is a subject that the committee has been working very hard on,
as has the special committee, which you appointed of which I
am the Vice Chair, to examine these issues.
And given all of the activity that is taking place
surrounding this subject matter, this very judicious extension
order is completely warranted.
And I hope it is adopted.
And Madam President, I think I have now
been in the unenviable position of not
only asking the question, but answering my own question.
Thank you, Madam President.
The question comes on adoption of the order.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the order is adopted in concurrence.
Papers from the House.
Several House petitions come from the House
for the endorsement that [INAUDIBLE]
12 has been suspended with reference
thereto in each instance, and they've been referred
to their various committees.
Question comes on suspension of Joint Rule 12.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the rule is suspended.
The petitions will severally be referred to various committees.
An act relative to the charter of the--
several matters come before the Senate for their final passage.
An act relative to the Charter of the town of Wareham,
an act relative to a Wareham Redevelopment Authority,
an act amending the charter of the town of Bourne,
an act establishing a revolving fund
in the town of Westborough.
The question comes on passing the bills to be enacted.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the bills are passed to be enacted.
And the bills will be signed by President
and laid before the governor for his approbation.
Brief recess.
Senate will be in session.
Is there any objection to proceeding
with the orders of the day?
Chair hears none.
On page one, the first item is calendar item 142,
Senate number 2241.
The question comes on ordering the bill to a third reading.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the bill is ordered to a third reading.
OK.
The next item is calendar item 143, Senate number 178.
Chair hears pass.
On page one, the first item--
no.
Excuse me.
The next item is calendar item 144, Senate number 679.
OK.
The chair hears pass.
Page two of the next item is calendar item 145, Senate--
the chair hears pass.
The next item is calendar item 146, Senate number 1314.
Pass.
The chair hears pass.
The next item is calendar item 147, Senate number 136.
The chair hears pass.
Brief recess.
Senate will be in session.
Returning to the items previously passed.
Passed over on page one the first item passed over
is calendar item 143, Senate number 178.
The question now comes on ordering the bill
to a third reading.
Several amendments have been filed,
which will be considered at this time.
Brief recess.
Senate will be in session.
If there's no objection, this matter
will be laid to the end of the calendar.
We are now where?
Senate will be in session.
The next item is calendar item 144, Senate number 679.
No?
Senator will be in session.
To try to delay--
defer any confusion, the next item
is calendar item 144, Senate number 679.
The question now comes on ordering the bill
to a third reading.
Coming first on an amendment as recommended by the Committee
on Ways and Means.
This is U Mass building insurance.
There are several amendments and the Senator from First Essex
and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr.
Thank you, Madame President and to the members.
Madam President, this bill, as I understand it,
is Senate bill 679, which has to do
with the University of Massachusetts
and insuring buildings.
And we have approaching majority microphone, one
of the champions of the University of Massachusetts
in this chamber, the gentlelady from Lowell.
And I'm hoping that she can give us
an explanation, Madam President, of the substance
of this particular measure before the Senate moves it
to further consideration.
Thank you, Madam President.
First Middlesex Miss Donahue.
Thank you.
Thank you, Madame.
Members, I rise to speak in favor
of this bill, an act relative to the University of Massachusetts
ability to insure buildings.
I want to thank the Joint Committee on Higher Education
and the Senate Ways and Means Committee
for supporting and improving this bill.
In essence, Madam President, this bill
will allow U Mass to insure property
owned by the Commonwealth.
University buildings are owned by the Commonwealth via D Cam,
or the U Mass building authority.
The former, D Cam, generally owns the academic buildings,
while the U Mass Building Authority owns
non-academic buildings, such as dorms or garages.
Currently, Massachusetts general law
limits the university's ability to insure buildings owned
by the Commonwealth, specifically chapter 29 section
30 provides, "No officer or board
shall insure any property of the Commonwealth
without a special authority of law."
And chapter 75 section 9 reads, "The trustees
may insure the memorial building and its contents
in such amount."
The inability to insure facilities
burdens U Mass with significant costs
when buildings are damaged by accident or natural disaster.
And I want to give the example of this when this actually
happened at U Mass Lowell.
At U Mass Lowell, there was a fire
that damaged Perry Hall, an engineering building.
This fire took place in 2012, rendering
that floor completely unusable and the rest of the building.
This was an engineering building,
which is a critical, critical major at U Mass Lowell.
The age and condition of the building,
coupled with the fire damage, made it obsolete.
And it was a devastating blow to the engineering community.
Now, had U Mass insured the building,
then the insurance proceeds certainly
would have been received and the repairs
could have been underway.
U Mass is just now getting underway with a $50 million
restoration and repair, with no insurance proceeds
and lost all these years in the interim.
So we trust our State University with improving young minds.
And we should trust our University of Massachusetts
to purchase its own insurance.
This bill will give U Mass greater control
over its own fiscal destiny so that it can make timely capital
improvements and reinvestments in the interest of advancing
its primary educational mission.
I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense bill.
Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you.
Several amendments have been filed,
which will be considered at this time.
The first amendment is sponsored by Senator
from Worcester, Mr. Moore, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number one by Mr. Moore, University
of Massachusetts Police Retirement.
The Senator from Worcester, Mr. Moore.
Thank you, Madame President.
This amendment really has to do with the Commonwealth's
fiscal and moral obligation to taxpayers and state employees
alike, that retirement packages accurately
reflect the responsibility of every position.
Unfortunately, there are times where our statutes have
failed to accurately reflect the changing
nature of some positions.
We must be willing to rectify these lapses
and align the employee benefits with the intent of the law
and their responsibilities.
One example of this misclassification
is the offices of the University of Massachusetts
police department.
These officers are expected to perform police functions
at the same level as municipal police across the Commonwealth.
Matter of fact, they actually have many mutual aid agreements
that they actually patrol some of the smaller towns, who
lack the staffing, police staffing,
to adequately patrol those areas.
They receive the same training, wield the same powers,
rights, responsibilities, yet are
entitled to a fraction of the retirement benefits.
This obviously is an inequity that
has lasting detrimental effects on the university's police
force, which experiences a uniquely high rate of turnover.
Since 2007, 96 officers who have been hired and trained
have left U Mass for other group four positions.
The cost of replacing these 96 offices
include the training fees to the municipal police training
center, uniforms, equipment, and the field training
amounting to a cost of $7.2 million.
That's a saving of $7.2 million that we could allow
U Mass to spend in other areas.
The lack of continuality and the inability
to retain talented and dedicated officers
is especially harmful in the unique scenarios
that compromise campus policing today.
Not to bring up tragedies, but we
have seen some horrific events take place
across the country at our state universities and colleges
over the last several years.
This language would bring the statute into line
with the intent of retirement laws
and improve the ability of the University of Massachusetts
police to keep students and the communities safe.
I realize the intent of this legislation
is out of scope of what we are discussing here today
for the legislation.
I just wanted to stress the importance of this
and even though it is an important issue,
I'm going to ask that this amendment please be withdrawn.
The senator has asked the amendment be withdrawn.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The ayes have it.
And the amendment is withdrawn.
I'm sorry.
Amendment number two offered by the gentlelady from Middlesex
and Norfolk, Miss Spilka, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number two by Miss Spilka, corrective amendment.
Senator Tarr.
The senator from the First Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr.
Thank you, Madame President.
Move the Senate be in a brief recess.
Senate be in a brief recess.
Senate shall be in session.
The gentlelady from Middlesex and Norfolk, Miss Spilka.
Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you to the minority leader for asking
about this corrective amendment.
This amendment makes a small technical edit
to the bill to clarify the type of buildings and the contents
that are in the buildings that U Mass is able to insure.
The amendment actually clarifies so that as long
as U Mass can establish an insurable interest, which
is a legal term, then U Mass is able to insure
the building and its contents that are inside.
As I mentioned, insurable interest
is a legal term that serves as a basis for an insurance policy.
That's what the insurance companies issue their policies
based on.
And without an insurable interest,
the insurance policy is just simply not valid.
So by using the insurable interest
as the basis for the type of buildings U Mass can insure,
it will prevent unintended consequences
and ensure that there is no conflict of rights
to insure the buildings on which another entity may
hold the insurable interest.
So in that, I ask that this amendment is passed
and we vote yes.
Thank you.
The question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
The amendment is adopted.
The question now comes on adoption of the Ways and Means
amendment.
All those in favor, say aye Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the Ways and Means amendment is adopted.
Page two.
I'm sorry.
The question now comes on ordering the bill
to a third reading as amended.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the bill is ordered to a third reading.
Third reading of the bill.
An act relative to the University
of Massachusetts's ability to insure buildings,
Senate number 2308 amended.
Bill has been read a third time.
The question now comes on passing the bill
to be engrossed.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the bill is passed to be engrossed.
The next item passed over is calendar item
145, Senate number 704.
The question now comes on ordering the bill
to a third reading.
Coming first on an amendment as recommended by the Committee
on Ways and Means.
The senator from First Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr.
Why thank you, Madame President and three of the members.
Madame President, I'm hoping that we
can get a brief explanation of this particular bill, which
deals with the protection of student information
and also references a federal law
relative to that same subject.
So I'm hoping that we can get an explanation of the bill
before we move it to further consideration.
Brief recess.
We'll be in session.
The chair recognizes the senator from Second Worcester,
Mr. Moore.
Thank you, Madame President.
This legislation, an act protecting public higher
education student information.
This legislation works to protect
the personal information of approximately 300,000 students
enrolled at our 29 public higher education campuses.
Our public colleges and universities and their campuses
are consistently inundated with public records requests
for personal information about their students.
These requests seek information such as, students names, homes,
and school addresses, their dates of birth, telephone
and cell phone numbers, email addresses, areas of study,
graduation dates, parents' names, parents addresses.
Our campuses are compelled to provide this information
as it has been designated as a public record for the purposes
of complying with the students-- the state's public record laws.
Campus directory information is student information
provided to the campus community in an effort
to promote and enhance the college
experience of our students.
This legislation would protect this student information
by amending Chapter 66 of the General Laws
by exempting student directory information from public records
requests.
I ask for your support in the passage of this legislation.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the amendment is adopted.
Question now comes on adoption.
The senator from Norfolk and Plymouth, Mr. Keenan,
has offered an amendment title, which the clerk will read.
Mr. Keenan moves to amend the bill by one amendment
municipally owned colleges.
The senator from Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr.
Thank you, Madame President, three of the members.
Madame President, the ever vigilant gentleman from Quincy
is always looking out for all things Quincy.
And I know that he has determined that in his opinion,
we need to modify this bill in order
to ensure that a particular institution in Quincy
is properly treated.
And I'm hoping that he can give us
an explanation of his amendment before we consider adopting it.
The senator from Norfolk and Plymouth, Mr. Keenan.
Thank you, Madame President through you to my good friend
from the great city Gloucester.
Well, the great city of Quincy has
a municipally owned public college,
which is Quincy college.
And each time that legislation has come up
that references a public institution of higher
education, we want to make sure that Quincy college, which
is a public institution, is afforded
the same benefits, or the same treatment, as all others.
And that's the purpose of this amendment.
I thank you for the inquiry and urge passage.
Thank you.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the amendment is adopted.
The question now comes on adoption of the Ways and Means
amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the Ways and Means amendment is adopted.
Question now comes on ordering the bill
to a third reading as amended.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the bill is ordered to a third reading.
Third reading of the bill.
An act protecting public higher education student information,
Senate number 2309 amended.
The bill has been read a third time.
The question now comes on passing the bill
to be engrossed.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the bill is passed to be engrossed.
Brief recess.
Be in session.
The next item passed over is calendar item
146, Senate number 1314.
The question now comes on ordering the bill
to a third reading.
Coming first on an amendment as recommended by the Committee
on Ways and Means.
The senator from First Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr.
Thank you, Miss President and through you to the members.
Madame President, I'm hoping that we
can get an explanation of this particular piece
of legislation, which involves some of the most
important public safety facilities in our commonwealth
to the state police facilities in our communities.
And I'm hoping that the gentle lady, who
is the chief sponsor of this measure
and its principal advocate, will be able to give us
an explanation of its contents.
Thank you, Madame President.
OK.
The senator from Worcester, Hamden, Hampshire,
and Middlesex, Ms. Gobi.
Thank you, Madame President.
I'm very happy to speak on this bill.
Currently, if a state police barracks was going to be closed
there would not be any notice whatsoever given,
any opportunity for the legislature
to weigh in on the communities that are affected.
All that this bill does is that it does not
prohibit that type of closing.
What it does do is set up a mechanism
to put in place to have a notice period of no less than 100 days
prior to the closure.
It would also require that in a report
that there would be some public hearings in two-- at least two
of the affected communities.
An examination of public safety impact
on the closing the barracks would have on those
impacted communities, a cost analysis
of closing of the barracks, including
but not limited to the financial impact
on the affected communities, and an appraisal of the building,
land, structures, and the property where
the barracks are located.
And again, the idea is that this gives an opportunity
for the impacted communities to have a say,
and also to have an opportunity for the legislature
to weigh in on these type of proposed closings.
Thank you.
The senator from Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr,
has offered an amendment, the title
of which the clerk will read.
By Mr. Tarr an amendment submission of report.
The senator from First Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr,
is [INAUDIBLE].
Thank you, Madame President.
And through you to the members.
Madame President, the instant amendment
requires a report on all of the activities undertaken
pursuant to this particular piece of legislation
to be reported to the Committee on Public Safety and Homeland
Security.
I think that's a good measure to keep the legislature involved
in discussions of this nature.
And I also just want to say a word of appreciation,
that I do appreciate the gentle lady's point in raising
this bill, so that we have conversations
about the potential closure of these facilities.
And that the public is informed and involved
in the decision making that is undertaken.
I do want to suggest, however Madame President,
that I am concerned particularly about the lack
in this bill of any protections of sensitive information.
We are dealing with facilities that house our public safety
personnel.
The adequacy of those facilities,
their potential weaknesses with regard to security,
are all matters that we should be concerned about,
not having divulged to the public as a regular matter
in these proceedings.
So I'm deeply, deeply concerned about that.
And I don't know if the gentle lady who
offers us this measure, of which I'm generally supportive,
has contemplated inserting any such protection in the bill.
So that we can make sure that sensitive information
relative to the people who are sworn to,
and go out everyday and protect us in our communities,
have some reasonable knowledge of that important and sensitive
information about their whereabouts,
the adequacy of their staffing, other key things,
will not be released in an arbitrary way to the public.
Thank you, Madame President.
The chair recognizes the senator from Worcester, Hamden,
Hampshire, and Middlesex, Ms. Gobi.
Thank you.
And I appreciate the comments.
And there is nothing in this legislation
that requires that sort of information to be given out.
I think when looking at public safety,
especially in a situation where you're going to--
talking about closing the barracks.
Just to give you an example, if the Brookfield barracks were
to be closed, which is the genesis of why
this bill was filed, that area is about 334 square miles.
In the proposal to close that particular barracks, all
that would do, it was not going to take away
any of the personnel.
What it would do is shift people.
And so now that you have the remaining barracks,
have to pick up even more area to cover,
which puts those troopers at a distinct disadvantage.
If you have a trooper that now has
to travel miles and miles and miles
outside of the area of where they had been before,
and if they are in a situation, and they
are being in something where they
could be attacked by someone.
And if now, instead of having a response
time of only a few minutes, when you have a trooper now
they may have to wait 15, 20, 30 minutes for backup,
I think that is extremely egregious.
And that is what I'm trying to prevent by this.
The question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
The amendment is adopted.
Question now comes on adoption of the Ways and Means
amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the Ways and Means amendment is adopted.
Question now comes on ordering the bill
to a third reading as amended.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the bill is ordered to a third reading.
Third reading of the bill.
An act regulating the closure of state police barracks,
Senate number 2310 amended.
The bill has been read a third time.
The question now comes on passing the bill
to be engrossed.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
The bill is passed to be engrossed.
Is the next one?
Calendar item 147, Senate number 136, which--
the question comes on substituting Senate number
136 for the report of the Committee
on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
ought not to pass under Joint Rule 10.
Coming first on the motion to lay the matter
on the table The senator-- no?
Are you coming up to speak?
OK.
The question comes on the motion to lay the matter on the table.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
And the matter is not laid on the table.
Question now comes on the motion to substitute
the bill for the report of the committee.
Question comes on substitution of the bill for the report.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the substitution prevails.
First reading of the bill.
An act restoring contract rights to craft brewers, Senate number
136.
The bill has been read and under Senate rule 27.
The bill is referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
Returning to matters placed at the end of the calendar.
Were you planning to speak?
I'm sorry.
I didn't see you standing.
Returning to matters placed at the end of the calendar.
On page one, the first item passed over
is calendar item 143, Senate number 178.
The question now comes on ordering the bill
to a third reading.
Several amendments have been filed,
which will be considered at this time.
We will start with question number one by Senator Moore.
I'm sorry.
Senator Tarr from First Essex and Middlesex.
Thank you.
Thank you, Madame President and through you the members.
Madame President, I'm hoping that we
can have an explanation of the bill that is currently pending
before the Senate before we move to consideration
of the several amendments.
Thank you, Madame President.
The senator from Second Worcester, Mr. Moore,
who is the sponsor of this first amendment.
Senator Donahue from First Middlesex.
Thank you.
Thank you, Madame President and through you to the members.
On the bill 178 an act establishing
the mass made program.
I rise to speak in favor of this bill.
Madame President, Massachusetts hosts
thousands of entrepreneurs who produce quality goods
and products.
But many of these entrepreneurs who
go on to form small businesses lack
the revenues necessary to make their products
on a large scale.
To help these companies, this bill
would establish a mass made program
administered by the Massachusetts
Office of Business Development.
Mass made would identify, compile, connect, and promote
business entities that are headquartered
and produce consumer products in the Commonwealth.
The program would provide additional marketing boosts
for Massachusetts goods and companies, while also
encouraging residents and families to buy local.
Mass made would have important benefits for both companies
and consumers.
The program demonstrates the Commonwealth's commitment
to local, hardworking entrepreneurs and business
owners, as well as offers a resource
for those who need more information
about how to support hard workers in Massachusetts
businesses.
They would know more about the offerings of other Commonwealth
companies.
And thereby, opening up and encouraging new business
to business opportunities.
Similar programs have succeeded in other states, including
Maine, New Hampshire, and Minnesota,
which have also established state
based marketing programs that highlight and promote
their local companies.
Madame President, I hope that my colleagues
will support this pro-business, pro-consumer bill.
And when a vote is called, I would
ask that a vote be taken by a call of the ayes and nays.
The senator from Middlesex, Mrs. Donahue.
The senator from Middlesex, Ms. Donahue,
has asked that when a vote is taken,
it be taken by a call of the ayes and nays.
Those members joining with her, please rise and be counted.
Sufficient number.
Sufficient number having risen, there
will be a call of the ayes and nays.
Amendment number one, sponsored by the senator from Worcester,
Mr. Moore, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number one by Mr. Moore, Mass Made Contractors.
Senator Moore.
Thank you, Madame President.
This amendment would extend the impact of--
extend the impact of the Mass Made program
beyond the consumer goods to include the current--
to have this language included in the current language.
Like many of the small businesses
across the Commonwealth that will benefit from the Mass Made
program, contractors from Massachusetts
face tough competition from businesses out of state.
This is even true for instances when the Commonwealth
is the awarding authority.
This amendment directs the Division of Capital Asset
Management and Maintenance to establish
ways to promote and provide support
to Massachusetts businesses during the bidding process.
The bill maintains that businesses benefiting
from the policy must be headquartered or have
a principal place of business in the Commonwealth.
They will not only--
this will not only improve the outcomes of--
for the businesses, but also for their employees,
and the communities.
By keeping money within our local communities,
their support system will continue to provide positively
and will continue to provide positive impact
in Massachusetts and our local communities.
This amendment was adopted unanimously
during our debate on this matter last session.
And I hope the businesses affected by this amendment
can count on your support again this year.
I ask for your support for this amendment.
Thank you.
The question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
The bill is order--
excuse me.
Amendment is adopted.
Amendment number two, offered by the gentleman from Essex
and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number two by Mr. Tarr, Mass Made Business.
The senator from Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr.
Why thank you, Madame President and through you to the members.
Madame President, I do think this particular piece
of legislation is deserving of support.
And I want to congratulate the gentle lady from Lowell
for her championing of it.
And Madame President, I think we can all
agree that it is a good idea to promote
things that are produced in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Madame President, the intent of this amendment
is to underscore the fact that food products are also
produced in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
We have very vibrant and dynamic fishing and farming activities
that happen here that benefit not only the citizens
of our commonwealth, but people throughout the country,
as they enjoy the bounty of those operations
to produce agricultural products and fish products.
And so this very, very simple amendment, Madame President,
just moves to insert the word 'food' so that it's clear
that that will not be overlooked,
as we think about some of the other things that
draw our attention with regard to other industry sectors
as we move forward in the state.
So Madame President, I hope that the amendment is adopted.
And I hope that when a vote is taken on this matter,
it be taken by a call of the ayes and nays.
The senator from Essex and Middlesex
has asked that when a vote is taken,
it be taken by a call of the ayes and nays.
Those members joining with him, please rise and be counted.
Sufficient number.
Sufficient number having arisen, the ayes and nays
will be ordered.
Brief recess.
Senate will be in session.
If there is no objection, this matter
will be temporarily laid aside.
Next issue is one matter comes before the Senate
for its final passage.
An act relative to standards of employee safety, Senate bill
printed as House number 3952 as amended.
The question comes on passing the bill to be enacted.
The senator from-- the Senator from First Plymouth
and Bristol, Mr. Pacheco, recognized.
Thank you very much, Madame President, and through
you to the membership.
I stand in favor of having this bill adopted today.
This bill, the so-called OSHA bill,
is a bill which has provided baseline,
you know, protections for workers in the Commonwealth
or throughout the country.
But here in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
there are some 90,000 full time equivalent state workers
and approximately 250,000 full time equivalent municipal
workers that are not currently covered under--
what we know as federal OSHA standards.
The bill also creates a municipal Occupational Health
and Safety Hazard subcommittee to evaluate injury and illness
data.
It recommends training and implementation and safety
health measures so that we can have these additional measures,
which are necessary to protect the safety
and health of employees.
Madame President, the bill that is
before us will protect our employees
and will also help to make sure that we
are fiscally responsible here in the Commonwealth.
Because there's great risk when we
don't have these proper protections put in place.
So I urge that when a vote is taken
on this bill it be taken by a call of the ayes and nays.
Pacheco moves that when a vote on this matter be taken,
it be taken by a call of ayes and nays.
The clerk will call the role.
All those-- is there objection?
Those members standing with him, please rise.
Seeing none.
No?
Sufficient number having arisen, the ayes and nays
will be called.
Sufficient number having risen, the ayes and nays
will be called.
The clerk will call the roll--
call the President.
Harriette L. Chandler.
Yes.
Michael J. Barrett.
Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Michael D Brady.
Yes.
William N. Brownsberger.
Sonya Chang Diaz Cynthia Stone Cream.
Yes.
Julian Seer.
Veriato M. deMacedo
Yes.
Sal N. DiDomenico.
Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
James B. Eldridge.
Ryan C. Fattman.
Yes.
Paul R. Feeney.
Yes.
Cindy F Friedman.
Ann M. Gobi.
Yes.
Adam G. Heinz.
Donald F. Hummerson Jr.
Yes.
Patricia D. Jalen.
John F. Keenan.
Yes.
Eric P. Lesser.
Yes.
Jason M. Lewis.
Yes.
Barbara A. L'Italien.
Yes.
Joan B Lovely.
Yes.
Mark C. Montigny.
Yes.
Michael O. Moore.
Yes.
Patrick M. O'Connor.
Yes.
Kathleen O'Connor-Ives.
Yes.
Mark R. Pacheco.
Yes.
Michael J. Rodricks.
Yes.
Stanley C. Rosenberg.
Yes.
Richard J Ross.
Yes.
Michael F. Rush.
Yes.
Karen E. Spilka.
Yes.
Bruce E. Tarr.
Yes.
Walter F. Timilty.
Yes.
Dean A. Tran.
Yes.
James T. Welch.
[INAUDIBLE]
In the islands, Mr. Seer.
[INAUDIBLE]
The senator--
Julian Seer votes yes.
The senator from Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin,
and Hamden, Mr. Hinds.
[INAUDIBLE]
Adam G. Hinds votes yes.
The senator from Suffolk and Norfolk, Mr. Rush.
He voted.
He voted?
The senator from Middlesex and Worcester, Mr. Eldridge.
[INAUDIBLE]
James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
The senator from Hamden, Mr. Welsh.
[INAUDIBLE]
James T. Welch votes yes.
The senator from Second Suffix and Middlesex, Mr.
Brownsberger.
William N. Brownsberger votes yes.
The senator from Second Suffolk and--
Second Suffolk, Ms. Chang-Diaz.
[INAUDIBLE]
Sonya Chang-Diaz votes yes.
The senator for First Hamden and Hampshire, Mr. Lesser.
[INAUDIBLE]
The senator from Hampshire, Franklin, and Worcester,
Mr. Rosenberg.
Have you-- you've already voted?
The senator from Middlesex and Suffolk, Mr. DiDomenico.
[INAUDIBLE]
Sal N. DiDomenico votes yes.
It's very hard to hear him.
The senator from the First Middlesex, Ms. Donaghue.
The senator from Second Middlesex, Ms. Jalen.
[INAUDIBLE]
Patricia D. Jalen votes yes.
Have all senators been reported?
On this matter, 36 senators have voted in the affirmative,
none in the negative.
More than 2/3 of the members having
voted in the affirmative, the bill is passed to be enacted.
It will be signed by President and laid before the governor
for his approbation.
Report of a committee.
The Committee on Ways and Means to whom
is referred the Senate bill relative to social media
privacy protections, Senate number 991.
Reports recommend the same ought to pass
with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title,
Senate number 2320, Karen E. Spilka for the Committee.
The senator from Middlesex and Norfolk, Ms. Spilka,
has presented an order which the clerk will read.
Order that not withstanding Senate rule seven,
or any other rule to the contrary, the Senate bill
relative to social media privacy protection, Senate number 991.
The Committee on Ways and Means having recommended the bill be
amended by substituting a new draft, Senate number 2320,
shall be placed in [INAUDIBLE] day
for a second reading on Thursday, March 8th, 2018.
All the members shall be filed electronically
in the Office of the Clerk of the Senate
by 5:00 PM on Monday, March 5th, 2018.
All such amendments shall be second reading amendments
to Senate number 2320.
But further amendments in the third degree to such amendments
shall be in order.
The clerk shall further specify the procedure and format
for filing all amendments consistent with this order .
After the bill is amended it is ordered to a third reading.
It shall immediately be read a third time.
The question should then immediately
be on passing it to be engrossed.
And no amendment shall be in order.
And the third reading of the bill unless
recommended by the Committee on bills in the third reading.
[INAUDIBLE] refer to the Committee on rules.
Report of a committee.
The committee on rules to whom is referred Senate order
reports recommend the same ought to be adopted.
Mark C. Montigny for the committee.
The senator for Plymouth and Norfolk, Mr. O'Connor,
moves that the rules be suspended so that the matter
may be considered forthwith.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the rules are suspended.
The question now comes on adoption of the order.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the order is adopted.
Report of a committee.
The committee on rules to whom is referred the House
bill relative to veterans housing in the town of Agawam,
printed as Senate number 2014 amended,
reports that the man replacing the order of day
for next session, Mark C. Martigny for the committee.
The-- the senator from Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth,
Mr. Timilty asked unanimous consent
that the rules be suspended to allow the matter
to be considered forthwith.
Is there an objection?
Chair hears none.
The question now comes on ordering the bill
to a third reading.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the bill is ordered to a third reading.
Third reading of the bill.
An act--
We can't hear.
Will you please subdue your conversations?
An act relative to veterans housing in the city
known as the town of Agawam, put to the Senate number 2014
amended.
The bill has been read a third time.
The question now comes on passing the bill
to be engrossed.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the bill is passed to be engrossed.
Brief recess.
Attention!
We are very-- senate will be in session.
We have a birthday to celebrate.
May I ask you to honor our--
our friend Paul Dooley whose birthday it is today.
Paul?
Where is he?
Your face is getting a little red, Mr. Dooley.
Brief recess.
Senate will be in session.
Returning to the item previously laid aside,
Mass Made program, item number two.
Several amendments have been filed,
which will be considered at this time.
Amendment number two, filed by Mr.--
by the senator from Essex and Middlesex,
Mr. Tarr, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number two by Mr. Tarr, Mass Made Business
having been redrafted.
This-- the chair recognizes the senator
from Essex and Middlesex.
Thank you, Madame President.
I am never one to overlook the sage advice of the gentle lady
from Lowell, or the distinguished Chairman
of the Committee on Ways and Means.
And following an extremely enlightened conversation
about this amendment, I believe we
have strengthened it together.
And it now reflects the product of that conversation.
I hope the amendment is adopted.
The question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the amendment is adopted.
And amendment number three by the same senator
from Essex and Middlesex, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number three by Mr. Tarr, Exchange of Information.
The senator from Middlesex and Essex, Mr. Tarr.
Thank you, Madame President and through you to the members.
And for the edification of the members,
this is also an amendment which reflects the learned counsel
of the folks who have been involved
with this bill, the gentle lady from Lowell
and the gentle lady from Ashland.
Madame President, we know that we live in an era
where the exchange of information by electronic means
is more important than it ever has been before.
This particular amendment would require the Mass Office
of Business Development to examine
the feasibility of establishing an electronic platform
for the exchange of information by and from
and for Massachusetts businesses.
So Madame President, I think this hopefully
will yield some information that will
be critical in helping us to move
to the next level of support for these businesses.
And I hope the amendment is adopted.
The question now comes on adoption
of the amendment as redrafted.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the amendment is redrafted.
Now we turn to number four offered
by the senator from Middlesex and Norfolk,
Ms. Spilka, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number four by Ms. Spilka, Corrective Amendment.
The senator from Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr.
Madame President, move the Senate be in a brief recess.
The Senate will be in a brief recess.
Question number four.
The question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
The amendment is adopted.
The question now comes on ordering the bill
to a third reading as amended.
Isn't this a roll call?
Yes.
You have to read it.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the bill is ordered to a third reading.
Third reading of the bill.
An act establishing the Mass Made program,
Senate number 178 amended.
The bill has been read a third time.
The question now comes on passing the bill
to be engrossed.
A roll call has been ordered.
Those members-- no.
The chair will be in receipt of--
no.
The clerk will call the roll.
Michael J Barrett.
Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Michael D Brady.
Yes.
William N. Brownsberger.
Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Cynthis Stone-Cream.
Yes.
Julian Seer.
Yes.
Viriato M. deMacedo.
Yes.
Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Eileen M. Donaghue.
Yes.
James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Ryan C. Fattman.
Yes.
Paul R. Feeney.
Yes.
Cynthia Friedman.
Ann M. Gobi.
Yes.
Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Donald M. Hummerson Jr.
Yes.
Patricia D. Jalen.
Yes.
John F. Keenan.
Yes.
Eric P. Lesser.
Yes.
Jason M. Lewis.
Yes.
Barbara A. L'Italien.
Yes.
Joan B. Lovely.
Yes.
Mark C. Montigny.
Yes.
Michael O. Moore.
Yes.
Patrick M O'Connor.
Yes.
Kathleen O'Connor-Ives.
Yes.
Mark R. Pacheco.
Yes.
Michael J. Rodricks.
Yes.
Stanley C. Rosenberg.
Yes.
Richard J. Ross.
Yes.
Michael F. Rush.
Yes.
Karen E. Spilka.
Yes.
Bruce E. Tarr.
Yes.
Walter F. Timilty.
Yes.
Dean A. Tran.
Yes.
And James T. Welch.
[INAUDIBLE]
The senator from Second Norfolk--
Second Suffolk and Middlesex, Mr. Brownsberger.
Thank you, Madame President.
[INAUDIBLE]
William N. Brownsberger votes yes.
Have all members been reported?
Harriet L. Chandler
Yes.
The senator from Hamden, Mr. Welch.
Thank you, Madame President.
[INAUDIBLE]
James T. Welch votes yes.
On this matter, 36 having voted in the affirmative, none
in the negative, the bill is passed to be engrossed.
The senator from Hampshire, Franklin, and Worcester,
Mr. Rosenberg.
The senator from Hamden and Hampshire, Mr. Hummison.
The senator from Hamden and Hampshire and Middlesex, Ms.
Gobi.
And the senator from Berkshire, Hamden, Hampshire,
and Franklin, Mr. Hinds move that when
the Senate adjourn today it do so
in memory of Representative Peter Cocotte.
Representative Peter Cocotte of Florence
passed away peacefully on February 22, at the age of 61
after a brief illness.
His wife Charlene and sons, Jake and Luke,
were by his side, as were his four devoted siblings.
Peter was raised on Chestnut Street in Florence
and graduated from Northampton high school in 1974.
He participated in both football and track and field there.
He still holds the Northampton high school discus record
and he was a member of the 1974 Western Massachusetts
outdoor track and field championship team.
After graduating from Brown in 1978,
Peter returned to North Hampton and began
working for Representative Bill Nagle,
serving as his Chief of Staff for more than 20 years.
He succeeded Representative Nagle
through a special election in 2002
and rose to be the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Health
Care Finance.
He was held in very high esteem by his colleagues
at the state house, and by the people in his district.
Peter had a number of signature accomplishments
during his tenure.
But he was especially proud to have voted for same sex
marriage rights at the 2004 Constitutional Convention,
to have shepherded the Ethics Reform bill in 2009
as Chair of the House Ethics Committee,
and in 2015 his leadership role in reforming and modernizing
the Commonwealth's public records laws.
Peter's commitment to his constituents was unwavering
and he felt it was an honor and a privilege
to do the people's work.
He was a very grateful person to the voters of the First
Hampshire district for their loyal support over the past 16
years, Peter leaves his wife of 29 years,
Charlene O'Donnell Cocotte of Florence,
and his sons Jake of Boston and Luke of Northhampton,
as well as brothers Paul and Joseph, sisters Mary Leanna
and Cathy Johnson and their families.
All those in favor, say aye.
Aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the motion prevails.
We will have a moment of silence in his memory.
The senator from First Essex, Ms. O'Connor Ives,
offers an order which the clerk will read.
Order that when the Senate adjourns today
it adjourn to meet again on Monday next, at 11:00 AM.
The clerk be directed to dispense with the printing
of a calendar.
Question comes on adoption of the order.
Is there an objection?
The chair hears none.
And the order is adopted.
Senate stands in recess.
No?
This-- excuse me.
The senate-- the senator from Second Hamden and Hampshire,
Mr. Hummison, moves that the Senate do now adjourn.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it. and the Senate stands
adjourned to meet again on Monday next, at 11 o'clock.
And we have adjourned in memory of Representative Cocotte.
And we will meet again on Monday next at 11:00 AM.