legislature

BOSTON (AP) — Legislation that could make hydro and wind power a bigger part of the state's energy mix has overwhelmingly passed the Massachusetts House. The bill approved Wednesday on a 154-1 vote would require utilities to solicit long-term contracts for importing an additional 1,200 megawatts each of Canadian hydroelectricity and offshore wind...

The Massachusetts Legislature is one step closer to taxing the rich to fund the state. Wednesday's Joint Constitutional Convention had legislators voting 135-57 in favor of enacting a 4% surtax on Massachusetts residents earning more than $1 million a year...

BOSTON (AP) _ Lawmakers might need more time to reach a final compromise on a bill that would ban discrimination against transgender people in public accommodations. Senate President Stan Rosenberg said Tuesday that it's unlikely senators will vote to add language that would allow legal action against anyone who makes an ``improper'' claim of gender identity...

BOSTON (AP) _ A move to raise the minimum age for purchasing cigarettes and other tobacco products across Massachusetts is gathering steam on Beacon Hill. The Legislature's Public Health Committee on Thursday unveiled a bill that would raise from 18 to 21 the minimum age for the purchase of tobacco products...

The state's child welfare agency says 10 employees have been fired after failing to comply with a new state law that they obtain social work licenses. The Boston Globe reports that the workers will be allowed to apply for lower-level positions in the Department of Children and Families that do not require licenses...

The Massachusetts Nurses Association wants you to know how your local hospital is spending patient and taxpayer money. The MNA will testify at a hearing before the Massachusetts Health Care Financing Committee Wednesday, supporting a bill that would bring greater financial transparency to the hospital industry...

BOSTON (AP) _ Early education advocates are pushing a bill they say will help close a persistent achievement gap in schools and make sure more Massachusetts children can attend pre-kindergarten programs. Test scores have shown that white and Asian students typically score higher than black and Hispanic students...

A bill has been referred to the State Legislature's Joint Committee on the Judiciary that would make it legal for adults for grow marijuana and license stores that would then be able to sell it.

Town meeting moderators have been given broader powers to postpone the gatherings because of severe weather or other public safety emergencies.

The Democratic-controlled state Legislature is beginning a new two-year session, one day before a new Republican governor, Charlie Baker, takes office on Beacon Hill.