Robert DeLeo

BOSTON (AP) _ Massachusetts lawmakers are trying to hash out details of legislation intended to make major changes to the state's criminal justice system. Democratic leaders in the Senate have already floated a wide-ranging bill. Besides eliminating mandatory minimum sentences for some drug offenses while increasing penalties for others, the proposal calls for a reduction in court fees charged to

For a second consecutive year Massachusetts lawmakers may deny consumers a chance to shop without paying the state's 6.25 percent sales tax.

Relief is not likely for Massachusetts taxpayers as the Senate prepares to debate it's version of a $40 billion dollar budget for the next fiscal year on Tuesday.  The Senate seeks some $400 million dollars in new taxes and fees.   New revenue would come from private room rentals and perhaps new taxes on services...

(Associated Press) - Mass. Republican Gov. Charlie Baker is prodding state lawmakers to agree on a final version of a wide-ranging bill designed to address the state's deadly opioid addiction crisis.   Baker told reporters on Wednesday that the ``clock is ticking'' and that every day that goes by another four people die in Massachusetts from opioid-related overdoses. ...

Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo plans to ask the Department of Children and Families for an update on their policies following the death of 2-year-old Bella Bond, which he said exposed ``broader failures within the system.'' DeLeo said he wants DCF to give House lawmakers details on actions they've taken since the 2013 case of Jeremiah Oliver, a 5-year-old Fitchburg boy who went missing f

House Speaker Robert DeLeo is planning to run for another term as head of the Massachusetts House. A spokesman for the Winthrop Democrat confirmed that DeLeo will seek reelection to the House next year and will also seek another term as speaker...

Prospects for another sales tax holiday in Massachusetts are looking up. House Speaker Robert DeLeo said Monday that he expects lawmakers to act ``relatively soon'' on a bill that would suspend the state's 6.25 percent sales tax for one weekend during the summer...

Organizers of Boston's effort to host the 2024 Olympics are revealing some of the early plans for the Boston bid. Most of the venues would be in a six mile area. The co-chair of Boston 2024's planning committee tells reporters, organizers hope to have "the most walkable games in modern times...

UPUDATE:  Republican Gov.-elect Charlie Baker and Democratic legislative leaders are promising to work together to address the state's most pressing issues despite their political differences. Following private meetings at the Statehouse on Monday morning, legislative leaders praised the governor-elect as ready to hit the ground running on fiscal and other issues...

Massachusetts lawmakers are hoping to spend as much as $40 million to upgrade the House and Senate chambers at the Statehouse. House Speaker Robert DeLeo says he's seeking up to $20 million for repairs to the 160-seat House chambers, including what he called wiring and flooring issues...