High-profile bills remain in play as clock counts down on Massachusetts legislative session

Several high-profile bills remain in play as the clock counts down the end of the legislative session, as lawmakers prepare to override a vetoed abortion rights bill and Gov. Charlie Baker is expected to sign a landmark police reform bill this week.

Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo is also widely expected to step down ahead of the close of the legislative session, paving the way for Majority Leader Ron Mariano to take charge. DeLeo earlier this month announced he was entering into negotiations on a prospective job with his alma mater, Northeastern University.

Baker is getting ready to sign a landmark policing reform bill that lawmakers returned to his desk last week after agreeing to compromise language allowing use of facial recognition technology and allowing police to retain control over training standards. The Republican governor has already committed to signing the bill.

The compromise health care bill that expands telehealth access and coverage for COVID-19 testing and treatment, and includes changes to prevent surprise medical bills is also on his desk.

A bill expanding abortion rights vetoed by the governor last week is headed for an override fight.

Other unfinished business in the Legislature includes final versions on climate change, economic development and transportation spending. If lawmakers fail to reach an agreement, they would need to start from scratch in the 2021-2022 session.

Both branches have formal sessions on Monday, with additional sessions likely later in the week.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3rz8DDC