February Update from Representative Jen Benson

February was a short month, but we still got a lot done at the State House and in the district. The House passed a number of important bills, I testified on behalf of one of my legislative priorities, and attended meetings and events in Boston and throughout the district.

This month, the House passed bills updating our organ donor laws, providing courts with more access to forensic evidence, permitting solar arrays on capped landfills, promoting supportive community housing, and modernizing our government and finance administration.

As a cosponsor of the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, I was happy to see the bill signed into law this month. This legislation clarifies the state’s current organ donation law by prioritizing the power of attorney and allowing family members to make donation decisions as a group, bringing Massachusetts in line with federal law. Additionally, the legislation supports both the Organ and Tissue Donor Registration Fund, and the Department of Public Health’s Advisory Council, groups working to increase awareness and help people register as donors. I encourage you all to look at the organ donor information included by the RMV the next time you renew your license or registration.

The House also passed a bill aimed at preventing the wrongful conviction of innocent parties. The legislation establishes a process for persons convicted of a crime, adjudicated delinquents, or those who pled guilty or no contest, to file a motion with a court requesting forensic or scientific analysis of evidence that could prove their innocence. In filing a motion, defendants must demonstrate that the test results would be admissible in court, describe the evidence to be analyzed, provide information as to how the test results would be material to the case, and show why the evidence has not already been tested. This bill protects victims, while still giving convicted persons the opportunity to access the forensic evidence needed to prove their innocence.

Under another bill passed this month in the House, cities and towns will have the option of building renewable energy projects on capped landfills. Previously, some cities and towns receiving state funding could only use the landfills for recreational purposes. This legislation adds renewable energy as an acceptable use under the existing deed restrictions, providing cities and towns with more options for renewable energy projects.

Providing safe, affordable housing with supportive services is critical to helping thousands of our lowest income residents. Legislation passed this month requires the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, among other agencies, to enter into a community housing and services memorandum of understanding (MOU). The MOU would include an action plan to coordinate the procurement and availability of community-based supportive services and subsidies for new and existing housing for residents with very low incomes.

Finally, I joined my colleagues in the House in passing legislation aimed at improving and modernizing the Commonwealth’s government and finance administration. This legislation expands the oversight of the Treasurer and the Secretary of Administration and Finance, creates a new State Finance and Governance Board, and requires the monitoring of future trends in the budget planning process. This is another bill in a long line of reform bills passed in the last two sessions.

This month, one of the bills I filed was heard by the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. An Act Pertaining to Green Energy Career Development creates a solar specialty contractor classification, registration, or license. The license will be required to receive a building permit for any solar installation.  These installations require multiple tradespersons with specialized knowledge. Creating a solar specialty contractor license will ensure that our burgeoning solar projects are installed by appropriately trained and experienced tradespersons with the proper coordination and oversight. I was joined by a number of supporters from the Solar Energy Business Association of New England, and a number of small solar contractors across the Commonwealth. This is an important piece of legislation that will help our solar industry continue to grow and I look forward to working with the Chairmen on the joint committee.  

This month, I started visiting all of the fire departments in the district. I’ve met with the Fire Chiefs in Acton, Boxborough, Lunenburg, and Shirley to learn more about their departments and their legislative and budget priorities. I enjoyed touring their facilities, and look forward to addressing their concerns.

I also had the opportunity to speak to a Lunenburg High School AP Government class about my role as a State Representative. The students asked insightful questions and I was thrilled to see how engaged they are with the political process. I encourage people of all ages to stay informed about their local, state, and federal governments, even if they can’t yet vote.

I’ve been hearing from a number of constituents regarding Governor Patrick’s proposal to merge the oversight and administration of the state’s community colleges. I have heard from community college presidents, students, faculty, and board members, about their concerns. This month, I met with a local business owner and board member at Mount Wachusett Community College. We discussed the proposal and how it might impact MWCC and other community colleges. I look forward to addressing this issue if it comes before the House this session.

The State House is always busy with events, meetings, and briefings. This month, I attended a number of caucus meetings including one for higher education as well as the annual meeting for the legislature’s Women’s Caucus. At these bipartisan meetings, we discuss legislative and budget priorities and how to work together to advance our agenda. 

I also joined my colleagues in the Women’s Caucus in celebrating the annual Go Red for Women Day. This event aims to increase awareness of heart disease, the number one killer of women in the United States. The American Heart Association encourages women to understand the history of heart disease in their family, adopt or continue health eating habits, and exercise frequently. The State House is constantly hosting events and lobby days on a variety of issues, and I encourage you to attend any events hosted by organizations you belong to or support.