All-nighter leads to legislative hangover for Mass. lawmakers
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After their all-night final legislative session of the year stretched into breakfast, Democratic lawmakers finalized only a few key bills, leaving the future of clean energy, hospital oversight and the economy in limbo.
Why it matters: Even though the General Court is completely controlled by Democrats, leaders' failure to come to terms with each other leaves them scrambling to pass components of major bills piecemeal this fall.
State of play: House Speaker Ron Mariano expressed hope Thursday that portions of a massive economic development bill could be salvaged during informal sessions, when any single lawmaker could halt the process.
- That includes authorization to build a soccer stadium for the New England Revolution in Everett.
- But lawmakers can't take roll call votes until January, so most anything to do with money, land or borrowing can't be completed until next year.
What they're saying: "The book should not be closed on this bill. It is too important," Gov. Maura Healey said in a statement on the economic development bill.
The legislative lapse meant bills to oversee hospital management and prescription drug prices will also stay alive, but on life support, for the remainder of the year.
An energy procurement bill meant to add more renewable power to the state's grid, boost clean energy projects and update EV charging rules flamed out completely after negotiators wouldn't budge on their chamber's policy preferences.
- House and Senate leaders agree: Clean energy is a must-do issue before 2025. And the other chamber is to blame for the collapse of talks.
Yes, but: Democrats managed to find common ground on a major housing production bill before gaveling out near 10am Thursday.
- They needed to get it done not only because it's Healey's top priority, but because they've lost the ability to vote to borrow money until January.
What's next: A breezy summer vacation for most House and Senate members before only a small few of them face reelection challengers.
- Top Democratic leaders will try to make progress and cut deals that can be passed without full votes.
- If they still can't get along, the whole two-year process starts again in January.