When state lawmakers return from a six-week recess in early 2010 they will face a bevy of proposed bills that were left on the table as the holidays arrived.
Several more measures rest on Gov. Deval Patrick’s desk with a looming deadline for action, including the House version of the 2010 supplemental budget.
Among the measures which may see movement in January:
- Gambling in Massachusetts has been a hot topic during Patrick’s tenure. While some proposals have been made others await an agreement on a solid framework from Patrick, Senate President Therese Murray and House Speaker Robert DeLeo.
- Patrick has also taken aim at pension re-form in the wake of an embarrassing string of ethics violations among elected officials. The governor has hinted he may soon offer his own proposal.
- There is finally momentum to enact a comprehensive bill on bullying, for years left on the legislative floor. Thirty-seven other states have laws, which require schools to report bullying incidents.
- Mixed martial arts is close to finding a permanent home in the Bay State. While not illegal at the time, supporters of a bill which would sanction this sport with huge dollar potential.
- A bill requiring drivers over the age of 75 to be re-tested, stalled just before the break. The measure, which gained support after a spate of accidents involving elderly drivers, has suffered due to contention over the exact age requirement.
