Massachusetts legislators had a productive 2023, highlighted by Governor Healey’s first year in office. They returned to Beacon Street in January seeking to enact another annual budget, continue work on priorities carried over from last year, and bolster their resumes ahead of Election Day. Heading into session, lawmakers seemed intent on addressing affordability generally, with a special focus on housing, healthcare, childcare, and education. Sen. Karen Spilka, the President of the State Senate, also cited gun law reforms as a priority in 2024.
Reliable Democratic supermajorities in both chambers usually ensures Democratic leaders are able to progress on their highest priorities. Unlike in other states, where partisan opposition can block a bill from becoming law, legislative priorities are often determined by intra-party debate in Massachusetts. How these unique dynamics play out is always interesting to watch, especially with a first-term Governor and in an election year.
In the short-term, Massachusetts’s 2024 formal sessions are likely to be remembered for a frenetic final push. Legislators worked well past their July 31st deadline, and many proposals were unable to make it past the finish line. In this report, we detail the key outcomes from the final year of the 193rd legislature. The data presented in this report is accurate as of August 1, 2024.
The Makeup of the Massachusetts Legislature
The Massachusetts General Court is the home of the largest Senate Democratic majority, tied with Hawaii. The House also has the third largest Democratic majority, trailing Hawaii and Rhode Island. These massive Democratic majorities have remained stable for decades — Republicans haven’t held more than 25% of seats in either chamber in over 30 years.
Key Session Data
Lawmakers introduced nearly 7,500 bills across the two years of the 193rd General Court. In 2024 alone, they introduced over 1,000 new bills and continued action on another 2,000 carried over from 2023.
After 89 bills became law in 2023, 139 have already become law in 2024. Governor Healey will soon act on a series of bills passed at the very end of session. Her action will likely bring the total number of new laws passed from the 2023-2024 session closer to 250.
What’s Next for the Massachusetts Legislature?
The Massachusetts General Court finally adjourned on August 1st, a day after their July 31st deadline. Attention will now turn towards the Governor’s office as she takes action on the bills passed as legislators wrapped up their work. Once she’s done, the full picture of the new laws from the 193rd legislature will be settled. While informal sessions will continue through the end of the year, it’s unlikely that significant actions will be taken, especially with many legislators out on the campaign trail.
All 200 seats in the General Court, 40 in the Senate and 160 in the House, are up for election this November. The state’s September primary means that the full picture of these races is not yet clear. But with many incumbents returning, Democrats will likely retain their massive majority.
Voters will also weigh in on five ballot questions with implications on 2025’s legislative work. In brief, these questions relate to:
- Allowing the State Auditor to audit the Legislature.
- Eliminating testing for high school graduation requirements.
- Allowing ride-share drivers to unionize.
- Legalization of “natural psychedelics” including psilocybin mushrooms.
- Increasing the minimum wage for tipped workers.
It’s difficult to predict what the top priorities for lawmakers will be when they begin the 194th legislature next January. However, we expect efforts to address cost of living and affordability to remain central to their agenda. Other events, including the results of state and national elections this November, are certain to inform next year’s legislative work.
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