[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6229239,"mediaKeyId","3464411-7eee0397b5061c40b55c7cc225992f4d","parentId",3464411,"title","Senate rejects amendment to require hotel and shelter worker training on human trafficking","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",5638000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3464411-7eee0397b5061c40b55c7cc225992f4d&start=5638&end=5638","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3464411-7eee0397b5061c40b55c7cc225992f4d/thumbnail_5638000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6229239/Massachusetts/Senate-rejects-amendment-to-require-hotel-and-shelter-worker-training-on-human-trafficking","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6229239-c3b72c76ebbba98f8af6fdad3e520a20/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137193&Signature=caw-4M1DUALLeiNQpvOBkKeEIgxpRTroBPx9rFKNcdWSqCGU25h1Z3hccofxN6565MopEc-gj9BIqsjO5xaot6jdegIKi4I12B0n8Z59wNkWCCbe1GgZWHuzs-kJbZoIUUzG5sag6jcwC4VvGSX79V6nN24in54wO6DWxYEJzGSpwtMuDd-PFKkPT4~wNjLwhWoTyRv0ab35jYbJNGKh1KD3FLxVvnsBhltQ67J1X9HN0EtH3Khuonoubrz4PzlVemcxp9rV2V-P9uj4rodseQFoOET-BB64vVVnrQxIK3e1UGHJ7s-HIjusnK6IO8KQbRYWt~6PMssHUbslh9Kguw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Massachusetts Legislature","date","2025-05-22T00:00:00Z","article","The Senate debated and ultimately rejected an amendment that would have required training for hotel and certain shelter staff to identify and report suspected human trafficking.

Senator Mark C. Montigny offered amendment number 924, which would require establishment of training protocols for hotel workers and emergency shelter staff, with the Attorney General convening stakeholders and approving training content. Montigny framed the measure as a narrow, front‑line step after years of unsuccessful attempts to enact broader trafficking reforms: “All it does is say that hotel workers will be trained, that the attorney general will approve it, and that these establishments will ensure that it actually helps catch the trafficker,” he said.

Opponents raised implementation concerns, particularly about imposing a broad training mandate on potentially tens of thousands of workers without consultation on logistics, labor schedules and collective bargaining. Senator Roberts urged colleagues to vote no, citing the need for “extensive discussions with our friends in Local 26, the labor unions that represent the employees,” and the operational burden on employers and workers.

Supporters, including Senator Mike Hedley and others, said the proposal had been developed with advocates and that there was broad stakeholder support, including from hotel managers; Hedley said the proposal “gives the bill does not prescribe the details. It says the attorney general shall work with them to develop a plan.” Several senators noted frustration that comprehensive trafficking reforms have been studied for years without full implementation and argued that front‑line training could save lives.

The clerk called the roll after floor debate. The clerk announced 12 members in the affirmative and 28 in the negative; the amendment was not adopted. Senators on both sides said they would continue to pursue broader trafficking reforms and survivor services in other vehicles.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Session of May 22, 2025 (Part 1)","oneSentenceSummary","An amendment to require training for hotel and emergency shelter workers to recognize and report human trafficking was debated at length but failed on a roll call; proponents said the measure is a long‑overdue front‑line tool, while opponents raised implementation and labor concerns.","taxTitle","Senate, Legislative, Massachusetts","taxId",23888,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_46":81,"_48":82,"_50":83,"_52":84,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":85,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":86,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6229244,"Senate creates trust within DCR for Castle Island and Old Harbor Reservation",400,3643000,4043000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3464411-7eee0397b5061c40b55c7cc225992f4d&start=3643&end=4043","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3464411-7eee0397b5061c40b55c7cc225992f4d/thumbnail_3643000.jpg","/articles/6229244/Massachusetts/Senate-creates-trust-within-DCR-for-Castle-Island-and-Old-Harbor-Reservation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6229244-4ba65069cfe6a2c80b31a88c55277ab8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137193&Signature=m0GJ-KvQGS~Qiw6MLM1cpBxneu-Uj~3jTf444FuvilWF9XWuDXHegA3enTDxvtJfGzYpp9u1lyrxIjeW5J-K3kLwVTSbrIaC-GUaJzjXqA9-PZPVVR-rmARHYyLzPcQDU7t3P12kElB2iguwQhaRjN2Cy79oBHUf2YSNIAreBqTBswyLXyCsGNGji2VYI9bFdS~HAFqQVccT-AH~5cfhTacagiiNaybrhIS70CLKhiz0DnNYJSkpIfL2YxCDErzx17R~4fkadDxhd5rp9HRyxPiSmzIFRivXqBGelFgIc4q4-PuHTLcUu0YuzII2QOcPhXDgUqYiKk-8rPpwX9TQ1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate voted to establish a trust within the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to support infrastructure and safety needs at Castle Island and the Old Harbor Reservation.

Senator Nick Collins offered the amendment to transfer administration of an existing Castle Island Marine Park trust — which the senator said currently holds $250,000 under the comptroller — into DCR so the agency can manage and spend the funds for maintenance and safety in the Old Harbor Reservation district.

Collins said Castle Island, a historical site on the State and National Registers, is one of the Commonwealth’s most visited locations and that the amendment would provide “sustainable funding to support the infrastructure, safety needs out at Castle Island and in the Old Harbor District.” He asked for a roll call vote, which was ordered.

Senator Michael J. Barrett and many colleagues participated in a roll call. The clerk announced 39 members recorded in the affirmative and the amendment was adopted. Senator Collins told colleagues the amendment does not increase the budget’s bottom line; it moves existing funds into DCR’s portfolio to allow expenditures from within the agency.

The amendment passed by recorded vote and will be reflected in the Senate journal; supporters said it preserves historic resources and allows DCR to manage trust funds for maintenance and programming at Castle Island and the Old Harbor Reservation.","An amendment to establish a Castle Island Marine Park trust within the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) portfolio was adopted by roll call; sponsor said the change allows DCR to expend existing trust funds held by the comptroller.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_46":93,"_48":94,"_50":95,"_52":96,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":97,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":98,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6229248,"Senator O'Connor proposes raising special‑education circuit breaker to 80%; amendment withdrawn",369,860000,1229000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3464411-7eee0397b5061c40b55c7cc225992f4d&start=860&end=1229","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3464411-7eee0397b5061c40b55c7cc225992f4d/thumbnail_860000.jpg","/articles/6229248/Massachusetts/Senator-OConnor-proposes-raising-specialeducation-circuit-breaker-to-80-amendment-withdrawn","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6229248-3dc02a96122a178d96d674488b5a4807/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137193&Signature=DA2jgxougKybbdUPx0DyqMA1HtvhjkE98Irms840RfjVue9wtZ-r8SXTMZgNdyMBtLBkso6ARBOCg70yD-mbaRYP1hvC4hdPVOZvuQBhm-qCUypZPgUNGaVN~YqJ2-e4HLsEQUDeoOexEt41XoZaQMoPPb3-vr6EIaqL4TQE4trVclaHupFgRaD0bIwgYY7-o38TaUhfyBBnf4KLJHO6PpD~fZmVFsiVaSPT4uGYKsTulb9e5YFVc~W61lG9hftEKEIvBgF~RUkS~Q3RMTMh0COcr4UyWMDugKIoZchD~YmJAkCfJwM-0YH7KgFUTsbjFM7t4pNCbyoN~c4UCyLStg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Patrick M. O'Connor proposed an amendment to raise the special‑education circuit breaker reimbursement rate from 75% to 80% during the Senate’s budget debate, then withdrew it while emphasizing the need for sustained action on municipal school aid.

O'Connor said municipalities across the Commonwealth are facing a “catastrophe” in municipal finance caused in part by rising health insurance costs and unfunded pension liabilities, arguing that increasing the circuit breaker would provide targeted relief to school districts.

“...we need to give more buckets to our communities as far as relief goes,” O'Connor said on the floor, adding that a 5‑percentage‑point increase to 80% would provide a meaningful lifeline without being a budget buster. Several senators — including Bruce E. Tarr, Mark C. Montigny and James B. Eldridge — echoed concern about municipal finance and urged broader consideration of the foundation budget, Proposition 2½ and funding obligations under Chapter 70.

O'Connor ultimately asked unanimous consent to withdraw the amendment; it was withdrawn. Senators who spoke afterward urged continued focus on state obligations to K‑12 districts and said the budget debate should include steps to address school funding gaps.

No vote occurred because the sponsor withdrew the amendment; the discussion continued on the Senate floor as senators pressed for further action on municipal relief and school finance.","Senator Patrick M. O'Connor proposed increasing the special‑education circuit breaker reimbursement from 75% to 80% to alleviate municipal school district budget pressures; he withdrew the amendment but several senators urged continued debate on school funding and foundation budget obligations.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_46":105,"_48":106,"_50":107,"_52":108,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":109,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":110,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6229253,"Senator Friedman withdraws amendment to require commercial insurers to match MassHealth rates for community health centers",158,502000,660000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3464411-7eee0397b5061c40b55c7cc225992f4d&start=502&end=660","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3464411-7eee0397b5061c40b55c7cc225992f4d/thumbnail_502000.jpg","/articles/6229253/Massachusetts/Senator-Friedman-withdraws-amendment-to-require-commercial-insurers-to-match-MassHealth-rates-for-community-health-centers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6229253-2b84166523ce5b12136d23cf20b17f7d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137193&Signature=V~EZ-fQoEQAAPPwQEsPGXg4wZs0QTcgXnGFXbNq3Ggm8FuB9M-SmTnhEiw3J3-r5S3CBlc1HpFqnUoxx7TJHetOz5sgYWroiJw6JhzgiAzu7hMsFXhvrAoCfY9D2WjHwc7DjMi1-7rxKKylZiRxwmJ0gp7K6irWl2UN6swyhnc4NrGuF1TCa4Zfhz-ooQwI8c4Run420w9A1GZ4wRsItk4OW9hOKsxxK88IX58oOfV6oSc0rbZW7jJh2PfaN0D1RLvcYFcaUfINevsuLvBH7iR~Nhgl9cN0I8VeIVevY~Qf5KVHzRp2E3DjW36S1r-S2PDnBhm1m1UKt2r5pqD9XgQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Cindy F. Friedman offered and then withdrew an amendment that would have required commercial insurers to reimburse community health centers (CHCs) at rates no lower than MassHealth.

Friedman said CHCs provide care to communities that otherwise would struggle to access services and that some commercial insurers negotiate reimbursement rates below MassHealth levels, which “contribute[s] to putting CHCs in a challenging financial position.” She said that low commercial rates shift costs to public payers and the state budget.

“Requiring commercial insurers to reimburse CHCs no less than MassHealth would cost insurers relatively little while significantly improving CHC's financial stability,” Friedman said on the floor, citing a CHEER analysis that she said estimated an insurer cost of $35,000,000 — about 0.1% of the $23.7 billion insurers spent in 2019.

Senator Julian Cyr and others voiced support for addressing CHC reimbursement and urged further action in other legislative vehicles. Friedman withdrew the amendment and asked to continue pursuing the policy in subsequent legislation or budget work.

No vote was taken on the substance because the sponsor withdrew the amendment. Advocates and senators who spoke described the item as time‑sensitive for CHCs’ financial viability but indicated they will seek other vehicles to pursue the change.

The amendment's withdrawal leaves the issue for later negotiations in the budget process or separate legislation.","An amendment to require commercial insurers to reimburse community health centers at no less than MassHealth rates was offered and withdrawn; proponents said the change would strengthen CHC finances with modest insurer cost.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_46":117,"_48":118,"_50":119,"_52":120,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":121,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":122,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6229258,"Senate adopts amendment shifting apartment broker fees to landlords",270,150000,420000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3464411-7eee0397b5061c40b55c7cc225992f4d&start=150&end=420","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3464411-7eee0397b5061c40b55c7cc225992f4d/thumbnail_150000.jpg","/articles/6229258/Massachusetts/Senate-adopts-amendment-shifting-apartment-broker-fees-to-landlords","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6229258-eaaedff671c3ae88a459358e652d6c1a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137193&Signature=IPun0amzAbFYInyyQU14rtYUbYvlE3cUlyQrLgDE436zUR2NOjHvcsuEocMD26SuhWyUOgkVaUTmausOUnzVuN1Ln4IlVkotEhwZHmaJdFmNMeysnVAaCo~quYjy5UN5FJiHfzsl-xErMd-p~EDjNT8FFoPqGiPRzVZp6VnQ5elKim1eQCcGJcFIWqxDKQWCOARGXf~pLwhMf3S5d4xRzb6shZGIK8eU56s0ob9vzex1k9dz6SlsVR2uRDChRdOrcr8PSmVVG9MQ-exjJwXxqOyj4YUjXEM~PwEH9wQnkc37hBV8E3vlmMYpIrCZ4O89XBBTgHzYe34k1K0To3Iclw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate adopted an amendment on the budget floor aimed at keeping broker fees for apartment placements from being automatically shifted to tenants.

The amendment, offered by Senator Lydia Edwards, would require the party that contracts and benefits from a broker’s services to pay the broker’s fee; if a landlord engages a broker, the landlord must pay, but a tenant may still voluntarily hire a broker and pay that fee themselves.

Supporters said the current practice has produced large out-of-pocket move-in costs for renters. “On average, it's about $2,000, maybe $3,000 for a 1‑bedroom apartment,” Senator Lydia Edwards said on the floor, adding that when combined with first, last and security payments, tenants can face “almost $12,000 just to get into the apartment.” The sponsor said the amendment is not a ban on tenant‑paid brokers but is intended to align payment responsibility with who contracts and benefits from the service.

Advocates and senators who backed the amendment argued it would reduce a barrier that prevents voucher holders and low‑income renters from applying for units. Edwards noted that Section 8 and RAFT cover first, last and security deposits but “they don't cover that broker's fees,” and that fee shifting had the effect of excluding voucher holders from competitive applications.

Senate leadership moved the amendment to a vote after floor discussion. The chamber voted in favor and the amendment was adopted.

The measure does not prohibit a tenant from hiring a broker on their own behalf; it instead prevents routine fee shifting to tenants when the broker was engaged by or for the landlord. The sponsor and supporters described the change as an immediate, low‑cost policy to put money back in renters’ pockets while longer‑term housing production and affordability measures remain works in progress.

Senator Edwards asked that her remarks be printed in the journal following adoption. The amendment is now part of the Senate’s budget vehicle.","The Massachusetts Senate voted to adopt an amendment to prevent brokers' fees from being routinely charged to tenants, instead requiring the party that contracts the broker and benefits from the service to pay.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Senate rejects amendment to require hotel and shelter worker training on human trafficking

Senate creates trust within DCR for Castle Island and Old Harbor Reservation

Senator O'Connor proposes raising special‑education circuit breaker to 80%; amendment withdrawn

Senator Friedman withdraws amendment to require commercial insurers to match MassHealth rates for community health centers

Senate adopts amendment shifting apartment broker fees to landlords