Senate passes several local bills, adopts governor recommendation, and refers perimenopause petition to Public Health

The Massachusetts Senate moved a bundle of local bills and petitions during the floor session, taking voice votes to advance several measures and adopting a governor's recommended amendment on one bill.

By voice vote, the Senate passed House No. 3916 (authorizing the city of Westfield to establish an age limit for original appointment to the police officer position) to be enacted and laid it before the governor. The chamber also accepted a committee report and passed a substitute draft for Senate No. 24 (amending the charter of the town of Sandwich) to be engrossed.

House No. 4173, concerning appointments to the Acton Memorial Library, was passed to be engrossed by voice vote. House No. 4031, which increases the age limit for retired police officers serving as special police in the town of Weston, was amended on the floor at Senator Barrett's request; the amendment was adopted and the bill passed as amended to be engrossed.

An engrossed bill increasing the membership of the Marblehead Board of Health (House No. 3912) was returned by the governor under Article 56 with a recommendation; the Senate suspended the rules, adopted the governor's amendment, and will return the bill to the House for reenactment.

The Senate received a House petition from Madhuri C. Decker requesting the creation of a special commission on perimenopause and menopause care. The Senate voted to suspend Joint Rule 12 and referred the petition to the Committee on Public Health.

After completing these items the Senate took a brief recess and then adjourned, setting its next meeting for Monday at 11:00 AM.