BOSTON (AP) — Several proposed laws approved by the Legislature in the waning hours of formal sessions last month are now in limbo because of objections since raised by Republican Gov. Charlie Baker.
Lawmakers did not leave themselves enough time to properly consider amendments that Baker has offered to a bill that calls for taxing short-term rentals, such as those offered through Airbnb. The governor also wants changes in bills to protect consumers against data breaches and require enhanced civics education in public schools.
The House and Senate can continue to meet informally through the remainder of the year, but the rules for informal sessions are very different than for formal ones.
Only a handful of lawmakers typically attend informal sessions. There is no debate, no roll calls and legislation cannot advance if even a single member of either party objects.