New Bedford’s legislators sit across 23 committees. In 2025, 16 of those committees reported bills out with recommendations. Seven held no hearings in the fall.
Author Archives: Isabelle Oss / Boston University Statehouse Program
Posted inStatehouse
Advocates hope House follows Senate’s lead in passing menstrual equity bills
The bills would require free products in schools, shelters and correctional facilities, and include an ingredients list on menstrual product packaging.
Posted inStatehouse
Cannabis lounges could soon be legal. Will the South Coast opt in?
Rules for social consumption establishments for marijuana could be approved this month.
Posted inStatehouse
Legislature revisits bills to criminalize sexual misconduct by school staff
The state remains one of 11 nationwide that does not prohibit sexual misconduct between staff and students who are 16 and 17 years old.
Posted inStatehouse
State activists take transparency fight to the ballot box
By Nov. 19, they need 74,000 signatures to secure a spot for two questions on the 2026 ballot.
Posted inStatehouse
As Eversource gas bills rise again, legislators target delivery charges and oversight
Eversource has proposed an average gas rate hike of 13% for Southeastern Massachusetts.
Posted inStatehouse
Corporate tax fight hits home for New Bedford residents as federal cuts loom
State reps addressed 100 people about Massachusetts’s response to federal cuts to health care, student loans, and food assistance. Advocates want to raise state taxes on multinational corporations.