Latest Massachusetts state government News
Massachusetts governor signs major climate bill into law
BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts' governor signed into law Thursday a major climate change bill that's meant to bring the state closer to its goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The bill signed by Republican Gov. Charlie Baker encourages the development of offshore wind...
Massachusetts bill aims to follow Supreme Court gun ruling
BOSTON (AP) — A Massachusetts bill aimed at recasting the state's gun laws in the wake of last month's Supreme Court ruling making it harder for states to limit access to firearms was approved by lawmakers Monday. Democratic leaders — who have pledged to draft tougher legislation...
Massachusetts lawmakers reach compromise on sports betting
BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts lawmakers reached a deal early Monday on a bill that would legalize betting on professional and collegiate sports, joining more than 30 other states, including several neighbors. The House and Senate versions of the bill differed on collegiate sports...
FBI: Massachusetts man threatened Arizona election official
PHOENIX (AP) — The FBI on Friday arrested a Massachusetts man for threatening to blow up Arizona's top election official following the 2020 election that saw former President Donald Trump lose in the state. James W. Clark, 38, of Falmouth made an initial court appearance in Boston...
Massachusetts governor asks lawmakers to alter climate bill
BOSTON (AP) — Gov. Charlie Baker sent back to lawmakers on Friday a bill mandating some of the steps Massachusetts needs to take to meet a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. In a letter to lawmakers, the Republican governor said he agreed with much in the bill, but...
Massachusetts governor signs bill protecting abortion access
BOSTON (AP) — A sweeping abortion bill designed to protect access to the procedure in Massachusetts at a time when many other states are restricting or outlawing abortions was signed into law Friday by Republican Gov. Charlie Baker. The new law attempts in part to build a firewall...
High court allows sex abuse suit against diocese to proceed
BOSTON (AP) — A lawsuit brought by a former altar boy who alleges he was sexually abused as a child in the 1960s by a now-deceased Roman Catholic bishop and other clergy can proceed, the highest court in Massachusetts said in a decision released Thursday. The man from Chicopee...
Massachusetts Gov. Baker signs belated $52.7B state budget
BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signed a new state budget Thursday, nearly a month into the 2023 fiscal year, which began July 1. The Republican said the $52.7 billion spending plan will support the state’s communities, families, businesses, and workers. ...

Congressional hopeful pleads not guilty to gun theft charges
BOSTON (AP) — A former Massachusetts state senator and Republican candidate for Congress pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges including allegedly stealing a gun from an elderly constituent and misleading investigators about what happened. Dean Tran, 46, of Fitchburg, stated in...
Massachusetts lawmakers OK sweeping abortion access bill
BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts lawmakers approved a sweeping abortion bill Tuesday aimed in part at building a firewall to protect access to the procedure after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last month. The bill would protect abortion providers and people seeking...
