Senate lawmakers were in the process of advancing three bills Friday, teeing up likely votes next week on legislation addressing feline declawing, consumer protections in real estate appraisals, and archaic laws dealing with privacy around sexual activity.
The Senate’s budget writing committee, which also acts as a clearing house for bills destined for a floor vote, opened polls of its members on new versions of three proposals from Sen. Mark Montigny, Majority Leader Sen. Cindy Creem, and Sen. William Brownsberger.
Committee members had until 11 a.m. to decide whether they wanted to report the bills out favorably, according to a copy of a memo from Senate Ways and Means.
Legislation sponsored by Creem, a Newton Democrat, would require all real estate appraisals in Massachusetts be conducted exclusively by certified or licensed appraisers. Appraisers seeking state certification or licensing must meet a number of standards including completing 200 to 300 hours of classroom instruction.
Massachusetts allows any person to perform valuation services for estate settlements, divorces, business dissolutions, and litigation without having to meet any education or experience standards, according to a bill summary.
Supporters of the bill say that exposes consumers to “unreasonable risks” as an unlicensed individual “may prepare unsupportable valuations while operating outside of regulatory oversight and accountability,” the bill summary said.
A bill sponsored by Brownsberger, a Belmont Democrat, would strike language from state law that criminalizes sodomy and “unnatural” acts between two adults, a move that backers say makes Massachusetts more inclusive of individuals who are LGBTQIA+.
Some language the bill removes from state law dates back to the 1800s and includes words like “unnatural or lascivious” sex acts and “common nightwalkers.”
Brownsberger also proposed setting up a permanent law revision commission to look over statutes, judicial decisions, and common laws for “defects” or old language that may need reforms.
The Senate passed a version of the bill in 2022 but it stalled out in the House.
Montingy’s bill would ban any surgical procedure like declawing or tendonectomy where a portion of a cat’s paw is amputated to remove or limit the mobility of the animal’s claw. The procedures would only be allowed if the cat has a medical condition that is threatening their health.
New York and Maryland have put in place similar statewide bans while 15 other cities in Texas, Pennsylvania, California, and Missouri bar the practice.
A flurry of legislative action has taken place at the start of 2024.
The Senate this week passed legislation first filed by Gov. Maura Healey that would allow the state to use the interest earned off Massachusetts’ massive rainy day fund to pay down debt and chase federal grants. The House passed a bill this week outlawing revenge porn.
That came after the Senate passed a trio of bills last week covering wheelchair warranties, legalizing the use of fentanyl test strips, and directing state officials to create a blue envelope people with autism can use to ease interactions with police officers.
