In March the Senate passed a bill called the “PETS Act”. The House then passed their version of the bill in mid-July. Both bills contain many important provisions to protect animals across Massachusetts. Bolded items were passed by both chambers. The next step for the bill is to be reconciled. In the Massachusetts State Legislature, this is done by a Conference Committee.

Senate

    • Bans the sale of dogs and cats in pet shops
    • Prohibits homeowners and renter’s insurance policies from arbitrarily refusing to cover or renew a policy on the basis of a dog’s breed, size, or weight
    • Expands current civil citation for cruel conditions from dogs to include all household pets
    • Expands pet friendly housing in state aided housing authorities
    • Alternatives to animal testing for cosmetics and household goods
    • Increases funding for Mass Animal Fund

House

    • Upgrades kennel laws
    • Establishes licensure for veterinary technicians
    • Creates civil process to intervene in cases of animal neglect without pursuing criminal charges
    • Regulates pet health insurance
    • Protects service animals and their owners’ rights to use rideshare services
    • Expands pet friendly housing in state aided housing authorities
    • Alternatives to animal testing for cosmetics and household goods
    • Increases funding for Mass Animal Fund

What is a “Conference Committee”?

It’s a lot like what you might assume based on the name. To go to the Governor for her signature, identical versions of a bill have to pass both the House and Senate. When they don’t agree, especially when there are a lot of differences, they often appoint a “conference committee” to sit down and come up with a compromise. The House and Senate leadership each appoint 3 members (2 from the majority party, 1 from the minority party) to create a 6-person committee to review the bills. Conference committees happen almost entirely in closed meetings. Some of the differences might be technical and easy to compromise on, but others may be contentious and result in extended negotiations. Conference committees are not required to come to a compromise on every issue in the bill, and can choose not to include provisions if they can’t come to an agreement.

When they come to an agreement, they file a report with the Clerk’s Office. After this point, no legislator can make a change to the bill. This compromise will then get voted on by both branches and sent to the Governor. The Governor can: sign the bill, veto the bill, refuse to sign the bill (it becomes law after 10 days, with minimal exceptions), or return the bill to the Legislature with an amendment.

New legislative rules this session allow for a conference committee report to be voted on through the end of session, which gives them until January.

What can I do to help get this bill passed?

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