Solar energy bill passes Senate
The Senate on Thursday is poised to send Gov. Charlie Baker a bill to reform incentives and lift the cap on the amount of solar power that can be sold back to the grid, while a $200 million local road repair bill will have to wait until next week for final action.
After the House on Wednesday passed a compromise solar energy bill that been under negotiation since mid-November, the Senate followed suit on Thursday. A debate and final vote is expected later Thursday. The conference report was accepted by the Senate and enacted in the House during morning activity in the branches.
The Senate also passed a bill (H 4133) to borrow $200 million this year for local road and bridge repairs through the Chapter 90 program.
Cities and towns have been anxious to see the Chapter 90 bill move through the Legislature so that they can begin contracting for work to repairs roads beaten up by winter weather and usage.
Though the Senate bill is identical to legislation the House approved last week, municipalities will have to wait a little longer to see the bill signed by Baker because final passage requires roll call votes in both branches.
The House adjourned for the week on Thursday morning and is not expected to meet again in formal session until next Wednesday.
The Senate on Thursday, in addition to enjoying a visit from daredevil Doug Danger, teed up for consideration on Thursday, April 14 the following bills: S 727 relative to tagging; S 728 relative to the penalty for vandalism; S 795 relative to adjusting the credit for nonpayment of fines, and S 2216 a Ways and Means redraft of S 1275 relative to the use of community corrections for pre-trial detainees and criminal defendants. Amendments to those bills are due Monday.
The Senate also gave initial approved to a House-passed bill designating the Sunday before Patriots' Day as First Responder Day.
Debate on legislation investing in public education and allowing more charter schools in Massachusetts is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.
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