Statehouse Spotlight: PFAS and maternal health bills move

BOSTON (WWLP) – This week at the State House in Boston was characterized by movement on PFAS and maternal health care bills, a potential challenge to the new gun reform law, and construction on the House Chambers.

Early this week, Governor Healey defended the newly signed gun reform bill, which is facing legal challenges and a potential ballot question from gun owners and advocacy groups.
Healey says she is not worried and the bill will hold up in court.

On Thursday, she signed another bill–this one looking to remove harmful forever chemicals from firefighting gear.

“Today, Massachusetts is putting health and safety, and the wellbeing of our firefighters, first by phasing out the use of these dangerous chemicals that cause so much harm to our communities and to our heroes,” said the governor at the signing ceremony.

These chemicals have been linked to increased instances of occupational cancer and related deaths, and will be phased out of firefighting gear by 2027.

Another bill moved this week, this one dealing with maternal health care. This issue was named a priority for House Speaker Ron Mariano. “A bill that will strengthen the ability for us to care for mothers from the beginning of pregnancy right through postpartum,” said Mariano at a press conference in June.

This bill seeks to improve Massachusetts’ rapidly increasing severe maternal morbidity rate and is awaiting the governor’s signature.

Among progress on bills this week is progress on House Chamber construction.
This project, which will replace antiquated voting machines and audio speakers, is scheduled to wrap up in October.

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