Statehouse Spotlight: A bill and a lawsuit

BOSTON (WWLP) – This week at the State House in Boston, most lawmakers spent time in their districts.

As for legislators on Beacon Hill this week, many attended a bill signing ceremony, some headed to Worcester for a graduation ceremony, and there was a new lawsuit fighting a Massachusetts law.

On Thursday, there was a signing ceremony for Ollie’s Law, named after a Longmeadow dog who died from injuries sustained at a doggy daycare. This law puts stricter regulations on doggy daycares to prevent future deaths.

“The fact that other animals will be protected in his name is, I think, just the best thing that could’ve come from this tragedy,” said Amy Baxter, Ollie’s owner. The newest class of Massachusetts State Police Officers graduated on Wednesday–without their classmate Enrique Delgado-Garcia, who died following a training exercise at the academy.

Speakers at the ceremony spoke about the importance of the state police. “You are not merely becoming officers of the law. You are becoming guardians of justice, champions of integrity, and the role models of future generations,” said western Massachusetts Representative Carlos Gonzalez.

Also this week, a new lawsuit surfaced against Massachusetts’ recent gun law. Opponents to the law say they have gathered enough signatures to get the law on the 2026 ballot, which would delay implementation until voters can weigh in.

22News will keep you informed about the gun law and other issues that matter to us in western Massachusetts on weeknights and on State House Spotlight.

Local News Headlines

Amherst celebrates completion of new roundabout in town

Ludlow High School and town celebrate grand opening of new athletic complex

Ohana School opens new dance studio ‘The Garage’

Northampton restaurant fundraises with ‘Hurricane’ drink

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