It was usually customary for the Massachusetts legislature to conclude official business when the formal session ended on July 31^st each year. If non-controversial business arose in the aftermath of session, it could be addressed in what is known as informal sessions that occur throughout the year. More and more official business seems to be taking place after that July 31^st end date, but 2024 looks to be particularly egregious.

In 2023, the House and Senate failed to complete a final tax reform package during the normal session. The disagreement between the two chambers carried on through the summer months and agreement was reached in September when the tax relief bill was finally approved and later signed into law by Governor Healey. This major policy decision took place months after the regular legislative session ended.

Again in 2024, the House and Senate found themselves in contention over several pieces of legislation and failed to finalize bills on economic development, environment/energy, and healthcare. Following the 2024 election, legislative leaders called lawmakers back into session months after it concluded to address weighty bills that would reshape the state’s energy infrastructure, provide $4 billion for “economic development”, allow the city of Boston to shift the city’s tax burden onto commercial properties, and address health policy. Many of the legislators voting on these proposals opted not to run or lost their seats in the election and will now set policy with little accountability to their constituencies.

While some legislators attempted to stall business citing it was not good practice to pass major pieces of legislation in such a hurried and nontransparent way, Beacon Hill leadership still rushed the bills through the process attempting to make them law. NFIB will continue to monitor this emerging trend of concluding legislative business after session ends to ensure no policies are enacted that will harm a small business’ ability to operate.