BOSTON — The Massachusetts Legislature has ended its formal two-year session with a flurry of last-minute action on major bills.
Racing against a midnight deadline, lawmakers approved a bill that calls for a dramatic increase in the state's reliance on offshore wind and other renewable energy sources. They also passed and sent to the governor a bill that establishes the state's first regulations on ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft.
“Making sure that those who are driving get background checks and things of that sort. We want to make sure when you get in that car your safe,” said Brad Hill (R-Ipswich).
Agreements on those and other bills, including a $740 million economic development plan, were reached after a weekend of closed-door negotiations between the House and Senate.
In a statement early Monday, Republican Gov. Charlie Baker thanked the Legislature and said he would carefully review all of the bills sent to his desk.
Lawmakers can continue to meet informally for the remainder of the year, but only to pass non-contested bills.
The next legislative session will begin in January.
"I am thankful that the legislature took action on several important pieces of legislation ranging from economic development to renewable energy, adding to the significant bills signed into law earlier this year that advanced critical priorities for the people of Massachusetts, including landmark legislation aimed at combating the Commonwealth’s opioid epidemic," Governor Baker said in a statement. "As our administration carefully reviews all of the legislation that lawmakers worked diligently to reach consensus on, I will continue to work across the aisle with our partners in the legislature to make Massachusetts a better place to live, work and raise a family."