Massachusetts legislators had a productive 2023, highlighted by Governor Healey’s first year in office. They returned to Beacon Street in January seeking to enact another annual budget, continue work on priorities carried over from last year, and bolster their resumes ahead of Election Day. Heading into session, lawmakers seemed intent on addressing affordability generally, with a special focus on housing, healthcare, childcare, and education. Sen. Karen Spilka, the President of the State Senate, also cited gun law reforms as a priority in 2024.

Reliable Democratic supermajorities in both chambers usually ensures Democratic leaders are able to progress on their highest priorities. Unlike in other states, where partisan opposition can block a bill from becoming law, legislative priorities are often determined by intra-party debate in Massachusetts. How these unique dynamics play out is always interesting to watch, especially with a first-term Governor and in an election year.

In the short-term, Massachusetts’s 2024 formal sessions are likely to be remembered for a frenetic final push. Legislators worked well past their July 31st deadline, and many proposals were unable to make it past the finish line. In this report, we detail the key outcomes from the final year of the 193rd legislature. The data presented in this report is accurate as of August 1, 2024.