figcitynews.com · Annalise Vito · September 8, 2026
Closing out the State House legislative session: What got done? What did not? - Fig City News
(L-R) State Rep. John Lawn, Sen. Cynthia Creem, and State Reps. Amy Sangiolo and Greg Schwartz present to the Newton School Committee. (photo: Adam Bernstein)
# Closing out the State House legislative session: What got done? What did not?
By Annalise Vito on September 8, 2026
As the Massachusetts Legislature’s two-year session moves toward its conclusion, Newton’s state delegation is highlighting investments in local organizations and infrastructure, health care legislation, environmental initiatives, and efforts to protect children and consumers. Fig City News also looked at what is hoped for – but not yet completed.
Newton’s delegation includes State Sen. Cynthia Creem and State Reps. John Lawn, Amy Sangiolo, and Greg Schwartz. The four lawmakers pointed to various priorities from the session, from primary care and child protection to climate policy, data privacy, and local infrastructure.
But several issues of particular interest to Newton residents remain unresolved, including legislation addressing rodenticides, PFAS chemicals, energy costs, cellphone use in schools, and financing Newton’s pension obligations.
Although the formal legislative session ended on July 31, a recent change in rules allows work to continue, as late as December 31, for bills that were in conference committee by July 31. The Legislature is thus continuing to work on several major bills in conference committees.
## Sen. Creem highlights data privacy, climate, and Newton funding
Sen. Creem, who has served in the Massachusetts Senate since 1999, is the Senate Majority Leader and chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming. In discussing accomplishments in this session, she highlighted legislation on data privacy, social media, energy, and environmental protection.
Data Privacy: The Senate passed the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act, which Creem filed to give residents greater control over their personal data and place limits on the collection and sale of sensitive information. Creem is serving as Senate chair of the conference committee negotiating the final version.
Social Media: Creem’s work on social media protections for youth also gained new relevance recently. On August 26, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell announced a $17.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta over allegations that the company designed and operated its social media platforms in ways that harmed young people and violated state consumer protection laws. If approved by a court, the agreement would require Meta to make changes to Facebook and Instagram aimed at protecting young users and provide Massachusetts with up to $516 million, including approximately $366 million guaranteed over the next 10 years.
The settlement comes as Creem’s legislation addressing addictive features of social media remains under consideration in the House Committee on Ways and Means. The bill that Creem filed passed the Senate 38-2 in July. The legislation would require social media platforms to turn off features – including algorithm-driven feeds, autoplay, and infinite scroll – by default for minors, as well as limit certain notifications and require usage reminders.
Creem said the Meta settlement is “an important victory for young people and families across Massachusetts,” but she argued that the state should continue pursuing broader protections across social media platforms.
Energy: On energy, Creem pointed to legislation aimed at lowering costs for ratepayers while maintaining the state’s climate goals. Among other provisions, the Senate version would steer the state away from some costly gas infrastructure projects, address utility costs and electricity shutoffs, and streamline permitting for residential solar and battery systems.
Climate: The Senate also passed the Mass Ready Act, which includes investments in climate resilience and environmental protection, as well as Creem’s legislation addressing outdoor lighting and light pollution.
Local Funding: Creem said she secured a total of $2.65 million during the two-year session for Newton schools, infrastructure projects, and nonprofit organizations. The funding includes $726,500 for Newton Public Schools initiatives involving mental health, safe social media use, robotics, supplemental math education, and accessibility upgrades at Williams Elementary School.
Other funding went toward anti-hunger programs, senior services, and local nonprofit organizations including the Newton Food Pantry, Welcome Home, the Carroll Center for the Blind, and Pathway to Possible.
Pension Funding: Creem filed legislation responding to a home rule petition from the City of Newton. It would authorize the City to issue pension obligation bonds or notes to help fund its unfunded pension liability. As described below, this legislation awaits concurrence by the House.
## Rep. Lawn focuses on health care and protections for children
For 15 years, Rep. Lawn has been representing the 10th Middlesex District, which includes a few precincts in the northern part of Newton as well as parts of Watertown and Waltham. He said his primary priorities during this session were health care and protections for children.
As House Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing, Lawn led the House’s primary-care legislation alongside colleagues including Rep. Schwartz. The bill passed the House unanimously and is now being reconciled with the Senate version in conference committee.
The legislation would increase investment in primary care, support the health care workforce and community health centers, lower prescription drug costs, and increase accountability across the health care system.
Lawn also led the House passage of legislation requiring health care employers to conduct risk assessments, develop programs to prevent workplace violence, and train employees, while strengthening protections for workers who are assaulted on the job. The bill passed unanimously after Lawn worked with hospitals, nurses, and labor organizations to reach an agreement.
Lawn also highlighted the passage of legislation closing what he described as an “age of consent loophole.” The law, signed by Gov. Maura Healey in July, establishes that 16- and 17-year-olds cannot legally consent to sexual relationships with adults in positions of authority or trust.
Rep. Lawn speaks about the passage of legislation closing the “age of consent loophole.” (Photo: John Lawn)
He also supported the PROTECT Act, which limits state and local cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement and establishes additional protections for immigrants.
Locally, Lawn said he secured more than $1.6 million for the portions of Newton he represents, including:
- $225,000 for improvements at Pellegrini Park, - $200,000 to offset Newton Public Schools’ special education costs, - $50,000 for professional development in Newton Public Schools, and - $200,000 for improvements at the Newton Housing Authority’s Jackson Gardens.
Other funding included $50,000 for tree planting in West Newton and Nonantum, $100,000 for a new roof at American Legion Post 440, and $50,000 for public safety improvements along Adams Street.
## Rep. Sangiolo highlights environmental, housing, and local investments
Rep. Sangiolo is in her first term representing the 11th Middlesex District, which covers much of the northern side of Newton. She said one of her priorities this session was addressing environmental issues, particularly flooding and stormwater management, which she said remain significant concerns for Newton.
Flood Management: She filed legislation that would establish a statewide Massachusetts Flood Management and Mitigation Authority to coordinate flood management efforts across municipalities. She also highlighted bills addressing gas pipes prone to leaks, zero-carbon building assessments, electric schoo