Author: john_velis

Hello Everyone,

I hope you all had a great week! In case you missed it, earlier this week it was announced that the Veterans Home in Holyoke has officially met all state and federal licensure and certification milestones! This is huge news for the Home and speaks to the hard work of the dedicated staff who go above and beyond to care for our Veterans. Congratulations!

This week thousands of state legislators and staff from around the country flocked to Boston to attend the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) 50^th annual summit. As the host state for the summit, I was grateful to have the opportunity to participate in panels and programs that showcase our great state. On Sunday morning I helped kick off the summit by meeting with fellow lawmakers on the NCSL Military and Veterans Affairs Task Force to discuss all that we have accomplished here in Massachusetts to improve the lives of our veterans, service members, and their families. Later in the week I participated in panels to discuss the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism’s work and another to discuss the youth behavioral health crisis that we are seeing across the nation.

On Wednesday I was happy to be back in the district where I had an opportunity to visit the YMCA of Greater Westfield’s Camp Shepard. I had the best time interacting with local campers to hear about how their summer is going and all the incredible experiences they have had at camp. I was also grateful for the opportunity to learn more about future improvements that the YMCA hopes to be make to benefit future campers and the Greater Westfield community.

On Friday afternoon I joined Representative Pease at the American Legion Post 124 to share a joint resolution from the Massachusetts House of Representatives and State Senate recognizing the sacrifices of our Vietnam Veterans and acknowledging the lifelong impacts of Agent Orange exposure ahead of Agent Orange Awareness Day on Sunday August 10^th. Agent Orange is a toxic herbicide used during the Vietnam War that those service members exposed, as well as their children, are more likely to develop series health conditions such as cancer. The treatment our Vietnam Veterans endured when they returned home and long after is beyond unconscionable to me which is why I am so deeply dedicated to ensuring they receive the best care, treatment, and honor that they so deserve.

This week Team Velis hosted office hours in Agawam. Next week Team Velis will be hosting office hours on Tuesday at the Chicopee Council on Aging from 10:00AM to 11:00AM, and on Wednesday at the West Springfield Council on Aging from 11:00AM to 12:00PM. If you are unable to make office hours, I can always be reached by email, john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone, (413) 572-3920, and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.   

 Best,   

John Velis

(Boston 7/31/2025) Today, the Massachusetts State Senate passed legislation to limit students’ access to personal electronic devices, including cell phones, during the entire school day. The final legislation was influenced by several similar policies introduced by Senators this session including a bill introduced by Senator John C. Velis. Through careful work alongside subject knowledge experts, Senate Velis received praise for his instrumental work in strengthening the final policy passed by the Senate. The legislation, S2561 An Act To Promote Student Learning And Mental Health, would require local districts to develop policies that prohibits access and possession of personal electronic devices during school hours by the 2026-2027 school year. The legislation ensures that districts receive support and guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and also provides exceptions for students with IEPs (Individualized Education Programs). The legislation also requires that school policies ensure that parents and students can contact one another if requested during the school day.

“We are so grateful for Senator Velis’s leadership, and we commend Senator Velis, the Senate Ways and Means committee, and the hardworking staff of the Senate for making a bell-to-bell policy work for the Commonwealth’s students, teachers, and families,” shared Casey Mock, Senior Director of Policy for The Anxious Generation. “We look forward to Massachusetts joining 19 other states in adopting a strong statewide policy.”

“The passage of this bill means that every Massachusetts public school student will get the enormous benefit of a 6-to-7-hour break, each school day, from cellphones and other personal electronic devices. This is a huge victory for students’ mental health, focus, and real world connection,” shared Debra Mann Schmill, President of Becca Schmill Foundation. “It is also

a huge victory for teachers and school administrators. I cannot thank Senator Velis enough, first for working with the Becca Schmill Foundation on one of the 13 bills introduced this session on this topic, but also for fighting so hard to make sure that the bill that did pass would be most beneficial for Massachusetts students.”

“We have a serious five-alarm fire on our hands. Our kids are distracted from their education, their social development is being hindered, and they are struggling with their mental health like we’ve never seen before. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that when you look at data related to lower academic scores or increasing diagnosis of anxiety, that the trends drastically changed for the worse right around 2012 when smart phones became widely accessible,” shared Senator Velis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery. “When you bring up the idea of limiting a kids access to their cell phone, they are usually incredibly defensive and outraged, and in many respects, their reaction doesn’t look that much different from telling someone in the throes of addiction that they are being sent to rehab. The very least we can do for their well-being and to support our incredible educators is restrict the use of cellphones during school hours.”

With the legislation having been passed by the Senate, it now goes to the House of Representatives for their consideration.

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Hello, 

I hope everyone had a great week and found ways to stay cool with the sweltering temperatures outside. As we head into August, I’d like to remind you all that my office is always available to help you locate a nearby cooling shelter.  

Our interns Ali and Brandon had the opportunity to visit the Statehouse in Boston this week where they received tours, learned about the building’s extensive history, and got to see some of the work my team out in Boston handles. It has been a tremendous help to have both of them working with Team Velis this summer on policy research and assisting constituents. I am so grateful for their great work this summer and can’t wait to see all that is instore for them. 

On Monday, the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery held it’s second hearing of the legislative session. During this hearing, the committee reviewed legislation to improve our behavioral health workforce and considered several proposed studies on mental health and addiction.  

Throughout this week, I have been working closely with subject knowledge experts, including researchers with the Anxious Generation, and my legislative colleagues to work out the final details of the Senate’s Phone Free School bill that was taken up in session on Thursday. I am proud that the Senate worked on this urgently needed piece of legislation so early in our legislative session to support our educators and most importantly the future success and well-being of our Commonwealth’s children. 

Massachusetts leads the nation in education, yet the prevalence of phones in schools across our Commonwealth threatens to undermine all of the hard work and funding we have poured into our schools to give our students the very best opportunities for success in life. The evidence is clear, removing students access to cell phones during school hours improves academic performance, supports their social development during critical years, and protects our children’s mental health. That is why over 20 other states, ranging from New York to Texas, have taken similar measures to restrict the use of cell phones in our schools. I am proud to have had a hand in developing a strong bill in the Senate but most of all I am beyond grateful to all the experts, students, educators, and administrators who have provided feedback along the way! 

This week Team Velis hosted office hours in Westfield and Southampton. Next week Team Velis will be hosting office hours on Monday at the Agawam Council on Aging from 11:00am to 12:00pm. If you are unable to make office hours, I can always be reached by email, john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone, (413) 572-3920, and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.   

 Best,   

John Velis

Bill codifies program that fosters safer interactions between police and persons with autism

(BOSTON—07/24/2025) Today, the Massachusetts Senate passed An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder, which would make permanent the ‘blue envelope’ program first advanced by the Senate early last year.

Blue envelopes prevent miscommunication and promote better understanding during traffic stops that involve a person with autism spectrum disorder. The Senate unanimously approved a similar bill in January 2024, and the Massachusetts State Police then proactively implemented a blue envelope program last spring. This bill, S.2558, would write the practice into state law.

The outside of the envelope notes that the person has autism spectrum disorder. It also prominently features guidance about how to best interact with an individual with autism whose ability to communicate is likely to be negatively affected by a stressful situation. Inside the envelope, there are places to store the individual’s driver’s license and vehicle registration.

Individuals with autism, or their parents or guardians, can request the envelopes from the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).

“Something as simple as a blue envelope can increase the chances that interactions with police are positive, respectful and less stressful for our neurodiverse friends, neighbors, and family members,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “We have already seen the positive impact of blue envelopes in Massachusetts, and by making this a permanent program we are benefiting both drivers and public safety officials. I am grateful to Senator Comerford for tirelessly advocating for this important initiative, to Chairs Crighton and Rodrigues for their work on this bill, and to each of my colleagues for their support.”

“This legislation goes a long way towards increasing the communication, positive interactions, and trust between people with autism spectrum disorder and our local police departments,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “The uniform blue color of these envelopes will be easily identifiable and make them a recognizable tool in our public safety system, leading to increased respect and dignity for all.”

“Earlier this year, at our Joint Committee on Transportation hearing, we heard resounding support for the ‘blue envelope’ bill,” said Senator Brendan P. Crighton (D-Lynn), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. “Individuals with autism and their families, law enforcement agencies, and community advocacy groups voiced their support, and we are proud to take action today to codify this program that enables the promotion of better communication and safer interactions for both police officers and drivers with autism. Thank you to Senate President Spilka for prioritizing this initiative, Senator Comerford for her continued advocacy on this measure, and to all those who have spoken out in support of this program.”

“I am deeply grateful to Senate President Karen Spilka, Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues, Transportation Chair Brendan Crighton and my colleagues for passing this important legislation,” said Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). “The ‘blue envelope’ bill makes our Commonwealth a safer place for people who are neurodiverse. It moves us closer to equal opportunity and access for people of all abilities.”

The legislation was reported out of the Joint Committee on Transportation on July 7, 2025. The Senate Committee on Ways and Means advanced a redrafted version on July 17, 2025. Votes of both committees are available online, along with a full bill summary and a recording of the Senate’s livestreamed debate and vote on the bill.

Senators passed the legislation on a 39-0 roll call vote. The bill will now be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Statements of Support

“The ‘blue envelope’ would be a game changer for our family and for so many Massachusetts residents,” said Ilyse Levine-Kanji, an Executive Committee member of Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM). “Like many people with autism, my 27-year-old son Sam does not have any physical characteristics that indicate he has autism. In a stressful situation, where split second decisions must be made, I’m relieved that a police officer could see a blue envelope in Sam’s car and immediately understand that any unusual behavior or speech pattern is a result of his autism. This bill could thereby dramatically decrease the possibility of a tragic misunderstanding. Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts is extremely grateful for Senator Commerford’s leadership in introducing and championing this common-sense initiative and to the Senate for moving so quickly to pass the bill.”

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(BOSTON—07/24/2025) The Massachusetts Senate today passed two separate bills to bring Massachusetts laws into the 21st century by removing offensive language from state statute and repealing outdated, unconstitutional laws that hamper civil rights.

One piece of legislation, An Act amending certain laws relative to individuals with disabilities, strikes the ‘r-word,’ a derogatory slur for people with disabilities, out of state law in the dozens of instances where it currently appears. This includes renaming an entire chapter of law that prominently includes the r-word.

The bill, S.137, also builds person-first language into state law, prioritizing terminology like ‘person with a disability’ that places the individual first. Other outdated references such as ‘handicap’ or ‘needy’ to describe people with disabilities are also erased from the law.

The Senate also passed An Act relative to archaic laws, which repeals outdated statutes that criminalized acts now understood to be protected under the Constitution. This update includes the repeal of centuries-old laws that criminalized sodomy as a ‘crime against nature’ and so-called ‘unnatural’ acts between consenting adults. The criminalization of sodomy, which was punishable by up to 20 years in prison, was used to discriminate against LGBTQ+ residents in the past. Any remaining sodomy laws in the United States were invalidated by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2003.

The archaic laws bill, S.1034, would also repeal the 18th century law that calls for punishment of up to one year in jail for a person who utters a blasphemy, something now acknowledged to be covered under the fundamental freedoms of speech and religion. Moving forward, a permanent commission of experts established under this legislation would conduct periodic reviews to ensure state laws remain as up-to-date as possible.

“When dusty and dangerous relics of a bygone era darken our laws, it creates the potential for real harm to residents today,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Thanks to the voices of advocates like former Senate staff member Melissa Reilly and the leadership of Senators Jehlen and Brownsberger, we are on a path to making our laws better represent who we are in 21st-century Massachusetts. With a White House that glorifies—and seemingly longs for—the days when many Americans were discriminated against because of who they are, now is the time to make sure our state laws respect and support the rights and dignity of our residents.”

“This legislation is about respect and dignity—plain and simple,” said Senator Robyn Kennedy (D-Worcester), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities. “Removing archaic language and striking outdated laws sends a powerful message that Massachusetts stands with and uplifts people of all abilities, and all those who have been marginalized by harmful language and policies. Our laws should reflect our values. Today we took an important step toward justice and our committee knows there is more work to be done.”

“Words are important. Language changes. We should use language that respects the people it refers to, and listen to them,” said Senator Patricia D. Jehlen (D-Somerville). “Fifteen years ago, a friend told State Representative Denise Provost and me how disrespected she felt being called ‘handicapped.’ We filed a bill to remove ten sections of the general laws that used that word. Over the years, we have found nearly 400 sections with offensive words, including the r-word. We have changed the names of three offices because the people they serve asked for more respectful names: the Department of Mental Retardation is now the Department of Disability Services, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission is now MassAbility and the Executive Office of Elder Affairs is now the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, or AGE. But there are 362 sections of the general laws that still use offensive words. Today at last we move to replace them with language that is preferred by those it refers to.”

“This legislation is about dignity, accuracy, and justice. Words matter—and so do the laws we keep on our books,” said Senator Lydia Edwards (D-Boston). “By removing harmful slurs and repealing outdated, unconstitutional statutes, we are sending a clear message that Massachusetts stands firmly for inclusion, equity, and civil rights. As Chair of the Judiciary Committee, I am proud to help lead the effort to modernize our legal code and ensure our laws reflect the values of a Commonwealth that respects all people—regardless of their identity, abilities, or beliefs.”

“I’m grateful to all of my colleagues for their strong support for bringing our laws into the 21st century and aligning them with the fundamental principles of freedom built into our Constitution,” said Senator William N. Brownsberger (D-Belmont). “This legislation is about respecting all individuals.”

In order to better support another community of Massachusetts residents, Senators during today’s debate adopted an amendment inserting the term “deaf or hard of hearing” in several sections of state law, replacing the outdated term “hearing-impaired.”  This further ensures that language in state law reflects the terminology that community members identify with.

The disabilities language bill was reported out of the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities on June 23, 2025, and was placed on the Senate Calendar for debate by the Rules Committee on July 17, 2025. Votes of both committees are available online, along with a full summary of the legislation. The archaic laws bill was reported favorably by the Joint Committee on the Judiciary on June 12, 2025, and was advanced for debate by the Rules Committee on July 17, 2025. Votes of both committees are available online together with a full bill summary. A recording of the Senate’s livestreamed debate and votes can be found archived on the public website.

The Senate passed both bills on 40-0 roll call votes. The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Statements of Support

Melissa Reilly, advocate for people with disabilities and former policy advisor to Senator James B. Eldridge:

“The Archaic Language Bill, S.137—An Act amending certain laws relative to individuals with disabilities—is really important because all people with disabilities should be treated and respected by others and not mocked or judged or bullied by others for their disabilities. We are all unique and deserve respect, we do not want to be known as The ‘r-word.’ We all are unique and different. People with disabilities deserve respect. We are able and capable and not disabled. We are hardworking people and we need to be respected and dedicated and have dignity. Please help us to make a difference and support this bill.”

Maura Sullivan, chief executive officer of The Arc of Massachusetts:

“The Arc of Massachusetts is deeply grateful to the Senate for passing legislation today to rid our state laws of offensive and outdated language referencing the disability community. This bill has been a long-time priority for The Arc and our community. Today’s vote sends a clear message in an important moment—such language has no place in our laws or in our society. At this moment when disability rights are being threatened, we must show up every day to reaffirm our commitment to uplifting and valuing this community. This bill does just that. We want to thank Senator Jehlen for her steadfast leadership; Senator Lovely, Senator Rodrigues, and Senate President Spilka for prioritizing bringing this to the floor; and the countless advocates, including Melissa Riley, who have made their voices heard. We look forward to working with our champions in the House to pass this bill. The Arc will continue to fight for laws and policies that reflect the values of accessibility, independence, and dignity for all.”

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Hello,

I hope everyone got the chance to enjoy some of the sunny weather this week! It is so hard to believe that we are nearly halfway through the summer.

With July coming to a close next week there was a lot of activity over at the State House. On Tuesday, I testified before the Joint Committee on Transportation in support of my bill S2454, An Act Relative to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in the Commonwealth, which would establish common sense regulations for the use of drones in our state. Massachusetts law simply has not kept up with this rapidly advancing technology and law enforcement agencies currently have limited options for overseeing drone usage and ensuring safety. We regulate cars; We regulate aircraft; We must do the same for drones to protect public safety and personal privacy.

Later that day I chaired the second hearing of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. During this hearing the committee reviewed legislation to improve the lives of our veterans, service-members, and their families including bills that would study the needs of women veterans who become mothers, preferred parking for our veterans, and the vital work of our Veteran Service Officers.

On Wednesday, I sat down with Dave Madsen from Western Mass News to discuss my work up on Beacon Hill and the Senate’s push to limit the use of cell phones in schools. Check out the interview tomorrow morning on Getting Answers. Afterwards, I paid a visit to the West Springfield Housing Authority to meet with residents and help the Greater Springfield Senior Services Inc’s annual “Beat the Heat” event, where they prepare smoothies for the residents and provide resources on how to stay safe during the warmer months. It was great to hear from our senior residents on their experiences and ways to improve their community, the smoothies were also great!

On Thursday, the Senate was in session to vote on a whole host of bills that would update archaic language in our state laws, especially with regards to people with disabilities, and help expand the State Police’s blue envelope program. The blue envelope program is an effort to create safer interactions between law enforcement and drivers on the autism spectrum during traffic stops.  This is done through an envelope that not only holds a driver’s documents but contains communication guidelines for law enforcement to help adapt their approach to interacting with a driver who has autism.

This week Team Velis hosted office hours in Russell. Next week, Team Velis will be hosting office hours on Monday at the Westfield Council on Aging from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm and on Wednesday at the Southampton Council on Aging from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. If you are unable to make office hours, I can always be reached by email, john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone, (413) 572-3920, and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com. 

Best,

John Velis

(SHNS) As lawmakers begin to think about regulating the use of drones in Massachusetts, industry professionals are urging them to rethink their approach.

Six bills before the Transportation Committee aim to define and regulate the unmanned aircraft at the state level — the registration, operation and pilot requirements of which are currently broadly governed by the Federal Aviation Administration. Several drone enthusiasts contested every one of the bills Tuesday, arguing that lawmakers should press pause and further examine the existing regulations.

Sen. John Velis, D-Westfield, and others painted drone regulations as a pressing safety issue. He called on his colleagues to address what he called “serious privacy and security threats” from unregulated drone use, which he said has resulted in interference with commercial aircraft at airports and grounding of some response aircraft.

“Our commonwealth laws have not kept pace with technology. In fact, currently, the Federal Aviation Administration has carte blanche when it comes to regulating drone usage, and this leaves law enforcement in Massachusetts and all public safety officials with very few options for overseeing drone usage,” Velis said. “We regulate cars, we regulate aircrafts — we must do the same for drones.”

A Velis bill (S 2454) would create no-fly zones surrounding “critical facilities” like airports, correctional institutions and military institutions, set minimum standards for drone operators and provide an enforcement process for recklessly-used or unmarked drones.

The industry seemingly is not on board with Beacon Hill’s proposed approach.

“I understand the intention behind some of these bills, but I encourage you to please do some more research and realize that these bills are destructive, not only to us, but the community as a whole and to future drone pilots,” Hayden Spitz, founder of Boston Drone Productions, told lawmakers Tuesday.

Spitz does photography and videography for realtors and businesses and teaches at the University of New Hampshire about drone laws and safety. He said he wouldn’t be able to help realtors show potential homebuyers the schools surrounding the homes they’re selling, under a Rep. Bruce Ayers bill (H 3618) that would bar drones from flying over early, elementary and secondary education facilities.

Ayers said Tuesday that his bill would “set a stronger precedent” for drone use by requiring operators to get written permission from a superintendent or school official to be able to fly drones over school buildings. Ayers named Louisiana, Alabama and New Jersey as places with similar restrictions.

Michael Ford, a commercial real estate aerial photographer, asked lawmakers Tuesday to table all six bills “to make sure these harmonize with the federal law, and also maybe put together an industry panel within Massachusetts to help guide how these come through and make them successful.”

A Rep. Brandy Fluker-Reid bill (H 3663) specifically, Ford said, would inhibit his ability to do his job. The proposal would nearly completely prohibit night flying, and prohibit drone take-off or landing on municipal or state-owned property and near aquifers, schools, parks, churches, places where “children congregate” or areas like athletic events or concerts where crowds gather.

The proposals show “a misunderstanding of the drone laws,” according to Spitz.

“Talking about everything from recreational being more than 10 pounds — recreational has nothing to do with weight, it has to do with intention of flying,” Spitz said.

“Talking about recreational flyers being at least 16 — recreational flyers don’t have an age limit, but as long as they took the TRUST test and understand the rules and legislation that they put in there … that would allow them to fly.”

Additional Rep. Brian Murray and Sen. Michael Rush bills (H 3749, S 2438) would put certain operational definitions in place for drones, along with prohibiting the arming of drones with weapons and the conducting of surveillance via drone. Industry opposition extended also to a Rep. Marcus Vaughn bill (H 3800) that would ban the sale of Chinese drones in Massachusetts.

“I understand that there is worry at the federal level on securing those. I understand that they are working through to figure out what’s true and what’s not. But getting rid of Chinese drones in the short term would impact school STEM programs, it would impact public safety, it would impact search and rescue, it would impact anybody who uses these drones,” Ford said.