SCHOOL PRINCIPALS (H 371) - The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Patrick a bill that would require school principals to have a meeting with the school system's superintendent to discuss their employment conditions and terms. Current law is vague and states that principals "shall have the opportunity" to meet with superintendents.

Supporters say the mandatory meeting would ensure there is communication between the two parties. They note that under the current vague law, some principals have had difficulty getting a meeting with the superintendent.

Current law prohibits principals from being covered under collective bargaining.

PROTECT HOMES FROM CREDITORS (H 4878) - A bill awaiting the governor's signature would amend the current law that allows a homeowner to file a "homestead declaration" to protect up to $500,000 of the amount of equity in his or her single-family home or condominium from creditors. The proposal retains that right but also provides an automatic homestead of up to $125,000 without the homeowner having to file any documents. The measure also would prohibit refinancing of a mortgage from affecting a prior homestead.

The homestead is limited and does not provide protection against outstanding taxes, court-ordered support payments, first or second mortgages and any debts incurred prior to filing the homestead declaration.

Supporters say the proposal would help more homeowners keep their homes by keeping creditors at bay. They note it is even more important to approve the expanded law during this economic crisis when many homeowners are trying to remain in their homes.

ALLOW ARCHITECTS TO PLACE LIENS (S 2512) - The Senate approved a bill allowing architects, professional engineers and land surveyors to place liens on properties when they are not paid by the homeowner.

Supporters said this measure would give these professionals the same lien rights that are currently enjoyed by builders. They noted many of these hardworking people do not get paid in full and their only recourse is a lengthy and often unsuccessful lawsuit.

HONOR CITY YEAR (H 4230) - The House approved and sent to the Senate a measure that would designate the fourth Friday in September as City Year Day.  According to its website, City Year is a group that currently has some 1,750 youths age 17-24 who perform a year of full-time community service, leadership development and civic engagement.  Each person works at one of 20 locations across the nation as a tutor and mentor, running after-school programs and leading youth leadership programs.

QUOTABLE QUOTES - Special Farewell Edition - Quotes from the speeches of representatives who are retiring from the House.

"It was the day of my swearing in. I went to them (my sons) and said, 'You don't have to go to school today. Don't forget. It's my swearing in.' And my then eight-year-old looked at me and said, 'Oh Mom, do you know a lot of swear words?'"

Rep. Katherine Clark (D-Melrose).

"I've always said the friends that I made here have been the closest friends that I have made literally since I was in high school. And that's appropriate because no institution reminds me more of high school than this august body. Pranks, cliques, gossip, locker-room humor."

Rep. Robert Rice (D-Gardner).

"The man who taught me how you can put an entire pizza in its box on the dashboard of your car and eat it while you're driving."

Rep. James Welch (D-West Springfield) referring to Rep. Michael Kane (D-Holyoke).

"As the next elected sheriff of Worcester County, you can count on one thing. I'll be back and I look forward to seeing you all again."

Rep. Lewis Evangelidis (D-Holden)

"It was an honor and a privilege to serve under (Former House Speaker) Charlie Flaherty. Back in those days Bill Weld was the governor and they got things done in that office in an old fashioned way. Every Friday afternoon they drank."

Rep. James Fagan (D-Taunton).

HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK'S SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature's job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been filed. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session.

During the week of December 13-17, the House met for a total of six hours and 46 minutes while the Senate met for a total of 24 minutes.

Mon.   December 13    House  11:01 a.m. to  11:20 a.m.
Senate 11:00 a.m. to  11:15 a.m.

Tues.  December 14    No House session
No Senate session

Wed.   December 15    No House session
No Senate session

Thurs. December 16    House  10:03 a.m. to   4:30 p.m.
Senate 11:00 a.m. to  11:09 a.m.

Fri.   December 17    No House session
No Senate session

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