CORPORATE MANSLAUGHTER (H 1614) - This legislation would increase the current $1,000 fine to up to $250,000 for the crime of "manslaughter by a corporation" under which a corporation could be convicted and punished for culpable conduct that leads to a person's death. It was just one Senate vote away from reaching the governor's desk. The House gave the measure final approval on July 31 but five months later the Senate had not done so and the bill died when the 2010 Legislature adjourned in January 2011. The measure also would allow the state to debar from future state business a corporation indicted for corporate manslaughter and requires the state to debar for up to ten years a corporation convicted of the crime.

Supporters say this long-overdue legislation would finally crack down on corporations responsible for lost lives. They argue it is outrageous Bechtel was found responsible and paid restitution for the death of a woman who lost her life in the 2006 Big Dig ceiling collapse but is still bidding on and receiving state contracts.

ALLOW CONSUMERS TO USE COUPONS AND REBATES TO PURCHASE PRESCRIPTIONS (H 4689, S 2590) - The House and Senate approved different version of a bill allowing consumers to use coupons and rebate offers when purchasing prescriptions. The two branches never agreed on a version and the proposal died. Supporters say this proposal would help lower the cost of prescription drugs for seniors and others who otherwise might not be able to afford them. They note that the current law banning the use of coupons and rebates was designed to prevent drug companies from trying to induce customers into buying their drugs but had unintended consequences and now prevents people from saving money on prescriptions.

RESTRICT TANNING SALONS TO ADULTS (H 4884, S 2339) - The House and Senate approved different versions of a bill that would prohibit anyone under age 16 from using a tanning bed at a tanning salon. Teens age 16 and 17 would be permitted to tan with parental permission. The two branches never agreed on a version and the proposal died. Supporters say these booths are dangerous and increase by 75 percent a person’s chances of getting melanoma. They argue while adults can make their own decisions, it is the state's job to protect children. They recall the case of Glenna Kohl, a young Barnstable lifeguard who used tanning beds, and how she testified at the Statehouse in favor of this bill before she lost her three-year battle with melanoma.

ALLOW HOME HEALTH AIDES TO ADMINISTER PILLS (S 860) - Both branches gave initial, but not final, approval to a bill that would allow home health aides to administer some medications to seniors at home if delegated to do so by a nurse. The aide would first have to complete a training course. Supporters say this would help seniors remain at home instead of being required to go into a nursing home or assisted living facility.