Rep. Muradian Named to PAWS II/Animal Welfare Bill Conference Committee

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative David K. Muradian, Jr. (R-Grafton) to a conference committee charged with reviewing two legislative proposals to update the state’s animal cruelty laws.

An Act to protect animal welfare and safety in cities and towns, also known as the PAWS Act II, was approved by the Senate on March 15, with the House passing its own version of the bill on June 6.  Both bills seek to expand on the state’s 2014 PAWS law by adding new requirements for reporting animal abuse and prohibiting the drowning of animals.

Representative Muradian will serve on the conference committee alongside Representatives Louis Kafka (D-Stoughton) and Jim O'Day (D-West Boylston), and Senators Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford), Adam Hinds (D-Pittsfield), and Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester).  The conference committee will attempt to reconcile the differences between the two bills and reach an agreement on compromise language by the last day of formal legislative sessions, which falls on July 31.

“Representative Muradian has served on a number of conference committees and has proven that he can work with other legislators to achieve a consensus,” said Representative Jones.  “I am confident he will do everything he can to help get a strong animal protection bill on the Governor’s desk before session ends.”

Representative Muradian currently serves as a member of the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government, which reviewed an earlier version of the PAWS Act II last fall and reported the bill out favorably.  He is also a member of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs, Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, and the House Committee on Ethics.

Representative Muradian represents the Ninth Worcester District, which includes the communities of Grafton, Northbridge and Upton.

Rep. Berthiaume Appointed to Environmental Bond Bill Conference Committee

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr. (R-Spencer) to a conference committee that will attempt to reconcile the differences between two environmental bond bills recently passed by the House and Senate.

The House bond bill, which was approved on June 13, includes nearly $3 billion in capital authorizations to support a variety of local and statewide environmental initiatives.  The Senate engrossed its own version of the bill – An Act promoting climate change adaptation, environmental and natural resource protection, and investment in recreational assets and opportunity – on July 12.

“Representative Berthiaume is well-versed on environmental policy, having served as a member of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture,” said Representative Jones.  “His experience will be an asset to the conference committee as it works to negotiate a compromise bill.”

A Navy veteran and former Spencer selectman, Representative Berthiaume also serves as a member of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, and the House Committee on Ways and Means.  Joining him on the conference committee are Representatives David Nangle (D-Lowell) and William “Smitty” Pignatelli (D-Lenox), along with Senators William Brownsberger (D-Belmont), Anne Gobi and Donald Humason (R-Westfield).

The conference committee will attempt to reach an agreement on compromise language before formal legislative sessions end on July 31.

Representative Berthiaume was first elected to the House of Representatives in November of 2014.  He represents the 5th Worcester District, which is comprised of 11 communities, including Barre; Brookfield; East Brookfield; Hardwick; Hubbardston; New Braintree; North Brookfield; Oakham; West Brookfield; and portions of Spencer and Ware.