Molasses Flood Centennial Approaching

January 15 will mark the one hundredth anniversary of the strangest disaster in the history of Boston. The 1919 Molasses Flood occurred when a huge holding tank in the North End exploded, sending out a wave of liquid that caused deaths and injuries, as well as millions of dollars in property damage. Read Full Article

Airbnb Law Okayed

On December 28 Governor Charlie Baker approved a new law that will tax and regulate short-term house and apartment rentals. Municipal leaders are happy with the new controls the law gives cities and towns but companies such as Airbnb call it a “flawed measure.” Read Full Article

Trial Court Chief Justice Paula M. Carey Reappoints Honorable Roberto Ronquillo Jr. Chief Justice of the Boston Municipal Court

Trial Court Chief Justice Paula M. Carey today announced the reappointment of the Honorable Roberto Ronquillo Jr. as Chief Justice of the Boston Municipal Court for a five-year term effective January 2, 2019, in accordance with G.L. c.211B, §5. Chief Justice Ronquillo has served on the Boston Municipal Court since 2001, and as Chief Justice of the department since his initial appointment in January 2014. Read Full Article

Federal Criminal Justice Reform Advances

After weeks of uncertainty and delay the First Step Act of 2018 is coming closer to passage by the United States Congress. In an unusual show of bipartisanship, Democrats and Republicans have worked together on a bill to reduce the length of prison sentences for nonviolent offenders and improve programs for rehabilitation and re-entry into society. Read Full Article

Social Law Hosts Forum on Marijuana Reform Co-sponsored by the Cannabis Control Commission

On December 18 over one hundred-twenty people attended a public meeting at the Social Law Library at which state and municipal officials from around the state discussed the progress of legal marijuana businesses in their communities. Read Full Article