The state Senate is voting to commission a study into the possibility of creating injection sites where people could take illegal drugs.
The Senate vote came after lawmakers backed away from passing a measure that would have actually created the injection sites.
Governor Charlie Baker has expressed strong concerns about the possible injection sites.
The US Attorney from Massachusetts says such injection sites would be a violation of federal law.
Some lawmakers want the sites to allow people to use drugs under the watchful eye of medical officials to prevent overdose deaths.
(Photo credit DOMINICK REUTER/AFP/Getty Images)