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Page 18 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, JAnuARy 23, 2026 BEACON | FROM PAGE 17 “It’s especially fitting to bestow this highly visible license plate in recognition for families of law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting their communities,” said Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “This distinctive plate will be available to spouses, children and parents of fallen law enforcement officers all across the commonwealth at no additional charge from the Registry. It is a small but meaningful token of appreciation that we can do to honor these brave men and women who paid the price when answering the call to duty.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.) Sen. Sal DiDomenico Yes ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL DIRECT PRIMARY CARE (S 2732) – The Committee on Consumer Protection and Profes- LEGAL NOTICE - COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS THE TRIAL COURT PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT Middlesex Probate and Family Court 10-U Commerce Way Woburn, MA 01801 (781) 865-4000 Docket No. MI26P0181EA Estate of: DAOUD F. RIZK Also known as: DAVID RIZK, DAVID F. RIZK Date of Death: 10/17/2025 CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION To all interested persons: A Petition for Formal Adjudication of Intestacy and Appointment of Personal Representative has been filed by Marie R. Homsi of Laval, Quebec CA requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition. The Petitioner requests that: Marie R. Homsi of Laval, Quebec CA be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond in unsupervised administration. IMPORTANT NOTICE You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 02/11/2026. This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an affidavit of objections within thirty (30) days of the return day, action may be taken without further notice to you. UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC) A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including the distribution of assets and expenses of administration. WITNESS, Hon. Terri L. Klug Cafazzo, First Justice of this Court. Date: January 14, 2026 TARA E. DeCRISTOFARO REGISTER OF PROBATE January 23, 2026 sional Licensure gave a favorable report and has recommended that the House and Senate approve a bill that would prohibit health insurance carriers, particularly in the context of direct primary car (DPC) arrangements, from denying payment for covered health care services based solely on the provider being outside the carrier’s network, as long as the service itself is covered. The measure also clarifies that dispensing controlled substances must be for a legitimate medical purpose; and removes restrictive language about dosage limits and emergency dispensing, potentially easing access for patients in urgent need. “I proposed this legislation to minimize the burdens that come with seeking care,” said sponsor Sen. Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “This bill would bring Massachusetts into line with several other states that recognize the essential care services that DPC physicians provide and help connect underserved communities with healthcare that is covered by the insurance they already pay for. The way people are receiving essential healthcare is changing – our medical systems should change with it.” CREDIT CARDS (S 2819) – The Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure also gave a favorable report to and has recommended that the House and Senate approve a bill that supporters say would update Massachusetts law and regulate how businesses can encourage non-credit card payments and charge for credit card use, with an emphasis on transparency and consumer protection. The bill would allow businesses to offer discounts to customers who pay by cash, check or similar means -- and would prohibit credit card issuers from restricting those discounts, provided the discount is clearly disclosed in advance of the transaction. “I sponsored [the bill] to promote transparency and fairness for both consumers and small businesses,” said sponsor Sen. Jake Oliveira (D-Ludlow). “Credit card processing fees continue to rise, and this legislation ensures businesses can recover legitimate costs, while giving consumers clear information before they complete a purchase.” KIDNEY FAILURE (S 2737) – The Health Care Financing Committee held a hearing on legislation that would reverse the exclusion of under-age 65 with a diagnosis of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD or kidney failure) from being able to purchase Medicare Supplement health insurance plans, also called Medigap. Supporters said this bill would ensure that Medicare-eligible Bay Staters under the age of 65 with ESRD – who are on Medicare but not the Massachusetts Medicaid program (called non-duals) have the same legally protected access to affordable Medigap plans as they would have if they had gotten sick at age 65. “As someone who survived and knows firsthand the fear, the cost and the uncertainty that come with kidney failure, I filed this bill because no one should be denied the coverage they need simply because they got sick before turning 65,” said sponsor Sen. Adam Gomez (D-Springfield). “Massachusetts is one of only four states that still blocks younger ESRD patients from accessing affordable Medigap plans, and that barrier keeps too many people from financial stability and lifesaving transplants. This legislation is a simple, long overdue fix that will finally give hundreds of patients the protection and dignity they deserve.” HIV – GETTING TO ZERO WEEK (H 3381) – The House gave initial approval to a proposal that would set apart December 1-8 as “Getting to Zero Week” to increase public awareness, understanding and recognition of our communities’ shared commitment to end the HIV and AIDS epidemic in the Bay State by getting to zero new cases, zero HIV-related deaths and zero stigma. “We have the ability, not just within our lifetimes but within the next ten years, to reach zero new HIV cases, zero HIV-related deaths and zero stigma associated with HIV status,” said sponsor Rep. Jack Lewis (D-Framingham). He said the bill would recognize our communities and commonwealth’s shared commitment to ending the HIV epidemic and supporting essential public health efforts.” QUOTABLE QUOTES “Over $3 billion in benefits will flow into Massachusetts thanks to this major transmission line. That means lower bills, more jobs and the power we need to grow our economy. Our administration played an important role in keeping this project on track and affordable.” ---Lt Gov. Kim Driscoll, on completion of the New England Clean Energy Connect transmission line that is now delivering affordable, stable hydropower from Canada to the Bay State. “When projects move faster, costs go down – and those savings matter. By shortening review timelines from years to just 30 days, we’re getting more housing built and making life more affordable for families and communities.” ---Gov. Maura Healey on her reforms, effective on January 30, implementing a new streamlined process to make it easier and faster to build homes in Massachusetts and lower housing costs. “Young children learn best through play. These grants continue to equip educators with tools that lead to equitable and meaningful learning experiences for students.” ---Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Pedro Martinez, on awarding $140,000 in grants to four school districts to continue efforts to incorporate playful learning strategies into preschool through third grade classrooms. “We critically need increased monitoring, oversight and public reporting of Massachusetts Assisted Living Residences so it’s important that the Legislature approve the necessary funding to increase staffing and resources and make other legislative actions that will improve oversight and consumer protections, as advised by the Commission.” ---Liane Zeitz, member of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, applauding the final report by the Massachusetts Assisted Living Residences Commission, which outlines recommendations to improve health and safety standards at the state’s assisted living facilities, following the death of ten residents in July 2025 fire at the Gabriel House in Fall River. BEACON | SEE PAGE 19

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