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THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, FEbRuARy 20, 2026 Page 17 BEACON | FROM PAGE 16 get their message out to the voters,” said House Minority Leader Brad Jones (R-North Reading). Amendment opponents said the amendment is beyond the scope of the bill and should be considered as a separate piece of legislation that would be the subject of a public hearing. R ep. Daniel Hun t (D-Dorchester), a supporter of the bill itself and a staunch opponent of the amendment, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him why he voted against the amendment. (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Joseph McGonagle No CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS (S 2946) Senate 37-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that supporters said would help the certified public accountant (CPA) workforce grow and meet consumer demand while upholding its longtime professional standards. The proposal updates the standards for certification as a CPA by offering a mix of college education and work experience, such as a bachelor’s degree combined with two years of full-time professional experience, or a master’s degree paired with one year of professional experience. It also would remove an outdated threshold, currently in place, which often burdens an applicant with completing more course credits than are needed for a college degree. Another provision helps meet the demand for CPA services by authorizing CPAs who are licensed in other states to practice in Massachusetts, as long as they have met Massachusetts’ educational requirements and passed the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination. “CPAs play an invaluable role in ensuring that Massachusetts remains a leader in industries across the country,” said Sen. John Cronin (D-Fitchburg) the lead sponsor of the measure. “This legislation removes financial barriers to pursuing a career as a CPA, while maintaining the same rigorous academic and professional standards that have guided the profession for decades.” “Massachusetts businesses, municipalities and families all rely on trusted financial professionals, and right now the pipeline into the accounting profession is shrinking,” said Sen. Pavel Payano (D-Lawrence), Senate Chair of the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. “This legislation opens practical pathways to licensure while preserving the high educational standards that define the CPA credentials. By modernizing how qualified candidates enter the profession, we strengthen our workforce, support economic stability and ensure the next generation of accountants can meet the needs of our communities.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.) Sen. Sal DiDomenico Yes SALE OF VEHCLES (S 2945) Senate 38-0, approved and sent to the House legislation that supporters say would strengthen consumer rights for people who buy new and used vehicles by expanding the state’s car buyer protection law; increasing the mileage for used car warranties; and strengthening the bonds that give relief to victims of auto sale fraud. The bill expands current Lemon Law protections by allowing a buyer to void a sale if the vehicle fails to pass inspection within seven days of delivery. This would replace the current law which allows the voiding of a sale seven days from the date of purchase. Other provisions increase the maximum mileage of the used vehicle warranty from 125,000 miles to 175,000 miles; double— from $25,000 to $50,000— the amount of the surety bond that used car dealers are required to post for the benefit of consumers who experience fraud; and allow the attorney general to make claims against dealers’ surety bonds on behalf of affected consumers, in addition to the existing ability of car buyers to pursue their own claims. “When it comes to the purchase of a vehicle— one of the most significant financial decisions a person will make in their lifetime—consumers deserve to know they are protected from financial ruin should that vehicle turn out to be a lemon or fail to meet minimum standards,” said Sen. ~ Legal Notice ~ Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough), the bill’s lead sponsor. “The stakes are simply too high when the vast majority of Massachusetts residents rely on their vehicle as a daily lifeline to economic opportunity, whether it be transportation to work, school or other opportunities that keep our commonwealth moving forward. By updating consumer protection laws to align with the realities of modern vehicle technology, we are reaffirming our commitment to shielding families from unfair and deceptive practices that can upend their lives.” “For most families, buying a car is a necessity, not a luxury,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “When a car purchase goes wrong, the consequences can be devastating. This law ensures Massachusetts consumers have clear rights, real recourse and confidence when making one of the most important financial decisions of their lives.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.) Sen. Sal DiDomenico Yes HOUSING DISCRIMINATION (S 2947) Senate 38-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that supporters said would advance the goal of ensuring every Massachusetts resident has a fair opportunity to access housing. The measure mandates fair housing training for all real estate agents and strengthens state enforcement of the Fair Housing Law. Details include requiring applicants for a real estate license to attend at least four hours of classroom instruction on the Fair Housing Law as part of their application process and training them on how to avoid discrimination against potential buyers or renters based on demographics like race, national origin, religion, disability or age. The measure also requires at least two hours of instruction as part of the renewal process for real estate licenses; increases the penalty from a 90-day license suspension to up to a 180-day suspension for licensed real estate brokers or salespeople who commit a second violation of the Fair Housing Law within a two-year period; and requires the Real Estate Brokers’ Registration Board to annually publish a list of licensed brokers or salespeople whose real estate licenses were revoked due to Fair Housing Law violations, along with a summary of complaints filed and the number and type of disciplinary actions taken by the board. BEACON | SEE PAGE 18 ~ Legal Notice ~ SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION, CARE AND PROTECTION, TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS, DOCKET NUMBER 25CP0099SP, Trial Court of Massachusetts, Juvenile Court Department, COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, Hampden County Juvenile Court, 80 State Street, Springfield, MA 01103. 413-748-7714. TO: Derrick Allyne or the Father of Niya Grace O’Brien, born on June 6, 2017 in Springfield, MA. to Shari Colleen O’Brien: A petition has been presented to this court by Department of Children and Families Springfield, seeking, as to the following child: Niya G O’Brien, that said child be found in need of care and protection and committed to the Department of Children and Families. The court may dispense the rights of the person(s) named herein to receive notice of or to consent to any legal proceeding affecting the adoption, custody, or guardianship or any other disposition of the child named herein, if it finds that the child is in need of care and protection and that the best interests of the child would be served by said disposition. You are hereby ORDERED to appear in this court, at the court address set forth above, on the following date and time: 03/31/2026 at 09:00 AM Pre Trial Conference (CR/CV) You may bring an attorney with you. If you have a right to an attorney and if the court determines that you are indigent, the court will appoint an attorney to represent you. If you fail to appear, the court may proceed on that date and any date thereafter to a trial on the merits and adjudication of this matter. For further information call the Office of the Clerk-Magistrate at 413-748-7714. WITNESS: Hon. David B. Paradis, FIRST JUSTICE, DATE ISSUED: 02/04/2026, Paul R Viets, Clerk-Magistrate. February 06, 13, 20, 2026

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