Page 18 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, MAy 9, 2025 BEACON | FROM PAGE 17 Jones (R-North Reading). “This amendment would also allow individuals who do not have an ID to secure one free of charge through a new program that would be run through the Secretary of State’s office, which oversees elections.” Rep. Daniel Hunt (D-Dorchester) opposed the amendment and said that in states that already require this, it’s often used as a tool, not a rule, and it’s used to disenfranchise voters. He noted that the Elections Law Committee has not yet held hearings on several bills that are being considered relative to voter ID and urged members not to rush this amendment through the House but rather wait until the committee holds a public hearing on the bills. (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Joseph McGonagle No ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL WHEELCHAIR REPAIRS (H 1278) – The Financial Services Committee held a hearing on a bill that would mandate a ten-business day deadline for the completion of motorized wheelchair repairs, with a couple of exceptions. “The bill … models a law recently passed in Connecticut,” said sponsor Rep. Jim O’Day (D-West Boylston). “This proposal requires the repair of a motorized wheelchair to be completed within ten days, differing from a bill filed in the Senate that aims to extend warranty provisions. While I believe the House bill is easier to understand for both consumers and providers, both approaches seek to target the same issue – a consolidated market for repairs that leaves persons with disabilities and wheelchair users stranded and without CITY OF EVERETT - LEGAL NOTICE - BOARD OF APPEALS 484 BROADWAY, ROOM 24 EVERETT, MASSACHUSETTS 02149 To Whom It May Concern: This notice is to inform you that a public hearing will be held on Monday May 19, 2025 at 6:00 PM, Everett City Hall, 3rd Floor George Keverian Hearing Room. All interested parties may attend and opinions will be heard regarding the following petition. Whereas a petition has been presented by: Property Address: Map/Parcel: Property Owner: 33-35 Ferry Street Everett, MA 02149 L0-07-000009 Mr. Antonio DeNardo 35 Ferry Street Everett, MA 02149 Proposal: Applicant seeks to convert a two family to a three family in a nonconforming structure located within a business District. Reason for Denial: Existing lot size is 4945 square feet with an FAR of .91 where and FAR of 1.5 is required. 1. Section 17 Off-Street Parking (A) (2): Multi-family dwellings 2 spaces per dwelling unit. 2. Section 17 off street Parking (I): Each required parking space shall not be less than 9 feet in width and 18 feet in length exclusive of drives and maneuvering space. 3. Section 17 Off-Street Parking (J): Parking facilities shall be designed so that each motor vehicle may proceed to and from the parking space provided for it without requiring the moving of any other motor vehicle. Section 3 (6) of APPENDIX A of the City of Everett Zoning ordinances requires “Pre-existing, non-conforming structures or uses may be extended, altered or changed in use, providing that such extensions, alterations or changes of use shall be permitted only upon the grant of a Special Permit by the Zoning Board of Appeals and after a public hearing, a finding by the Board that such extension, alteration or change of use shall not be substantially more detrimental to the neighborhood than the existing non-conforming use or structure. Rebecca Edmondson Korom - Chairman Roberta Suppa - Clerk of Board of Appeals May 02, 09, 2025 options. At the end of the day, the goal is to expand consumer protection and dramatically improve life for Massachusetts residents who use wheelchairs.” HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN TRANSPARENCY (S 685) – Another measure heard by the Financial Services Committee would require health insurance plans that are regulated by the state to include the following statement on plan members’ identification cards: “This health plan is fully-insured, subject to all Massachusetts insurance laws.” Supporters said that this simple requirement would make it much easier for patients to understand what rights they have and what treatments are covered under their health plans. They noted that roughly half of Massachusetts residents with employer-based health insurance are in “fully-insured” plans regulated under Massachusetts law, while the other half are in “self-funded” plans that are federally regulated. They noted that the distinction is important, because fully insured plans are subject to state mandates guaranteeing access to treatment for more than a dozen medical conditions and for mental health conditions generally; and self-funded plans are not subject to these mandates. “I filed [the bill] to make it easier for patients, providers and advocates to understand what rights and coverage apply to a given health insurance plan,” said sponsor Sen. Cindy Creem (D-Newton). “Right now, it’s often unclear whether a plan is subject to Massachusetts law - which can mean the difference between getting essential health services covered or not. This bill would add a simple line to insurance cards to clarify that distinction, following the lead of at least a dozen other states, including Connecticut and New York.” CONSUMER PROTECTION AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE COMMITTEE HEARING – The Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on several pieces of legislation including: AUTOMATIC RENEWAL OF PROFESIONAL LICENSES (S 275) - Would automatically renew professional licensures as opposed to requiring the license holder to submit an online application or wait on a renewal to be approved by a licensure board. Supporters said that this would be beneficial in more prompt renewal times for licenses, creating a more streamlined process that takes the burden off those who issue licenses and those who hold them. “I believe that this system of automatic renewal for those who must hold a professional licensure in Massachusetts will create an easier process for all involved in this system,” said sponsor Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “Automatic renewal would save the time and effort on the end of those who need their license renewed promptly and it may have not been a top priority among a demanding work schedule. Automated systems would keep errors at a minimum while ensuring renewal information is complete and consistent.” WAIVE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER REQUIREMENT (H 451) - Would standardize what forms of identification can be used by applicants when applying for occupational licenses from the Division of Occupational Licensure and the Department of Public Health. The measure would allow individuals to submit a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or another form of verified identification in place of a social security number. “Currently, there is no uniform policy across state licensing boards,” said sponsor Rep. Francisco Paulino (D-Methuen). “Some, like the Board of Registration in Nursing, already allow applicants to use a TIN. This means a qualified applicant can become a Registered Nurse but may be barred from becoming a Certified Nurse Assistant because the Certified Nurse Assistant Board does not accept a TIN. The inconsistency creates unnecessary barriers, particularly for tax-paying immigrants and others who are legally authorized to work or who are otherwise contributing members of our workforce.” “This reform is especially urgent in industries facing significant labor shortages, including healthcare, construction and other trades,” continued Paulino. “Allowing more qualified individuals to obtain licensure helps meet workforce demands and BEACON | SEE PAGE 19
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