Page 20 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, MAy 17, 2024 BHRC | FROM PAGE 18 grieved candidates to seek civil action up to a $10,000 fine against the person who posted the deep fakes. The bill’s provisions do not apply to news outlets or websites as long as the outlet acknowledges that the authenticity of the deep fake is in question. “Voters deserve to make their decisions on accurate information – and deepfake media makes that difficult,” said sponsor Sen. Barry Finegold (D-Andover). ”With artificial intelligence rapidly evolving, I am proud to have filed this proposal that will protect voters from the influence of deceptive and fraudulent media this election cycle.” Craig Holman, a lobbyist for Public Citizen, the Washington D.C. consumer organization founded by Ralph Nader, testified and told the Election Laws Committee that 13 other states have already adopted similar legislation. He said that the upcoming election “is shaping up to be the first very serious deepfake elecNeighborhood Affordable General Contractors 857-258-5584 Home Improvements Consultants Residential/ Commercial • Interior/ Exterior • New Construction Build and Design • Attics • Basements • Additions Vinyl Siding •Roofing • Porches Windows • Kitchen and bathrooms Pre-approved Contractors for first time home buyers programs VICTOR V. MA CSL#088821 Quality Work @ Reasonable Rates Free Estimates! 30 Years Experience! tion we’ve ever seen.” “Artificial intelligence has been around for a while,” said Holman. “But only this year, this election cycle, we’ve seen startling new advances where artificial intelligence can depict a candidate saying or doing something that they never did. And it’s almost impossible to tell the difference between what’s real and what is just entirely computer fabricated.” “It’s not a ban,” continued Holman. “It exempts news media, it exempts broadcasters and even social media platforms that make a reasonable effort to discern whether a communication is a deepfake or not. And it provides the targeted candidate with injunctive relief to try to stop further dissemination of that type of deepfake ad.” $2.4 MILLION FOR SUPPORTIVE AND SOCIAL DAY PROGRAMS – Gov. Maura Healey announced that $2.4 million in grants, ranging from $15,000 to $300,000, will go to 20 organizations and communities to broaden Supportive and Social Day Programs to help community organizations and municipalities expand or launch Supportive and Social Day Programs for older adults and individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in their community. Advocates said that recognizing that historically underrepresented communities lack access to Supportive and Social Day Programming, funding will be awarded to rural communities and Gateway Cities, and will focus on developing programs in Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Chinese, Spanish and American Sign Language. “We’re proud to support these organizations that are doing incredible work across our state to serve older adults, especial~ Legal Notice ~ A.G. Quealy Towing, Inc. Notice is hereby given by: A.G. Quealy Towing, Inc. 26 Garvey St., Everett, MA 02149 pursuant to the provisions of G.L.c.255, Section 39A, that on or after 02-02-2024 the following Motor Vehicles will be sold to satisfy the garage keeper’s lein thereon for storage, towing charges, care and expenses of notice and sale of said vehicles. Vehicle VIN 2005 BMW X3 Blue 2003 Ford White WBXPA93475WD24054 1FTSE34L33HB96991 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS Blue WDDDJ75X76A065059 2017 Toyota Corolla Black 2017 Jeep Compass White 2008 Infiniti G35 Yamaha R1 Blue 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe Black 2015 Honda Fit Blue Bullet25 Moped 2012 Moped Blue 2015 Nissan Sentra Silver 2018 Honda Accord White 2013 Subaru Cross trek 2008 Subaru Tribeca JNKBV61F88M270130 KM8SC13D15U918985 3HGGK5H82FM735828 LLOTCAPJ2MY680795 L8YTCAPF4CYC03584 3N1AB7AP2FY249209 1HGCV1F36JA006243 JF2GPAGC2D2897074 4S4WX90D084409113 May 3, 10, 17, 2024 2T1BURHEXHC934542 1C4NJCBA4HD148649 ly those who are suffering from Alzheimer’s and related dementias,” said Gov. Healey. “It’s important that our older adults and their loved ones can feel confident that they are receiving the best care possible. Our administration is proud to award this funding that will make Massachusetts more welcoming and livable for residents of all ages.” “Social and Supportive Day programs are essential to support our most vulnerable aging adults,” said Secretary of Elder Affairs Elizabeth Chen. “These programs provide a safe space for those with Alzheimer’s and related dementias to gather, stimulate conversation and foster connections. A number of these programs shut down during the pandemic, leaving these residents without a place to go, so the creation and expansion of the awarded programs is so important for our communities’ post-pandemic.” END VETERANS’ HOMELESSNESS – Secretary Jon Santiago of the Executive Office of Veterans Services and Secretary Ed Augustus of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities met with staff and residents of Brighton Marine to discuss the Healey administration’s goal of ending veterans’ homelessness by 2027. Brighton Marine, according to its website “supports uniformed services members, retirees, veterans and their families by providing US Family Health Plan, wrap around support services and case management for the greater Boston community.” The Healey Administration said the End Veterans Homelessness campaign is a multi-pronged partnership to identify all homeless veterans in Massachusetts, develop and implement comprehensive and evidence-based strategies to prevent and intervene in veterans’ homelessness and bring it to functional zero. The campaign will coordinate efforts across federal, state and the non-profit sector to address veteran homelessness and support providers who are working daily to improve veteran care and housing. “No veteran should ever be homeless,” said Secretary Ed Augustus. “Since Day One, Gov. Healey and Lt. Gov. Driscoll have prioritized housing. Our shared vision for an affordable Massachusetts means every veteran not only has a home but is getting the support services they deserve.” MORE BICYCLE LANES (H 3350) - The House gave initial approval to a bill that would require that any city or town that has received state funding for transportation development, conduct a study to expand the number of bicycle routes on its local public roadways. The measure mandates that the city or town report back to Legislature in six months with a report including its findings and proposals to increase the lanes. Sponsor Rep. Daniel Hunt (D-Dorchester) did not respond to several requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to comment on his proposal. NO PENALTIES FOR CANCELLING AN AUTO INSURANCE POLICY (H 1102) – The House gave initial approval to legislation that would allow auto insurance policyholders, if they cancel a policy or change companies, to be entitled to a pro-rated rebate for the exact number of days paid for in the policy without any surcharge of expenses beyond the exact days the policy was in effect. Rep. James Murphy (D-Weymouth), the bill’s sponsor, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to comment on his proposal. QUOTABLE QUOTES “It’s almost impossible for individuals and families to thrive and live healthy, productive lives when they are not adequately and safely housed. Affordable, accessible housing allows people to prioritize their health care needs and the needs of their families, while also creating vibrant, healthier, safer and more productive communities across Massachusetts.” --- Secretary of Health and Human Services Kate Walsh during a meeting with health care leaders to discuss the impact of the high housing costs on public health, as well as the industry’s ability to recruit and retain a talented workforce to provide care. “The countdown is on for REAL ID federal enforcement and the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, and its partner AAA Northeast, have successfully been issuing REAL ID credentials and are prepared for interested residents prior to the May 2025 deadline. We want Massachusetts residents to know they can upgrade to the REAL ID driver’s license or identification card during their normal renewal process for the same cost as a renewal.” ---Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie reminding residents that beginning May 7, 2025, anyone traveling by plane domestically or entering certain federal building areas will need a Registry-issued REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID or a valid passport. “As a fifth-generation dairy farmer, I understand how demanding and stressful farming can be. Our farmers have always been resilient and resourceful in tackling the challenges of their work, but it’s important we provide resources to prioritize their mental health. Our priority is letting our farmers know that there are people who care and are ready to listen, and there is a network of farmers across Massachusetts available to discuss their challenges and work with them to improve their mental well-being.” --- Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner Ashley Randle raising awareness of the Mass Grown Wellness Program that was launched in 2023 to promote mental health and well-being among members of the farming community. “We are committed to ensuring that every city and town has the most advanced tools to protect against cyberattacks.Given the enormous importance of cyber resiliency, we are working around the clock to empower local leaders, strengthen our workforce and upgrade technology to keep our communities safe.” --- Secretary Yvonne Hao of the Executive Office of Economic Development announcing the Cyber Resilient Massachusetts Grant Program, a $1.4 million initiative to help local governments improve their cyber defenses. The program will provide municipalities with grants to fund narrowly focused cybersecurity technology upgrades identified through vulnerability assessments. HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been filed. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session. During the week May 6-10, the House met for a total of 28 minutes and the Senate met for a total of 36 minutes. Mon. May 6 House11:01 a.m. to 11:17 a.m. Senate 11:05 a.m. to 11:10 a.m. Tues. May 7 No House session No Senate session Wed. May 8 No House session No Senate session Thurs. May 9 House11:00 a.m. to11:12 a.m. Senate 11:07 a.m. to11:38 a.m. Fri. May 10 No House session No Senate session Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com Bob founded Beacon Hill Roll Call in 1975 and was inducted into the New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA) Hall of Fame in 2019.
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