Page 18 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, AugusT 8, 2025 BEACON | FROM PAGE 17 ano (D-Quincy). “This legislation provides the tools necessary for our hospitality workers to identify and prevent human trafficking, ultimately saving lives and increasing public safety.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.) Rep. Joseph McGonagle Yes BAN USE OF CELL PHONES IN SCHOOLS (S 2561) Senate 38-2, approved and sent to the House legislation that would ban student use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices during classes. The measure would require all public schools and districts in Massachusetts to implement, by the start of the 2026-2027 school year, policies for student use of these devices on school grounds and during school-sponsored activities. The policy may include exceptions for students who need their device for treating a medical condition; stu- Legal Notice - SUMMONS (FAMILY LAW) NOTICE TO RESPONDENT (Name) SONJA CHERRY You have been sued. Read the information below. Pettitioner’s Name is: ROBERT E. GAMBLE CASE NUMBER: 23FL012557N You have 30 calendar days after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response (Form FL-120) at the court and have a copy servedon the petitioner. A letter, phone call, or court appearance will not protect you. If you do not file a Response on time, the court may make orders affecting your marriage or domestic partnership, your property, and custody of your children. You may be ordered to pay support and attorney fees and costs. For legal advice, contact a lawyer immediately. Get help finding a lawyer at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp), at the California Legal Services website (www.legalhelpca.org), or by contacting your local bar association. NOTICE - RESTRAINING ORDERS: These restraining orders are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgment is entered, or the court makes further orders. They are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them. FEE WAIVER: If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. The court may order you to pay back all or part of the fees and costs that the court waived for you or the other party. SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA NORTH COUNTY DIVISION, 325 S. MELROSE DR., VISTA, CA 92081 The name, address, and telephone number of the petitioner’s attorney, or the petitioner without an attorney, are: ROBERT E. GAMBLE 1221 Eucalyptus Ave Vista, CA 92084 Tel: 508-615-2752 Date: 07 NOV 2023 Clerk by, T. Angulo, Deputy SUMMONS (Family Law) August 8, 15, 22, 29, 2025 dents with disabilities; students who spend time off campus traveling to or from other learning opportunities; and students with individualized education plans. The policy must include methods for parents and students to be able to contact one another during the school day if necessary; enforcement provisions; and may differ for students in different grade levels. “There are a myriad of negative effects linked to the growing issue of student cell phone usage at school and in the classroom, including diminished academic performance, poorer mental health, worse relationship building and social skills, reduced safety during emergencies and more,” said Sen. Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Committee on Education. “According to Pew Research, 72 percent of high school teachers consider cell phones to be a major problem in the classroom, and numerous studies have shown the many robust benefits to student learning and growth by removing cell phones from their educational environment.” “Massachusetts has a proud history of supporting and uplifting K-12 public education for our residents, but a device small enough to fit in a pocket presents a profound challenge to ensuring student success,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “That’s why I charged the Senate in May of this year to explore ways to make our schools cell phone free. This legislation delivers on that commitment and builds on the Senate’s mission of creating a statewide education system that continues to promote learning and growth.” “This impactful legislation will make many beneficial and lasting improvements in the quality of our public school education,” said Sen. Michael Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Countless studies have shown the detrimental and distracting effects of cell phone usage both in the classroom, and for entire school day,” said Sen. Michael Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “While many school districts have already implemented some type of cell phone restriction, this bill takes a uniform approach to this problem, tasking the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to establish a clear ban on cell phones and electronic devices for public school students. The results in the other states that have enacted similar legislation are startling. Students are more engaged, become more proficient in their studies and the student-teacher relationship is enhanced. This measure also greatly reduces the threat of cyber-bullying.” “Cellphones are instrumental in society and an outright cell phone ban in schools does not serve students well or appropriately teach students how and when to use phones maturely in an academic environment,” said Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton), one of only two senators to oppose the bill. “This legislation also creates a blanket policy for all schools rather than allowing the school districts to create policies based on their own community’s needs. Finally, this legislation fails to consider all facets of cell phone use in schools such as families communicating during the school day especially during a public safety or family emergency.” S en. Kelly Dooner (R-Taunton), the only other senator who voted against the bill, did not respond to repeated requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call asking her why she opposed the measure. (A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.) Sen. Sal DiDomenico Yes ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL BAN LATE PAYMENT PENALTIES FOR PARKING TICKETS (H 2278) – The Municipalities and Regional Government Committee held a hearing on legislation that would prohibit cities and town from imposing additional financial penalties on a person who does not pay their parking ticket by the due date. Sponsor Rep. Carlos Gonzalez (D-Springfield) said his bill aims to eliminate the excessively harsh penalties that municipalities impose on initial parking fines for non-payment every 45 days. “These additional penalties disproportionately affect low-income communities, where many residents struggle to pay the original fine,” said Gonzalez. “Adding further penalties only increases their financial burden.” JUDICIARY COMMITTEE – The Judiciary Committee held a hearing on several bills including: REQUIRE GUN OWNERS TO HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE (H 1836) – Would require anyone who possesses, carries or owns a firearm, rifle or shotgun to maintain a liability insurance policy, bond or deposit meeting standards set by the Commissioner of Insurance. Violators would BEACON | SEE PAGE 19
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