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THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, AugusT 14, 2026 Page 17 BEACON | FROM PAGE 16 cilities and courthouses; establish a civil cause of action against federal officers who violate a resident’s constitutional rights, putting them under the same accountability standards as state and local police; keep state and local police out of federal civil immigration enforcement, barring the use of local resources for that purpose, or detention, based solely on a civil immigration detainer; and protect immigrant crime victims, including trafficking survivors, who assist law enforcement as witnesses. “Today, Massachusetts is standing up for what’s right and taking action to keep our people and our communities safe,” said Gov. Healey. “The PROTECT Act is the strongest law in the country to protect people from ICE, because no one should be afraid to send their child to school, seek medical care or fear reporting a crime or appearing in court. It makes us all less safe. So, we are getting ICE out of our courthouses, schools and hospitals. This bill is a testament to the hard work and advocacy of so many people across our state. We’re going to keep working together to make Massachusetts and this country the place we all want it to be.” “Strong public safety requires strong partnerships with the communities we serve,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “The PROTECT Act helps preserve the trust that law enforcement, prosecutors and community organizations rely on to protect victims, investigate crimes and keep neighborhoods safe. When people feel safe, our commonwealth is stronger.” The bill was not without its opponents. During House debate on the measure several days ago, Rep. Joe McKenna (R-Sutton) said, “I voted ‘No’ because I feel like this bill inappropriately ties the hands of the police officers and sheriffs who put themselves in danger every day to keep our communities safe. Restricting basic communication and with federal authorities and limiting advance notice when violent offenders, including those convicted of serious crimes, are being released back into our neighborhoods is not sound public service strategy and further drives a wedge between states and the federal government. Additionally, I am concerned that much of the bill is simply unenforceable as written given the Supremacy clause. Ultimately, I feel that a cooperative and communicative position with ICE is more productive than deepening the mistrust and adversarial relationship we have. Massachusetts families deserve police who can work for public safety, which unfortunately this unworkable law does not do.” “I voted against the PROTECT Act because the bill is prioritizing illegal immigrants in our communities over lawful residents,” said Rep. Kelly Pease (R-Westfield). CHILD WELFARE (H 5629)Gov. Healey signed into law legislation that supporters say would guarantee certain basic rights for children in foster care related to their safety, education and health care. They argued that the measure safeguards the wellbeing of children, especially those in state care and foster care; increases access to community support for children at risk of court involvement; and strengthens the Office of the Child Advocate to support robust investigations into reports of harm or abuse to a child. A key provision would expand the diversion of children dealing with behavior or attendance problems to Family Resource Centers (FRCs) instead of the court system. Supporters note that FRCs provide accessible, confidential support to children and families in crisis close to home. They noted this has proven successful in helping kids and teens stay in school, and connecting families with services such as mental health or substance use treatment, housing aid and legal help. Other provisions include creating a Foster Child Bill of Rights to clarify and protect the basic rights and services foster children need to live healthy, safe and fulfilled lives; codifying a Youth Engagement program to ensure the voices of youth are included to inform relevant policy, oversight and programs; allowing a child the same ability as an adult to petition the court to extend any abuse or harassment protection order made on behalf of the child; tasking the Office of the Child Advocate with supporting families and caregivers by providing training materials to mandated reporters and individuals who frequently work with children; and creating and maintaining a list of resources for grieving parents who have experienced a sudden unexplained pediatric death. “Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up safe, supported and set up to succeed, and every family deserves somewhere to turn before a challenge becomes a crisis,” Healey said. “We’re building one of the strongest child and family support systems in the country by strengthening protections for children, expanding community-based support for families and making our child welfare system more transparent and accountable.” “This law reflects our shared responsibility to the children of the commonwealth — especially those who have experienced abuse, entered foster care or are navigating crises,” said Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), vice chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee. “It affirms that every child deserves not only protection, but support, stability, dignity and the opportunity to build the future they deserve.” HOME CARE (H 5627) - Gov. Healey signed into law a bill that would establish a licensure process for home care agencies that supporters say will ensure that consumers receive quality non-medical services and that home care workers are protected. The Executive Office of Health and Human Services would implement the licensure process and have the authority to approve licenses, survey and investigate home care agencies and impose fines. Home care agencies would be required to disclose anyone with at least a 5 percent ownership interest in the agency, carry workers’ compensation and liability insurance and provide appropriate levels of training for their employees. “Massachusetts families deserve peace of mind when they hire someone to care for their loved ones at home,” said Gov. Healey. “This law strengthens the safety, quality and accountability of home care across Massachusetts, giving families confidence in the care their loved ones receive and supporting the dedicated workers who make independent living possible.” “We want people to have options as they age so that they can make the choices that work best for them,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. “By establishing statewide safety and quality standards for home care agencies and strengthening protections for workers and consumers, we’re making it easier for more people to safely receive high-quality care at home while giving families greater peace of mind.” PROHIBIT NUCLEAR WEAPONS – The Senate, on a voice vote without a roll call, adopted a bi-partisan resolution calling on the Bay State Congressional delegation to support the federal treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons. Twenty-one cities and towns in the Bay State have individually adopted similar resolutions. “The Massachusetts Senate passed this resolution just days before the 81st anniversaries of the U.S. bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki,” said cosponsor Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). “States can and should issue calls to action to federal lawmakers when the well-being of their residents is threatened. I am mindful that, in the 1980s, the commonwealth played a leading role in ending the nuclear arms race with the then Soviet Union by BEACON | SEE PAGE 18 ~ HELP WANTED ~ Type of Person Needed: * Are you an experienced/willing to learn, motivated person looking for a shop where your skills can be valued? A local company with a fleet shop is a busy, family-owned business dedicated to providing high-quality transportation services and public State inspection services. We are seeking a talented Automotive Technician or mechanical knowledge to join our close-knit crew. If you are dependable and proficient in automotive technical work with a passion for excellent customer service, we want to talk to you. Location: Malden, MA Job Description: * Be able to acquire and maintain a certification for the State Inspection License. Perform light duty mechanical preventive duties, including Fleet preventive maintenance. * State Inspection Services * Miscellaneous shop duties Requirements: * Valid driver’s license with good driving history * Possess or pass the required State Inspector License Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Saturday 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM * Rate will be based on experience Contact: Ed Hyde or David Morovitz Call: 781-322-9401 Email: ehyde@maldentrans.com Website: www.maldentrans.com

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