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THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, June 13, 2025 Page 13 Energy held a hearing on a measure that would prohibit the Department of Public Utilities from approving any rate request that would result in a utility earning a higher profit than what is allowed in five neighboring states. “Massachusetts ratepayers are experiencing some of the highest costs in the nation,” said sponsor Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). “Now is the time for an all-hands on deck effort focused on reducing costs to ratepayers. In recent years, DPU regulators have approved utility rates resulting in returns on equity for utilities that are higher than what utilities are allowed to earn in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire. The result has been Massachusetts ratepayers paying millions more annually on their utility bills so that utilities can earn higher profits in Massachusetts than in surrounding states." CAP HOSPITAL PROFITS AND SALARY OF HOSPITAL CEOS (H 1398) –The Health Care Financing Committee held a hearing on a legislation that would require that in any hospital which accepts state funding,if the CEO’s annual compensation is greater than 50 times the lowest paid employee, the facility will be subject to a civil penalty equal to the amount by which the Chief Executive Officer's annual compensation exceeds 50 times the value of the lowest paid employee. Another provision provides that any state-funded hospital whose annual operating margin (profit) is more than 8 percent will be subject to a civil penalty equal to the amount by which the annual operating margin exceeds 8 percent. "[The bill] represents a necessary step to ensure that our state’s burgeoning healthcare industry is guided by fairness and accountability,” said sponsor Rep. Jim O’Day (D-West Boylston). “As it stands, hospitals and licensed healthcare institutions are some of the most profitable entities in Massachusetts, with executive pay rivaling that of the highest-paid corporate CEOs. Meanwhile, safety-net hospitals – those serving low-income and underserved populations – often struggle to stay afloat. To address this inequity, the proposal introduces financial fairness standards by placing a cap on executive pay and redirecting excess revenue into the public, needs-based system.” O’Day continued, “When hospitals prioritize profit over patient outcomes, treatments are delayed, emergency departments become understaffed and entire communities are left without critical care. As a result, this legislation is essential to safeguard public health." RESTRICT ABILITY OF CRIMINAL OFFENDERS TO PROFIT FROM THEIR CRIME (H 1789) – The Judiciary Committee held a hearing on a bill that would restrict the ability of criminal offenders to profit financially by undertaking any ventures that capitalize on the infamy of their crime. The bill sets forth a procedure to determine if the criminal offender is attempting to make money from the notoriety surrounding their actions by allowing the Attorney General, by and through the Division of Victim Compensation, to investigate and monitor such profits, and to distribute these profits to victims who were victimized by the underlying crime. “This bill seeks to protect victims of crime by making sure that incarcerated felons do not reap unexpected financial benefits from their wrongful actions,” said sponsor Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “It not only takes steps to ensure that criminals do not profit from their crimes while in jail but also establishes a process for using this money to compensate their victims as a form of restitution.” ALLOW PETS IN PUBLIC STATE-FUNDED HOUSING (H 1476) – A bill heard by the Housing Committee would reinstate the elderly state-aided housing pet program which was inadvertently eliminated when the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities was established in 2023. The program allows elderly residents of public housing to have pets. This bill would also expand the pet program to apply to all state-aided housing, without restrictions on a dog’s breed, size, weight or appearance. In addition, it would prevent state-aided public housing facilities from requiring pet declawing in line with Massachusetts law prohibiting this practice, requiring unreasonably expensive pet deposits or evicting a tenant because they own a pet. Another provision would create an advisory group to help develop and effectively implement pet-friendly policies in state-funded housing. "Elderly residents should not have to choose between access to housing and keeping their pets,” said sponsor Rep. Tackey Chan (D-Quincy). “The provisions outlined in this bill are crucial for ensuring elderly residents in state-aided housing can remain with their pets safely and without unfair restrictions." FLY FLAG OUTSIDE CONDOS (H 1555) – Another proposal before the Housing Committee wouldprohibit any condominium association from denying a unit owner the right to fly or display the flag of the United States, the official flag of the United States Armed Forces or a Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flag in a window of the unit. The measure limits the size of the flag to 4.5 feet by 6 feet in size and prohibits any flag from obstructing the sightlines of other unit owners. “This bill stems from a constituent several years ago being told they could not fly the American flag- which she vehemently disagreed with,” said sponsor Rep. Dave Muradian (R-Grafton). ALLOW BUSINESSES TO CHARGE CUSTOMERS A FEE TO COVER CREDIT CARD FEES (S 194) – The Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure heard a bill that would allow Massachusetts businesses to charge customers a fee to cover the cost of the processing fees that the credit card companies charge the business, provided that the surcharge amount is not greater than the actual cost to the seller and is posted prominently on their premises and website. “I filed this bill after hearing from a small business owner in my district whose auto repair shop is struggling to stay afloat under the weight of rapidly rising credit card processing fees,” said sponsor Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). “His experience is not unique. It reflects a growing challenge faced by small businesses across the commonwealth. Credit card fees add an unnecessary challenge to the operation of small businesses. Credit card companies and banks charge businesses for accepting credit cards by attaching a fee to transactions. These fees range from 2 to 4 percent of the transaction, despite the total cost of such transactions only being around 3.6 cents.” Comerford continued, “Large companies have leverage to negotiate better rates with these credit card companies and banks. However, small businesses do not have this luxury and are forced to bear the cost. While other states allow businesses to pass this fee to the consumer through surcharges, Massachusetts is one of two states that prohibit this. Small businesses play a vital role in the economy of Massachusetts. In 2024, these businesses comprised 99.5 percent of businesses in the commonwealth and employed 43.9 percent of Massachusetts' employees. However, a 2025 study from the UMass Donahue Institute reported that 51 percent of retailers are likely to close or sell their business in the next five years, citing high-cost business challenges as a main factor behind their decision.” REGULATE BODY ART (H 321) – Another measure heard by the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure would require the state to establish regulations and licensing for the body art and modification industry. Body art includes tattooing, piercing, branding and scarification and is currently regulated at the municipal level. Doctors who practice body art as a part of patient treatment and individuals who pierce only ears would be exempt from the bill. The bill establishes standards for businesses conducting body art, including procedures, sterilization, equipment, facilities and instruments. An individual licensed to perform body modification or body art would be required to have taken a college-level course in both anatomy and physiology, a course on the prevention of disease transmission from bloodborne pathogens, hold a certification in basic first aid and have two years of experience in the practice of body art either as part of an apprenticeship or from working in the field outside of the state. “Body art has grown in popularity, but the lack of consistent statewide standards puts both practitioners and clients at risk,” said sponsor Rep. Bruce Ayers (D-Quincy). “This bill ensures proper training, health safeguards, and oversight, so that every body art procedure in Massachusetts meets the highest standards of safety and professionalism.” QUOTABLE QUOTES\ “Office to housing conversions are transformative for our main streets and downtowns. Building new housing from vacant buildings is a long-term investment in the community, providing more living options for residents, a renewed tax base and more customers for local businesses.” ---Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll on the Healey Administration awarding $7.4 million in for two office to housing conversion projects that will create nearly 200 new units in downtown Boston. “This program was inspired by my own journey as a public safety intern nearly three decades ago. Our goal is to give students the tools, relationships and real-world insight that can spark a lifelong career in public service. The passion and diversity this cohort brings makes me optimistic for the future of public safety in Massachusetts.” ---Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy on the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Internship Program which continues to serve as a pipeline for talented, mission-driven individuals interested in careers in public safety and government service. “This program is a great example of government being innovative and supporting people’s financial and career goals based on their needs and unique circumstances.” ---Sen. Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett) on the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities awarding more than $1 million to local housing authorities and regional administering agencies this month to promote economic opportunity for public housing residents. “The data are clear. Lead was detected in most of the taps tested at schools and childcare centers across the state and we know children are the most impacted from exposure to lead. BHRC| SEE PAGE 19

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