Page 4 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, June 21, 2024 Malden House delegation applauds passage of Massachusetts Parentage Act Legislation modernizes the definition of parentage under state law O n June 12, 2024, the Massachusetts House of Representatives unanimously passed H.4750, An Act to ensure legal parentage equality, which is also known as the Massachusetts Parentage Act. This legislation modernizes the definition of parentage under Massachusetts statutes to reflect modern-day families, including children born in LGBTQ+ families, and through methods such as assisted reproduction and surrogacy. H.4750 now goes to the Senate for its consideration. Within the legislation, the Massachusetts Parentage Act ensures that children born through assisted reproduction technology have a clear pathway to parentage, establishLawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net Paul Donato State Representative es guidelines for establishing parentage through surrogacy, as well as ensures equality for LGBTQ+ families by giving them the same right to parentage as other families. Although Massachusetts was the first state to legalize same-sex marriage – 20 years ago – LGBTQ+ residents have long faced barriers in obtaining legal parentage over their children. This landmark Celebrating Our 52nd Year Dan - 1972 We’re Open on Father’s Day! MAJOR BRANDS AT DISCOUNT PRICES! 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The Massachusetts Parentage Act takes important strides in modernizing state law to reflect a common pathway to parentage for all Massachusetts residents, particularly for LGBTQ+ families,” said State Representative Paul Donato (D-Medford). “I want to thank my colleagues for prioritizing this vital legislation in ensuring that all Massachusetts residents have the same rights and opportunities to build their families.” “The Parentage Act passed today is a critical piece of legislation that will positively impact many families in Massachusetts, VETERANS | FROM PAGE 3 er exemption clauses. The second ties the annual property tax abatement amount to inflation, allowing exempted property tax amounts to increase with inflation. 2. Commitment to inclusivity and greater representation • Aligns the state Chapter 115 program definition of a veteran with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs definition. This change allows more veterans to be eligible for annuity, Chapter 115 benefits and access to the Massachusetts Veterans Homes and other state-provided benefits. • Expands the Scope of the Veterans Equality Review Board (VERB): Expands the scope of VERB beyond “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” discharges to include disKate Lipper-Garabedian State Representative especially LGBTQ+ families,” said State Representative Steve Ultrino (D-Malden). “Our Commonwealth has always been a great place to raise a family and this bill will ensure that all families will have equal rights and opportunities in our state. I am proud to support this bill alongside my colleagues, and I am thankful to House leaders for their efforts in updating our parentage laws to ensure all families can enjoy these essential rights.” “I was proud to vote in support of this bipartisan bill to protect and honor the diversity of families and parents in the Commonwealth,” said State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian (D-Melrose). “As the nation’s leader in recognizing marriage equality 20 years ago, Massachusetts will continue to serve as a model for the country and the world in advancing human rights for all residents, including those in the LGBTQ+ community, with the passage of the Parentage Act.” charges related to Military Sexual Trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, mental health conditions or HIV discharges. • Expands the Chapter 115 definition of “dependent” to support more dependents based on the Family Court definition 3. Modernization of veterans services • Ensures veterans receive essential dental care by codifying dental benefits for Chapter 115 recipients • Provides consistent care to veterans by codifying medical assistance benefits • Establishes a working group to study the potential benefits of alternative therapies, such as psilocybin, in treating veterans suffering from mental health disorders
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