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Page 16 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, August 8, 2025 BHRC | FROM PAGE20 tel, lodging house or bed and breakfast establishment employees in the Bay State, from the front desk to housekeeping and food service, in order to equip them to recognize and respond to human trafficking situations. The measure also would require these facilities to post in plain view in the lobby or common area, and in any public restroom, a written notice developed by the attorney general, which would include the national human trafficking hotline number. “I’ve seen firsthand how human traffickers exploit the I-95 corridor, using hotels to transport and harm victims,” said sponsor Rep. Tom Walsh (D-Peabody). “This afternoon, we took a meaningful step forward to eradicate the crime of human trafficking, uphold human dignity and ensure justice and protection for victims. I appreciate the cooperation and collaboration of the lodging industry, hospitality workers' union, law enforcement and survivor advocates in crafting this bill.” “One of the primary responsibilities that we have as elected officials is to ensure the safety of our constituents,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (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. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Steven Ultrino 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; students 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." Sen. 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. Jason Lewis 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 be fined between $500 and $5,000 and/or sentenced to up to one year in prison. The measure exempts temporary possession at licensed gun clubs. “I filed [the bill] because requiring insurance encourages responsible ownership, much like auto insurance does for drivers,” said Rep. David Linsky (D-Natick). “By incentivizing safe behavior, this bill will help prevent accidental shootings and reduce the public costs of gun violence across the commonwealth.” ANIMAL ABUSE REGISTRY (H 1764) – Would create a registry of Massachusetts residents convicted of abusing animals and require the abusers to register. A first conviction of failure to register would be punishable by a $1,000 fine or ten days in prison. Subsequent convictions would result in a 5-year prison sentence. Animal shelters, breeders and pet stores would be required to check the registry before selling any animal and would be prohibited from selling or giving an animal to any registered offender. First time violators who fail to check the registry would face a prison sentence of up to one year or a $1,000 fine. Subsequent offenders would be subject to a 5-year prison sentence and a $5,000 fine. Supporters said that a person who abuses an animal should not be allowed to obtain one and continue their abuse. They noted the bill would red flag these individuals to ensure they don’t have the opportunity to abuse an animal again. “Studies have shown that many people who abuse animals are apt to eventually abuse people,” said sponsor Rep. Steve Howitt (R-Seekonk). LIABILITY FOR DONATIONS OF FOOD (S 1091) – Would prohibit any restaurant or retail stores from being liable for civil damages for any injury arising out of the condition of the food it donates to any individual. The measure only exempts the restaurant or stores if at the time of donation, the food is not misbranded and is not adulterated and has not been manufactured, processed, prepared, handled or stored in violation of regulations of the Department of Public Health; and that any injury is not the result of negligence, recklessness or intentional misconduct of the donor. "This legislation ensures that food service entities, their employees and retailers cannot be sued as a result of direct food donations for those in need and facing food insecurity,” said sponsor Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton). “It is a good Samaritan law critical to helping solve food insecurity, ensuring that we see continued food donations to those in need.” NO ENERGY DRINKS FOR PEOPLE UNDER 18 (H 1908) – Would prohibit the sale of energy drinks or other beverages that exceed a caffeine content of 71 milligrams per 12 ounce serving and contains taurine and glucuronolactone. Supporters say that the American Academy of Pediatrics believes that energy drinks are not appropriate for children under 18, because of the high levels of caffeine in these drinks. They note that the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry recommends that children between the ages of 12 and 18 should not consume more than 100 milligrams of caffeine per day and should avoid energy drinks entirely. Rep. James Murphy (D-Weymouth), the sponsor of the bill, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him why he filed the bill. QUOTABLE QUOTES “This funding round is about more than bricks and mortar, it’s about people. Whether it’s a formerly homeless individual in Boston, a senior in Topsfield or a working family in Easthampton, the homes we’re supporting will change lives. These projects exemplify the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s belief that everyone in Massachusetts deserves a safe, stable and affordable place to live.” --- Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus on the state providing $182 million in low-income housing tax credits and subsidies to 21 rental housing developments BHRC| SEE PAGE 20

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