Page 16 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, September 4, 2026 BHRC | FROM PAGE 15 Many IV bags and tubing currently contain DEHP, which is added to improve the plastic’s flexibility but can pose serious health dangers to patients. The measure also prevents manufacturers from replacing DEHP with similar ortho-phthalates and encourages the transition to safer alternatives while preserving limited exemptions for specialized blood collection and cell therapy products. “Patients deserve to know that the tools being used to care for them are safe,” said Gov. Maura Healey who signed the new law on July 25 but held a ceremonial signing on August 25, the day the law became effective. “This law phases out a harmful chemical from IV bags and tubing and moves our health care system toward safer alternatives. Massachusetts will continue to follow the science and put the health and safety of patients, families and health care workers first.” “The Toxic-Free Medical Devices Act was filed because patients should never have to worry that the tools meant to heal them are exposing them to a cancer-linked chemical, especially when safe alternatives already exist and are already in use at hospitals here in Massachusetts,” said Senate sponsor Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem) ... “This is a real step forward for safer medical care in the commonwealth.” “Massachusetts has always been a leader in health care, and we here in the commonwealth have a responsibility to continue advancing innovative policies that ensure patients safety,” said Rep. Jim O’Day (D-West Boylston). “This legislation reduces unnecessary exposure to DEHP in medical devices while giving hospitals and providers the flexibility needed for a responsible transition to safer alternatives.” DOMESTIC WORKERS’ RIGHTS DAY (H 3417) - The Senate, on a voice vote without a roll call, approved a measure that would annually establish June 16 as Domestic Workers’ Rights Day to honor all domestic workers who work in private homes and in recognition of Massachusetts’ historic enactment of basic labor standards in the Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights. The House has already approved the bill. Only another round of approval in each branch is needed before the measure goes to Gov. Healey for her signature. “This legislation is an extension of the important work that began with the passage of the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights before I joined the House of Representatives,” said co-sponsor Rep. Judy Garcia (D-Chelsea). “While establishing Domestic Workers’ Rights Day is symbolic in nature, it is deeply meaningful in honoring the workers whose care and labor are so essential to families across our commonwealth.” Co-sponsor Rep. Priscila Sousa (D-Framingham) did not respond to repeated requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call asking her how she feels about the bill’s passage and why she filed it. $15.3 MILLION TO CONVERT COMMERCIAL PROPERTY INTO 856 NEW HOMES – Gov. Healey announced $15.3 million in Commercial Conversion Tax Credit Initiative awards to support five projects that will transform vacant or underutilized commercial properties into 856 new rental homes in Boston, Dedham, Springfield, Westford and Worcester. “Massachusetts has buildings sitting empty and communities that need more homes. These awards will put underused properties back to work, create 856 new apartments and help bring more residents, customers and energy to downtowns and commercial districts across the state. By making smart use of the spaces we already have, we can build more housing, strengthen local economies and lower costs.” “The reality is that many commercial conversion projects are difficult to finance even when the sites are in prime locations, have community support and ready to move forward,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Juana Matias. “The Commercial Conversion Tax Credit Initiative helps close that gap. This second round of awards will not only unlock another 856 homes, but will preserve historic buildings, support transit-oriented development and help revitalize downtowns across Massachusetts.” $3.5 MILLION TO PROTECT NONPROFITS – The Healey Administration announced that 30 Massachusetts nonprofit organizations at high risk of terrorist or extremist violence, will receive nearly $3.5 million in federal funds for security improvements. “The right to practice one’s faith freely and safely is essential, and our administration is committed to ensuring that no one experiences harm while practicing this right,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. “We will not allow threats or acts of violence to infringe on free expression or the freedom of religion. And the security investments made through these grants will help further protect members of our communities.” “The Healey-Driscoll Administration recognizes the important role of nonprofit and faith-based organizations in making Massachusetts the best place to live and raise a family,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “This grant program is one element of our strategic efforts to strengthen the integrity of the spaces where they provide essential social services and gathering space for people from every walk of life.” PROTECT ANIMALS IN HOT CARS – Last week marked ten years since former Gov. Charlie Baker signed into law a bill protecting animals. Known by many as the “Hot Car Law,” the measure prevents animal suffering and death by ensuring animals can be rescued from hot or cold cars, limiting the time dogs spend on a tether and increasing enforcement of prior prohibitions on keeping dogs in cruel conditions. “Despite ongoing efforts to share information about the dangers of animals left in cars in extreme heat or cold, it was clear that state and local officers needed more tools to ensure animals are not suffering — and do so before the animals, usually dogs, were at risk of dying,” said MSPCA-Angell Advocacy Director Kara Holmquist. “We were proud to help advocate for this law in the Statehouse.” Holmquist encourages the public to familiarize themselves with the steps to take if they see an animal in distress in a hot car. “The first step is to call 911, then try to locate the animal’s owner,” she said. “If the animal is in immediate danger, Massachusetts law allows a person to remove the animal in the least forceful manner, with breaking the window as a last resort.” “We will continue to protect innocent animals from abusive treatment, whether it is from entrapment within a hot car, being left outdoors to endure unreasonably dangerous conditions or any other situation threatening their health and safety,” said bill sponsor Sen. Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford). “Such callousness warrants tough penalties, including jail time for the most egregious offenders. I am grateful to the men and women who advocate for these precious creatures and our law enforcement officers helping to keep them safe every day. If you see an animal suffering, call 911, and break the window. Time is of the essence, and our law will protect you.” REP. FRANCISCO PAULINO PLEADS “NOT GUILTY” TO PANDEMIC BENEFITS FRAUD – Rep. Francisco Paulino (D-Methuen) was in federal court last week and pleaded “not guilty” to 11 counts brought against him for pandemic benefit fraud. According to United States Attorney Leah Foley, Paulino faces eight counts of wire fraud and three counts of unlawful monetary transactions. He is due back in court on October 7th. He is charged with fraudulently obtaining over $700,000 in COVID unemployment insurance benefits and small business loans and using the proceeds to buy real estate and loan money to clients of his mortgage business, before he was elected to public office. Conditions of Paulino’s release include limiting his travels within Massachusetts and New Hampshire and requiring him to get permission to travel anywhere else; surrendering his passport; prohibiting him from changing his address; and requiring that his remaining business, Madison Tax, temporarily suspend operations and that his clients be notified of the suspension. In March 2026, United States Attorney Leah Foley announced the creation of the Benefit and Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAMMA-1 (855-722-6621). Paulino did not respond to numerous requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to respond to the indictment. HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been filed. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions BHRC| SEE PAGE 17
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