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THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, October 17, 2025 Page 19 BHRC | FROM PAGE 17 reforms included in this bill will help ensure victims of abuse and their family members are not unfairly penalized in the workplace for requesting reasonable accommodations to protect themselves or a loved one from a dangerous situation." Rep. Jay Livingstone (D-Boston), the House sponsor of the bill, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll asking him why he filed the measure and how he feels about its approval. BAN MASK USE BY LAW ENFORCEMENT (HD 4886) – Rep. Jim Hawkins (D-Attleboro) has filed a bill that would prohibit police and other law enforcement officers from wearing masks or personal disguises while interacting with the public in the performance of their duties. The measure was referred to the Judiciary Committee and the date for a public hearing on the proposal has not yet been set. “Reports are on the rise and becoming increasingly alarming of masked, non-identifying individuals and groups approaching and disappearing people throughout the country,” said Hawkins. “This behavior erodes public trust, which ultimately puts everyone, including law enforcement officers, at risk. It's unscrupulous, unethical and leads to further threats to democracy, deeply harming our communities. The traumatic experience of unwarranted and aggressive approaches by masked strangers, especially for women and girls, has proven terrifying. Often, they are in unmarked vehicles, stalking our neighborhoods and failing to produce a valid judicial warrant or explanation.” Hawkins continued, “Spokespersons for ICE and the current administration have tried to frame our bill as an attempt to grant sanctuary to dangerous criminals and intentionally put law enforcement personnel in harm's way. The truth is contrary. This bill is a step toward mending the divide and fostering trust between law enforcement officers and the public. With transparency, identification and reason, there should be no need for disguises while performing their duties to the communities they serve.” RENAME COLUMBUS DAY (S 2113) – A bill filed by Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton) would designate the second Monday in October, now known as Columbus Day, as Indigenous Peoples Day and recommend appropriate exercises in schools to acknowledge the history of genocide and discrimination against Indigenous people. The State Administration Committee held a hearing on the proposal on June 4 but has not yet taken action on the measure. This year, Columbus Day is on October 13 so any name change, if approved, would have to wait until 2026 to take effect. “Christopher Columbus did not discover the Americas,” says Comerford. “That long-perpetuated myth — rooted in racism and violence — has allowed generations to credit a European man with discovering a land already teeming with societies. Indigenous communities and tribal nations in the commonwealth and across the United States call us to act. It is thanks to their courageous truth-telling that we recognize Columbus’ legacy of colonization as one not worthy of memorialization or celebration.” She continued, “Massachusetts remains one of only 15 states that still singularly observes the second Monday in October as Columbus Day. Currently, 35 U.S. states and territories have choQUOTABLE QUOTES “The Trump Administration’s portrayal of Portland as ‘war ravaged’ and ‘under attack’ is inaccurate and inflammatory. By sending in the National Guard, the President is provoking disorder where it otherwise does not exist. These actions attempt to instill fear in our communities and silence dissent. I stand firmly with Oregon in resisting this egregious abuse of power.” ---Attorney General Andrea Campbell joining a coalition of 24 attorneys general and governors in submitting a brief in support of Oregon’s challenge to the Trump Administration’s attempt to use the military for civil law enforcement. “Today’s event showed just how prevalent PFAS is in many products we use in our daily lives, from cookware to kid’s car seats. But we also showed that there are alternatives. Thankfully, more information on the harmful impacts of these chemicals, combined with the passage of state laws banning or restricting them, means that PFAS-free versions of many products are now available.” ---Deirdre Cummings, Legislative Director for MASSPIRG, at a Statehouse rally against dangerous per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The event sen a different path — recognizing Native American or Indigenous Peoples Day solely or in conjunction with Columbus Day, or by moving away from the holiday altogether. In 2021, Former President Joe Biden became the first U.S. president to formally recognize Indigenous Peoples Day. It’s time for Massachusetts to do the same. Celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day is an act of respect, recognition, and reconciliation. It honors the first stewards of this land — past, present, and future.” included a “show and tell” of common products containing PFAS, such as cookware and child car seats, make-up and personal care products, fabric sprays, paint, outdoor gear and clothing; and similar products that do not. “Boston Logan Airport is often the first and last impression that millions of travelers have of Massachusetts, and now, thanks to this new program, it’s also one of the most welcoming. We want everyone who travels through Logan to know that we prioritize mental health here in Massachusetts.” ---Gov. Healey announcing that passengers at Logan can look forward to meeting some furry friends, thanks to a new program called “BOS PAWS.” In partnership with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Massport is introducing trained therapy dogs to the airport to help reduce stress and enhance the overall travel experience. “Beyond acknowledging the world-class education UMass Lowell provides, these rankings speak to the university’s impressive return on investment, which reflects academics as well a commitment to giving students opportunities for meaningful career-connected experiences that serve as a launchpad for their professional lives.” ---UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen on the Wall Street Journal rating UMass Lowell the best public higher-ed institution in Massachusetts, the state’s number 1 best value school and Number 1 among all colleges and universities in Massachusetts in fostering social mobility among students. 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 are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session. During the week of October 6-10, the House met for a total of four hours and 36 minutes and the Senate met for a total of 31 minutes. Mon. Oct. 6 House11:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Senate 11:04 a.m. to 11:28 a.m. Tues.Oct. 7 No House session No Senate session Wed. Oct. 8 House11:02 a.m. to2:51 p.m. No Senate session Thurs. Oct. 9 House11:01 a.m. to 11:33a.m. Senate 11:13 a.m. to 11:20a.m. Fri. Oct. 10 No House session. No Senate session. Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com Bob founded Beacon Hill Roll Call in 1975 and was inducted into the New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA) Hall of Fame in 2019. For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or Info@advocatenews.net

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