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THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Wednesday, November 27, 2019 Page 5 Massachusetts Legislature passes “Distracted Driving” legislation B OSTON – As one of the lead sponsors of the legislation, Representative Paul J. Donato (D-Medford, Malden) is excited to announce that the Massachusetts State Legislature has passed the Distracted Driving bill. “I have worked on this bill for some time and feel this is a real public safety issue that has been addressed,” said Representative Donato. “Unfortunately, distracted driving has caused too many unnecessary accidents and even deaths. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues in the House and in the Senate.” “We’re proud to have worked with our colleagues in the Senate to make Massachusetts roads safer and save lives by moving this policy forward,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “I want to thank Chair Straus for his leadership on this issue and Leader Wagner, Chair Michlewitz and my colleagues in the House who worked so diligently to advance this legislation.” “There are too many heartbreaking stories of those who lost loved ones to distracted driving, and so I’m proud the Legislature has taken action to prevent future tragedies,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This bill strikes a balance between increased enforcement and increased transparency, requiring more demographic data to be released to the public than ever before so that we can ensure this law is being enforced equitably across the Commonwealth. I’d like to thank Senator Boncore, Senator Brownsberger and all the conferees for their hard work to bring this final bill to fruition.” Bill H.4203, An Act requiring the hands-free use of mobile telephones while driving, defines hands-free mode as one that engages in voice communication with and receiving audio without touching, holding or otherwise manually manipulating a mobile electronic device. Law enforcement officials will issue warnings to drivers for first offenses of the new law until March 31, 2020. Additionally, this legislation improves transparency in public safety by granting expanded access to traffic stop data. It has been 15 years since the last public report on traffic stop data; under this bill the state will be required to publish and analyze the data annually. Expanding access to this information improves transparency and public safety outcomes. The bill will also: • Allow for drivers to use mapping or navigation devices if they are affixed to the windshield, dashboard or central console or integrated into the vehicle and only involve a tap or a swipe • Exempt use of electronics in the case of an emergency and for first responders if they are using the devices as part of their duties • Penalize drivers with $100 fine for the first offence, $250 fine and safety course for the second offence and $500 fine and surcharge for third and subsequent offences • Expand data collection of identifying characteristics, including age, race and gender and location when police issue a uniform citation • Hold law enforcement agencies accountable – if data sugFirst Baptist Church of Malden to host 76th Annual Festival of Carols C gests those jurisdictions might be engaging in racial profiling – by requiring them to collect data on all traffic stops for a oneyear period and provide implicit bias training • Require the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) to publish data online annually • Mandate EOPSS to contract with a research institution to conduct an annual analysis of the data collected • Direct the EOPSS Secretary to hold three public hearings across the Commonwealth annually to present the findings 505 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 Tel: 617-387-1120 www.gkdental.com • Family Dentistry • Crowns • Bridges • Veneers/Lumineers • Dental Implants • All on 4 Dental Implants • Emergency Dentist • Kid Friendly Dentist • Root Canals • Dentures • Invisalign Braces • Snap On Smile • Teeth Whitening We are the smile care experts for your entire family of the annual report and analysis and field public testimony • Create a public awareness campaign informing and educating drivers on the dangers of using technological devices while driving. On November 20, H.4203 was laid before the governor. In House Dental Plan for $399 (Cleanings, X-Rays, Exams twice a year and 20% OFF Dental work) Schedule your FREE Consultations today Who’s On Your List? ontinuing a tradition which began in 1943, on Sunday, December 8, at 5 p.m., the First Baptist Church of Malden (corner of Main and Salem Streets) will host the 76th Annual Festival of Carols. Singers interested in participating are asked to come at 3 p.m. for rehearsal. This is an ecumenical event which has a long-standing tradition in the greater Malden community. Singers from many Protestant and Roman Catholic churches will participate. There will also be musical presentations by Casa de Fe y Alabanza (a Spanish-speaking church) and First Nepali Baptist Church (a Nepalese-speaking church). The choral director for the program is Richard Freeman and the organist will be Rosalind Mohnsen. There is no admission charge. A free will offering will be received. Contact the First Baptist Church at fbcmalden@verizon.net or call 781 324-2745 for additional information. Beebe School announces 10th Annual Food Drive T he 10th Annual Beebe Food Drive will begin on Saturday, November 30 at Malden’s Holiday Parade, and it will conclude on Thursday, December 19. Please come out to the parade and support the 10th Annual Beebe Food Drive. Beebe students will be following their float collecting donations of nonperishable items. Federally insured by NCUA EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Easy! APPLY FOR OUR HOLIDAY LOAN! 7.49 % APR* APPLY TODAY: Online By Phone FIXED RATE Up to 18 Months FAST & EASY to Apply In Person massbaycu.org (617) 269-2700 at any branch massbaycu.org (617) 269-2700 South Boston – Everett – Quincy – Seaport *APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Monthly principal and interest payment per $1,000.00 borrowed for 18 months at 7.49% APR is $58.91. Current Annual Percentage Rates subject to change without notice. Loan amount up to $7,500. 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