Page 20 BEACON | FROM Page 19 “With this new law, consumers in Massachusetts will now have protection when transferring money to friends and businesses through payment apps,” said Gov. Healey. “The use of apps like Venmo and PayPal has skyrocketed over the years, with billions of dollars exchanging hands, so the importance of this legislation cannot be understated.” “We are so excited to see the domestic money transmission bill become law because it will positively impact both consumers and businesses,” said Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao. “In addition to offering protection for those using payment apps here in Massachusetts, the bill also establishes regulatory consistencies for any business offering the same services as banking institutions.” “With the increasing use of mobile payment applications like Venmo now established as part of the fi nancial landscape, it’s time for regulatory oversight to ensure consumers will have the same protections that apply to traditional sectors of the fi - nancial industry,” said Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport), chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. ROSA PARKS DAY (H 3075) — The House and Senate approved and sent to the governor a bill establishing February 4 as Rosa Parks in recognition of the historic civil rights leader. “Rosa Parks’ bravery on that Montgomery bus was not just a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement—it was a lesson in courage, dignity and the power of standing up for what is right,” said co-sponsor Rep. Kip Diggs (D-Barnstable). “By establishing Rosa Parks Day, we honor her profound impact and inspire the commonwealth to refl ect on the ongoing struggle for equality.” Co-sponsor Rep. Mike KushTHE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2025 “This vitally important ecomerek (D-Fitchburg) said the measure will bring awareness and representation to the heroic actions of Rosa Parks during the Civil Rights Movement. “February 4th is the birthday of Rosa Parks, so it will be a great reminder to all those within the commonwealth to refl ect on the role she played in raising international awareness of the struggles for civil rights,” said Kushmerek. PROHIBIT REVOCATION OF PROFESSIONAL LICENSES (H 4937) — The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Healey legislation that would repeal a current state law which creates professional licensure consequences for anyone who defaults on their student loan. Under current law, a borrower’s state-issued professional or occupational certifi cate, registration or license can be suspended, revoked or canceled if the borrower is in default on an education loan. “I have been working on this legislation for the last three legislative sessions, because the current laws are potentially harmful to the more than one million student loan borrowers in the commonwealth,” said sponsor Rep. Natalie Higgins (D-Leominster). “With all of the uncertainty around the federal student loan forgiveness and repayment plans, now more than ever, we need to protect student loan borrowers and ensure they can continue their work and have the ability to repay their student loan debt.” ID FOR LIQUOR PURCHASES (H 4131) — The House and Senate approved and sent to the governor a measure that would allow alcohol-serving establishments to accept all out-ofstate motor vehicle licenses and Global Entry cards issued by the United States Customs and Border Protection. nomic measure will support our restaurants, bars and other entertainment venues as they continue to fully recover from losses experienced during the pandemic and allow our out-ofstate visitors to enjoy a drink, if they choose,” said House sponsor Rep. Paul McMurtry (d-Dedham). “A constituent of mine reached out regarding Global Entry cards, and how she had been refused service in attempting to use one to purchase alcohol,” said Senate sponsor Sen. Pat Jehlen (DSomerville). “These cards require two rounds of interviews, one with Customs and Border Protection, and another with a Global Entry Enrollment Center. You must also provide your passport and one other form of identifi cation. Only after this extensive process can you receive the Global Entry Card, which includes the individual’s photo, full name and date of birth. Over 5 million people have gone through this process, and it feels unnecessary to bar them from utilizing this form of identifi cation in the commonwealth for the purchase of alcohol.” DECLAWING OF CATS (S 2552) — The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Healey a proposal that would ban cat declawing and tendonectomy unless it is done for the medical need of the feline. “Declawing is an abhorrent practice that most veterinarians view as inhumane,” said sponsor Sen. Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford). “This is another step in my commitment to protect animals in the commonwealth. As a state we have done far too little to punish heartless abusers and to push back against a weak court system that has too often failed to hold them accountable.” Montigny continued, “There are too many people who have committed horrendous abuses to animals that have been unpunished and are walking free to continue to do harm.” Supporters said that declawing a cat involves amputating the last bone of each toe, which if performed on a human would be equivalent to cutting off each fi nger at the last knuckle. They noted that according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the physical side eff ects from declawing include both acute and chronic pain, improperly healed wounds, sudden loss of blood, impaired immune response and behavioral side effects include biting. “Declawing of cats does not improve the human-animal bond and often results in serious medical and behavioral problems,” said Allison Blanck, Director of Advocacy at the Animal Rescue League of Boston. “Banning this cruel practice, which is in essence amputation, will prevent animals in Massachusetts from needless pain and suff ering.” PROTECT CATS AND DOGS (S 2908) — The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Healey legislation that would prohibit the sale or transfer of any puppies and kittens under eight weeks old. Violators would be fi ned $100 per animal. When the animal is more than eight weeks old, the outright ban is lifted and replaced with a section that would prohibit the sale or transfer of any dogs or cats at specifi ed outdoor locations, such as flea markets and roadsides. This prohibition would not apply to the transfer of a dog or cat by, or to, a shelter, animal control or animal rescue; or to the display of a dog or cat as part of a state or county fair exhibition, a 4-H program or similar exhibition or educational program. Violators would be fi ned $50 per animal for a fi rst off ense, $100 for a second offense and $300 for a third and subsequent off enses. “Early separation of puppies and kittens from their mother, and the unregulated roadside sale of dogs and cats, are practices that often lead to serious health or behavioral problems for the animal and no recourse for the new owner,” said sponsor Sen. John Velis (D-Westfi eld). “I was proud to fi le this legislation in the Senate this session and am glad that it is one step closer to becoming law and establishing new protections for animals throughout the commonwealth.” “Passing this legislation would represent an end to the supply-and-demand relationship between Massachusetts and puppy mills and give these animals a better opportunity at fi nding a home,” said Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth), a sponsor of an earlier version of the measure. “I am a longtime supporter of animal protection issues, even before I ran for Senate. I have co-sponsored many animal protection bills and I am focused on protecting animals as some of the most vulnerable members of our society. All animals deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and I am proud to be a voice for animal rights on Beacon Hill.” RENAME THE OFFICE OF ELDER AFFAIRS (S 3006) — The House and Senate approved and sent to the governor a bill that would change the name of the Executive Offi ce of Elder Affairs to the Executive Offi ce of Aging and Independence. The proposal also replaces outdated language in the state’s lawbooks, including changing “elderly persons,” to “older adults” and “handicapped” to “adults with a disability.” The new legislation also incorporates gender-neutral language into current law. The original version of the bill was fi led by Gov. Healey in May. “The Executive Offi ce of Elder Affairs was established more than 50 years ago and was one of the nation’s fi rst state agencies dedicated to addressing the needs of older people,” said 855-GO-4-GLAS
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