THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2026 Page 3 Massachusetts House Passes Bills to Prevent ‘Hot Works’ Accidents, Increase Accountability Bills include recommendations issued by the Walsh-Kennedy Commission B OSTON— The Massachusetts House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a pair of bills that aim to prevent “hot works” accidents at worksites and hold those responsible accountable. “Hot works” accidents involve heat, sparks, or fl ames capable of initiating fi res or explosions. The bills passed today are based on the recommendations issued by the WalshKennedy Commission, which was established after a ninealarm fi re — ignited by sparks from unpermitted welding work — claimed the lives of Boston Fire Department Lieutenant Edward Walsh and Firefi ghter Michael Kennedy. “This legislation aims to protect workers in Massachusetts from relaxed workplace practices that can result in signifi cant on the job injuries and severe fi res that subsequently put firefighters in harm’s way,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Chair Michlewitz, Chair Cahill, and Chair Ryan for their work on this bill, as well as all my colleagues in the House for recognizing the importance of these increased protections.” “By making these crucial reforms we will ensure the safety of the general public and our first responders. I want to thank Speaker Mariano, Chair Ryan, Chair Cahill and all my House colleagues for supporting such a vital public safety reform,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means (DBoston). “Every firefighter who responds to an emergency does so with the expectation that proper safety measures have been followed and that preventable risks have been addressed. The tragic loss of Lieutenant Edward Walsh and Firefi ghter Michael Kennedy underscores the devastating consequences when that does not happen. These bills strengthen accountability, improve training and oversight, and help ensure that workers, first responders, and the public are better protected. While we can never undo the loss suff ered by their families, colleagues, and communities, we can honor their legacy by taking meaningful steps to prevent a similar tragedy from happening again,” said Representative Jessica Ann Giannino (DRevere). “These pieces of legislation are long overdue but will go a long way in improving safety for our fi rst responders and the public. Each day I drive along Storrow Drive I remember Boston Fire Lt. Walsh and FF Kennedy who died tragically in a fi re that should never have started. I proudly cast my vote in support of this legislation in their memory and with the hope that no more members of the fi re service will be harmed by irresponsible and unregulated “hot works” contractors,” said Representative Jeff rey Rosario Turco (D-Winthrop). MASS. HOUSE | SEE Page 18 Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net SABATINO/MASTROCOLA INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at:WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM
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