Page 18 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2026 BHRC | FROM Page 16 the place we all want it to be.” “Strong public safety requires strong partnerships with the communities we serve,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “The PROTECT Act helps preserve the trust that law enforcement, prosecutors and community organizations rely on to protect victims, investigate crimes and keep neighborhoods safe. When people feel safe, our commonwealth is stronger.” The bill was not without its opponents. During House debate on the measure several days ago, Rep. Joe McKenna (RSutton) said, “I voted ‘No’ because I feel like this bill inappropriately ties the hands of the police offi cers and sheriff s who put themselves in danger every day to keep our communities safe. Restricting basic communication and with federal authorities and limiting advance notice when violent off enders, including those convicted of serious crimes, are being released back into our neighborhoods is not sound public service strategy and further drives a wedge between states and the federal - LEGAL NOTICE - D To all interested persons: A Petition for - of requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition. The Petitioner requests that: of be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve on the bond in . . BEATRIZ HELENA VALDERRAMA MARTINEZ GERMAN ALONSO ORTIZ MUNETON To the Defendant: REGISTER OF PROBATE government. Additionally, I am concerned that much of the bill is simply unenforceable as written given the Supremacy clause. Ultimately, I feel that a cooperative and communicative position with ICE is more productive than deepening the mistrust and adversarial relationship we have. Massachusetts families deserve police who can work for public safety, which unfortunately this unworkable law does not do.” “I voted against the PROTECT Act because the bill is prioritizing illegal immigrants in our communities over lawful residents,” said Rep. Kelly Pease (RWestfi eld). CHILD WELFARE (H 5629)- Gov. Healey signed into law legislation that supporters say would guarantee certain basic rights for children in foster care related to their safety, education and health care. They argued that the measure safeguards the wellbeing of children, especially those in state care and foster care; increases access to community support for children at risk of court involvement; and strengthens the Office of the Child Advocate to support robust investigations into reports of harm or abuse to a child. A key provision would expand the diversion of children dealing with behavior or attendance problems to Family Resource Centers (FRCs) instead of the court system. Supporters note that FRCs provide accessible, confi dential support to children and families in crisis close to home. They noted this has proven successful in helping kids and teens stay in school, and connecting families with services such as mental health or substance use treatment, housing aid and legal help. Other provisions include creating a Foster Child Bill of Rights to clarify and protect the basic rights and services foster children need to live healthy, safe and fulfilled lives; codifying a Youth Engagement program to ensure the voices of youth are included to inform relevant policy, oversight and programs; allowing a child the same ability as an adult to petition the court to - Legal Notice - COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS THE TRIAL COURT PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT DIVORCE SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION AND MAILING extend any abuse or harassment protection order made on behalf of the child; tasking the Offi ce of the Child Advocate with supporting families and caregivers by providing training materials to mandated reporters and individuals who frequently work with children; and creating and maintaining a list of resources for grieving parents who have experienced a sudden unexplained pediatric death. “Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up safe, supported and set up to succeed, and every family deserves somewhere to turn before a challenge becomes a crisis,” Healey said. “We’re building one of the strongest child and family support systems in the country by strengthening protections for children, expanding community-based support for families and making our child welfare system more transparent and accountable.” “This law refl ects our shared responsibility to the children of the commonwealth — especially those who have experienced abuse, entered foster care or are navigating crises,” said Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), vice chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee. “It affi rms that every child deserves not only protection, but support, stability, dignity and the opportunity to build the future they deserve.” HOME CARE (H 5627) — Gov. Healey signed into law a bill that would establish a licensure process for home care agencies that supporters say will ensure that consumers receive quality nonmedical services and that home care workers are protected. The Executive Offi ce of Health and Human Services would implement the licensure process and have the authority to approve licenses, survey and investigate home care agencies and impose fines. Home care agencies would be required to disclose anyone with at least a 5 percent ownership interest in the agency, carry workers’ compensation and liability insurance and provide appropriate levels of training for their employees. “Massachusetts families deserve peace of mind when they hire someone to care for their loved ones at home,” said Gov. Healey. “This law strengthens the safety, quality and accountability of home care across Massachusetts, giving families confi dence in the care their loved
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