THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2025 Page 17 special commission to study the financial relationship between Massachusetts entities and companies owned by the Chinese government. “This legislation will provide lawmakers and the public with vital information about the nature and size of Chinese investment in the commonwealth,” said sponsor Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “In recent years, the Chinese government has attempted to use its economic power to influence the policies of foreign governments, such as Canada and Australia, by imprisoning visiting businesspeople on spurious charges, abruptly terminating contracts with foreign companies after upfront expenses have been paid and stealing intellectual property.” Jones continued, “Massachusetts companies, specifically those in the biotech, software, manufacturing and finance sectors, are particularly vulnerable to pressure applied by the Chinese government. By creating a commission to study the financial relationship between Massachusetts entities and companies owned by the Chinese government, [this bill] will help identify the state’s economic vulnerabilities so we can devise an effective strategy to protect local industries.” POLICE AND FIREFIGHTER DISABILITY PENSION (H 2940) — The House gave initial approval to a proposal that would allow a police officer or firefighter who is granted a disability retirement pension, to have any previous period of leave from their service to be covered as if that time out of service was an absence. By such designation, they will have the right to receive any retroactive pay or personnel actions on account of this absence designation. Rep. Angelo Puppolo (DSpringfield), the sponsor of the measure, said he filed this legislation after a member of the National Association for Government Employees brought it to his attention that police officers and firefighters were not receiving compensation during their leave of absence prior to them being granted their disability retirement pension. “The negative financial impacts placed on our first responders due to this delay in pay is unjust. Our first responders put their lives on the line every day to serve communities across the commonwealth, and this bill is a step forward in making sure they are supported when they sustain injuries in the line of duty.” said Puppolo. BILLS HEARD BY THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY — Several bills had a hearing before the Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security including: ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT FOR INJURED POLICE DOGS (H 2738) — Would ensure that specially trained police dogs who are hurt in the line of duty can receive timely, advanced emergency medical care from licensed EMS personnel. The bill authorizes EMTs and paramedics to provide treatment — including advanced life support procedures and transport — to injured K9s without facing liability or regulatory barriers. Supporters said the measure builds on a recently approved law that allows basic first aid for injured police dogs. They noted this bill takes the next step to ensure that these working dogs receive the same level of emergency response available to humans, recognizing their critical role in protecting the public and supporting law enforcement. “I filed this bill because our police dogs are true partners in law enforcement, often putting themselves in harm’s way to protect officers and the public,” said sponsor Rep. Steven Xiarhos (R-Barnstable). “When they are injured, they deserve the very best chance at survival, and that means allowing advanced life support care in the field. This bill ensures that we honor their service with the same urgency and professionalism that they give us every day.” “Our police K9s are on the front lines every day protecting officers and our communities,” continued Xiarhos. “This bill makes sure they get the advanced life-saving care they deserve when injured in the line of duty.” PURPLE ALERT SYSTEM FOR ADULTS WITH INTELLECTUAL OR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (H 2657) — Would create a Purple Alert system to assist law enforcement in identifying and locating missing persons with disabilities. The system would be modeled after the current Amber Alert system which is designed to ask the public for help in finding abducted children. The Purple Alert would apply to a person with at least one of these conditions: a mental or cognitive disability that is not Alzheimer’s disease or a dementia-related disorder; an intellectual disability or a developmental disability including Down syndrome; a brain injury; or another physical, mental or emotional disability that is not related to substance abuse. “The Amber Alert system has demonstrated extraordinary, life-saving effectiveness, contributing to the recovery of more than 1,000 children since its inception in 1996,” said sponsor Rep. Jack Lewis (D-Framingham). “However, no parallel mechanism currently exists to assist in identifying and locating adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities who may be missing or endangered. Several states, including Connecticut, Rhode Island and Florida, have enacted Purple Alert legislation to address this gap. I look forward to examining how similar legislation could strengthen the commonwealth’s capacity to protect and serve all of its residents.” BAN USE OF TEAR GAS AGAINST CIVILIANS (S 1758) — Would ban the use of tear gas on civilians and require that police actively work in good faith with organizers of mass demonstrations to avoid conflict. It would require a police department with advance knowledge of the event to designate an officer in charge of de-escalation planning to discuss the logistical plans and strategies with the demonstration organizers. “Tear gas is banned as a weapon of war,” said sponsor Sen. Becca Rausch (D-Needham). “It should not be used against civilians on domestic soil. Tear gas can cause serious, long-term health impacts, including blindness, emotional trauma and reproductive health repercussions. Using tear gas is an outdated and dangerous crowd-control tactic that adds to chaos and violence rather than reducing it. This ban, which includes support for de-escalation measures, would make the commonwealth safer for demonstrators and police alike.” MASSACHUSETTS LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL FUND (H 2728) — Would establish a Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial Fund to be used to make annual payments to the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial which memorializes and honors Massachusetts law enforcement personnel killed in the line of duty. “Dedicated in 2004, the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial in Ashburton Park commemorates the sacrifices of more than 400 MasBHRC | SEE Page 22 - 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
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