18

Page 18 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MAy 9, 2025 BEACON | FROM PAGE 17 ing public safety grant funding to compliance with the MBTA Communities Act is simply unacceptable, as it not only jeopardizes the public, but also the police, firefighters and other first responders who work to keep our communities safe.” Rep. Richard Haggerty (D-Woburn) opposed the amendment and said it is not needed because the Healey Administration showed its flexibility and announced that these grants are no longer at risk for noncompliant communities. (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Jessica Giannino No Rep. Donald Wong Yes REQUIRE ID TO VOTE (H 4000) House 25-131, rejected an amendment that would require voters to present a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, when voting. It also directs the Secretary of State’s office to develop a program to make a Massachusetts photo identification card available free of charge for voting purposes. “Establishing a voter ID requirement would help poll workers verify that an individual is properly registered to vote in Massachusetts,” said Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “This amendment would also allow individuals who do not have an ID to secure one free of charge through a new program that would be run through the Secretary of State’s office, which oversees elections.” Rep. Daniel Hunt (D-Dorchester) opposed the amendment and said that in states that already require this, it’s often used as a tool, not a rule, and it’s used to disenfranchise voters. He noted that the Elections Law Committee has not yet held hearings on several bills that are being considered relative to voter ID and urged members not to rush this amendment through the House but rather wait until the committee holds a public hearing on the bills. (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Jessica Giannino No Rep. Donald Wong Yes ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL WHEELCHAIR REPAIRS (H 1278) – The Financial Services Committee held a hearing on a bill that would mandate a ten-business day deadline for the completion of motorized wheelchair repairs, with a couple of exceptions. “The bill … models a law recently passed in Connecticut,” said sponsor Rep. Jim O’Day (D-West Boylston). “This proposal requires the repair of a motorized wheelchair to be completed within ten days, differing from a bill filed in the Senate that aims to extend warranty provisions. While I believe the House bill is easier to understand for both consumers and providers, both approaches seek to target the same issue – a consolidated market for repairs that leaves persons with disabilities and wheelchair users stranded and without options. At the end of the day, the goal is to expand consumer protection and dramatically improve life for Massachusetts residents who use wheelchairs.” HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN TRANSPARENCY (S 685) – Another measure heard by the Financial Services Committee would require health insurance plans that are regulated by the state to include the following statement on plan members’ identification cards: “This health plan is fully-insured, subject to all Massachusetts insurance laws.” Supporters said that this simple requirement would make it much easier for patients to understand what rights they have and what treatments are covered under their health plans. They noted that roughly half of Massachusetts residents with employer-based health insurance are in “fully-insured” plans regulated under Massachusetts law, while the other half are in “self-funded” plans that are federally regulated. They noted that the distinction is important, because fully insured plans are subject to state mandates guaranteeing access to treatment for more than a dozen medical conditions and for mental health conditions generally; and self-funded plans are not subject to these mandates. .“I filed [the bill] to make it easier for patients, providers and advocates to understand what rights and coverage apply to a given health insurance plan,” said sponsor Sen. Cindy Creem (D-Newton). “Right now, it’s often unclear whether a plan is subject to Massachusetts law - which can mean the difference between getting essential health services covered or not. This bill would add a simple line to insurance cards to clarify that distinction, following the lead of at least a dozen other states, including Connecticut and New York.” CONSUMER PROTECTION AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE COMMITTEE HEARING – The Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on several pieces of legislation including: AUTOMATIC RENEWAL OF PROFESIONAL LICENSES (S 275) - Would automatically renew professional licensures as opposed to requiring the license holder to submit an online application or wait on a renewal to be approved by a licensure board. Supporters said that this would be beneficial in more prompt renewal times for licenses, creating a more streamlined process that takes the burden off those who issue licenses and those who hold them. “I believe that this system of automatic renewal for those who must hold a professional licensure in Massachusetts will create an easier process for all involved in this system,” said sponsor Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “Automatic renewal would save the time and effort on the end of those who need their license renewed promptly and it may have not been a top priority among a demanding work schedule. Automated systems would keep errors at a minimum while ensuring renewal information is complete and consistent.” WAIVE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER REQUIREMENT (H 451) - Would standardize what forms of identification can be used by applicants when applying for occupational licenses from the Division of Occupational Licensure and the Department of Public Health. The measure would allow individuals to submit a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or another form of verified identification in place of a social security number. “Currently, there is no uniform policy across state licensing boards,” said sponsor Rep. Francisco Paulino (D-Methuen). “Some, like the Board of Registration in Nursing, already allow applicants to use a TIN. This means a qualified applicant can become a Registered Nurse but may be barred from becoming a Certified Nurse Assistant because the Certified Nurse Assistant Board does not accept a TIN. The inconsistency creates unnecessary barriers, particularly for tax-paying immigrants and others who are legally authorized to work or who are otherwise contributing members of our workforce.” “This reform is especially urgent in industries facing significant labor shortages, including healthcare, construction and other trades,” continued Paulino. “Allowing more qualified individuals to obtain licensure helps meet workforce demands and strengthens the state’s economy. By passing [the bill], Massachusetts would promote fairness, workforce inclusion and consistency, ensuring that professional opportunity is determined by skill and qualification—not paperwork inconsistencies between different state boards.” GAS STOVE WARNING (H464) - Would prohibit anyone from selling a gas stove that is produced or manufactured after January 1, 2026, without a warning label affixed to the stove. The warning label would read as follows: “Warning: Gas stoves can release nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide inside homes at levels exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency’s standards for outdoor air quality. The presence of these pollutants may exacerbate pre-existing respiratory illnesses or lead to the development of asthma, especially in children. Gas stoves may also release other pollutants, including benzene and formaldehyde.” “Gas stoves emit pollutants that can harm health -- irritating airways, and cause or exacerbate respiratory problems,” said sponsor Rep. Amy Sangiolo (D-Newton). “They burn natural gas which generates nitrogen dioxide which is known to have harmful health effects – irritating lungs and exacerbating or even causing respiratory conditions including asthma. Unburned natural gas contains benzene – a known carcinogen. Requiring warning labels is an efficient and effective way to ensure that consumers have the information they need to make an informed decision on their purchases.” TOXIC CHEMICALS IN CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS (H 384) – Would ban toxic chemicals, known as PFAs, in children’s products. The bill would require the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish a list of known toxic chemicals and require manufacturers and distributors to pay fees and submit biannual reports disclosing if these chemicals are in products they make or distribute for children under 12. After three years, the measure would ban the use of these chemicals in products for children three and under, children’s personal care products and anything designed to be put in a child’s mouth, such as a pacifier. The bill also allows DEP to restrict toxic chemicals from products for children 4-12 if scientific research shows a possible exposure risk. Safer alternatives must replace all toxic chemicals. Supporters said the bill intends to reduce or reverse rising rates of noncommunicable illness that a strong body of scientific evidence links to early life exposure to toxic chemicals, including childhood and young adult cancers, neurodevelopmental diseases such as ADHD, autism, behavioral and learning challenges, reproductive disorders and asthma. “We now know how damaging these forever chemicals are to humans, and especially vulnerable are children who cannot choose for themselves how to avoid unnecessary illnesses,” said sponsor Rep. Jim Hawkins (D-Attleboro). “It is our job and responsibility to protect them from harm and to use alternatives in the products we make and market to families. My office is grateful for the steadfast advocacy of organizations such as Clean Water Action, whose mission is to keep harmful PFAS out of children’s products.” QUOTABLE QUOTES “Our annual Advocacy Day is an opportunity to highlight the incredible impact assisted living has on the lives of older adults across Massachusetts. By sharing personal stories and advocating for policies like the Frail Elder Waiver expansion, we can ensure that more individuals have access to the care, community and independence that assisted living provides.” ---Mass Assisted Living Association (ALA) CEO Brian Doherty hosting the group’s annual Advocacy Day on Beacon Hill. .“For hundreds of years, agricultural fairs have been a way for the public to understand the importance of farming and how a thriving agricultural sector benefits everyone. Long before grocery stores and supermarkets, farmers sold their products directly to consumers.” ---Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner Ashley Randle announcing that the Healey Administration awarded over $2 million in grants to support agricultural fairs, farmers markets and programming to strengthen ‘Buy Local’ groups in Massachusetts. “We are proud to see Massachusetts recognized as the best state for working moms in the country. Our greatest strength is our people. We are home to the best childcare programs and schools, the most innovative businesses and a strong paid family medical leave program. Our administraBEACON | SEE PAGE 19

19 Publizr Home