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THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, NOVEmbEr 7, 2025 Page 19 BEACON | FROM PAGE 18 ri-mutuel” facilities, like horse racing tracks, to operate cardrooms featuring poker and dominoes. The regulatory authority would be the Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s Division of Racing, which would oversee licensing, operations and taxation. Players would use chips instead of cash, with games limited to between two and nine players and dealers must be non-participating. The bill would impose a 10 percent tax on gross receipts and a 15 percent admission tax, if a separate entry fee is charged. Revenues would be split between the Gaming Local Aid Fund (80 percent) and the Racehorse Development Fund (20 percent). The cardroom operator can charge a participation fee or “rake” but cannot have a direct economic interest in game outcomes. Cardroom operators must pay a license fee of $1000 per table. There are occupational licenses for employees and managers, and background checks and fingerprinting would be required. “I elected to file this bill to start the conversation about the creation of peer-to-peer cardrooms in the commonwealth for games such as poker and dominoes, where players can play against each other instead of a casino,” said sponsor Rep. Adrian Madaro (D-East Boston). “We understand that this industry has the potential to create hundreds of jobs in the commonwealth, as well as to preserve declining jobs at Suffolk Downs, where East Boston residents continue to be employed. These facilities will also generate much-needed tax revenue at a time of increasing uncertainty over continued federal funding.” PROHIBIT PUBLISHING OF NAMES OF VETERANS WHO OWE TAXES (H 3869) – A bill heard by the Veterans and Federal Affairs Committee would prohibit cities and towns from publishing the name of a veteran who owes the municipality taxes. Instead, the Veterans’ Service officer (VSO) of the city or town would contact the veteran privately and provide him or her with information regarding their overdue tax situation. Many cities and towns currently publish the names of their taxpayers, including veterans, who owe the municipality back taxes. “[The bill] is a deserving gesture of gratitude to the men and women who have worn the uniform of our country and aims to protect veterans’ privacy and uphold their dignity by preventing the public release of their personal information related to taxes,” said its sponsor Rep. Paul McMurtry (D-Dedham). “It ensures that any tax notifications are handled privately and respectfully through a local VSO.” McMurtry continued, “[The bill] gives our veterans the respect they deserve when they find themselves facing financial hardship regarding property taxes. We can avoid any public embarrassment and take a more hands-on approach through personal interaction with the VSO for assistance with their tax situation.” EXPAND HEALTH INSURANCE ACCESS FOR STATE EMPLOYEES (S 822) – A bill before the Veterans and Federal Affairs Committee would allow a state employer to offer their employees health insurance on day one of their new job. Currently, there is a gap in insurance coverage when new state employees begin their jobs. “New state employees should not have to choose between paying high health care costs out of pocket or foregoing necessary care altogether,” said sponsor Sen. Becca Rausch (D-Needham). “By empowering state employers to offer employees health insurance on day one, we can better attract quality candidates and ensure new workers have the benefits and coverage they deserve.” ENSURE GENDER PARITY AND ETHNIC DIVERSITY ON PUBLIC BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS (S 2160/H 3398) – The Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held a hearing on a bill that would require state boards and commissions to have, or explain why they do not have, a minimum percentage of members who are female, LGBTQ+ or an underrepresented minority. The percentages would change over time to match census data to reflect the population of Massachusetts. Appointing authorities would be required to work to appoint diverse members, including developing and implementing plans to attract and recruit diverse members. Each public board and commission would report annually on membership information, to measure progress, to the governor’s office which would publish it. “Increasing diversity in our state’s workforce and leadership, in both the public and private sectors, is both a moral and an economic imperative for our commonwealth,” said Senate sponsor Sen. Jason Lewis (D-Winchester). “In Massachusetts we have several hundred public boards and commissions, each with a wide range of responsibilities and powers. Much progress has already been made to represent the diversity of Massachusetts, but more work still needs to be done to increase diversity in our state’s leadership.” “This bill is about expanding opportunity and making sure we are drawing from the full range of talent and experience across our commonwealth,” said Rep. Tram Nguyen (D-Andover), the sponsor of the House bill. “When our public boards and commissions reflect the diversity of the people they serve, everyone benefits. We are not lowering standards — we are raising them by ensuring our decision-making includes the voices and perspectives that have too often been left out.” CREATE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF PEOPLE WHO PRACTICE ISLAM (H 3351) – Another bill before the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight would create an 11-member permanent Commission on the Status of People who practice Islam. The commission would be a resource to the state on issues affecting American Muslim communities including promoting research and serving as a clearinghouse and source of information on issues pertaining to American Muslims; informing the public and leaders of business, education, human services, health care, state and local governments and the communications media of the unique cultural, social, ethnic, economic and educational issues affecting American Muslims; serving as a liaison between government and private interest groups on matters of unique interest and concern to American Muslims; and identify and recommend qualified BEACON | SEE PAGE 20 - LEGAL NOTICE - COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS THE TRIAL COURT PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT Essex Probate and Family Court 36 Federal Street Salem, MA 01970 Docket No. ES25P2707PM In the matter of: DANIEL F. HOAG Of: SAUGUS, MA RESPONDENT (Person to be Protected/Minor) CITATION GIVING NOTICE OF PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF CONSERVATOR OR OTHER PROTECTIVE ORDER PURSUANT TO G.L c. 190B, §5-304, §5-405 To the named Respondent and all other interested persons, a petition has been filed by Jonathan David Hoag of Tacoma, WA in the above captioned matter alleging that Ava M. Partain is in need of a Conservator or other protective order and requesting that Jonathan David Hoag of Tacoma, WA (or some other suitable person) be appointed as Conservator to serve Without Surety on the bond. The petition asks the court to determine that the Respondent is disabled, that a protective order or appointment of a Conservator is necessary, and that the proposed conservator is appropriate. The petition is on file with this court. You have the right to object to this proceeding. If you wish to do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance at this court on or before 10:00 A.M. on the return date of 11/12/2025. This day is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline date by which you have to file the written appearance if you object to the petition. If you fail to file the written appearance by the return date, action may be taken in this matter without further notice to you. In addition to filing the written appearance, you or your attorney must file a written affidavit stating the specific facts and grounds of your objection within 30 days after the return date. IMPORTANT NOTICE The outcome of this proceeding may limit or completely take away the above-named person’s right to make decisions about personal affairs or financial affairs or both. The abovenamed person has the right to ask for a lawyer. Anyone may make this request on behalf of the above-named person. if the above-named person cannot afford a lawyer, one may be appointed at State expense. WITNESS, Hon. Frances M. Giordano, First Justice of this Court. Date: October 07, 2025 PAMELA CASEY O’BRIEN REGISTER OF PROBATE November 07, 2025

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