Massachusetts

With override, House moves Massachusetts closer to drivers’ licenses for unauthorized immigrants

Published

2 years ago

June 8, 2022

With override, House moves Massachusetts closer to drivers’ licenses for unauthorized immigrants

The push to let unauthorized immigrants get Massachusetts driver’s licenses took a big step ahead Wednesday when the Massachusetts Home emphatically overrode a veto by Gov. Charlie Baker.

On Could 27, Baker vetoed a invoice permitting the licenses. On Wednesday, 119 state representatives voted in favor of an override and 36 voted in opposition to. A two-thirds vote in each the Home and Senate is required to override a gubernatorial veto.

The end result Monday was not sudden. The Home initially handed laws to broaden license eligibility by a equally huge margin in February, practically three months earlier than the state Senate adopted swimsuit. Nonetheless, the chamber burst into loud applause when the ultimate tally was introduced simply earlier than 2 p.m.

In an announcement emailed instantly after, Elizabeth Candy, the manager director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Coalition, praised the Home vote, saying the invoice — dubbed the Work and Household Mobility Act by supporters — will “each strengthen our financial system and strengthen relations between immigrants and legislation enforcement” if, as anticipated, it turns into legislation.

For that to occur, the state Senate may also have to override the veto. It handed the laws in Could with a veto-proof majority.

A spokesperson for Senate President Karen Spilka mentioned the Senate plans to take up Baker’s veto on Thursday.

The pending laws would permit unauthorized immigrants to acquire drivers’ licenses if they will present proof of their identification, date of beginning, and Massachusetts residency, and meet different customary necessities for licensure.

If the invoice lastly turns into legislation, it might make Massachusetts the seventeenth state to take such a step, in response to the Nationwide Convention of State Legislatures.

Because the proposal superior on Beacon Hill this yr, supporters waged a sustained public-relations marketing campaign, together with an April occasion at which a number of big-city mayors voiced their help.

At that occasion, Chelsea Metropolis Supervisor Tom Ambrosino made a public-safety argument for the laws, whereas noting that 45 % of Chelsea residents have been born exterior the USA and that lots of them lack authorized standing.

“I’ve little doubt it should enhance public security in our neighborhood,” Ambrosino mentioned on the time. “Having extra of our residents educated and legitimately licensed and insured on the street will completely make a distinction in security. And I feel that’s why [Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes] and the main police chiefs and different public-safety organizations help this effort.”

In a daily press convention with Spilka and Home Speaker Ron Mariano earlier this week, Baker reiterated his perception that — as a result of Massachusetts routinely registers candidates for driver’s licenses to vote — the measure may result in confusion about voting eligibility.

“[By] including a brand new course of and a brand new set of eligibles, utilizing documentation that the [Registry of Motor Vehicles] has not seen earlier than … we’re creating a difficulty for cities and cities round eligibility,” Baker mentioned Monday.

The proposed laws would require the RMV, working in session with the secretary of state, to create procedures that guarantee candidates who don’t present proof of lawful residency usually are not routinely registered to vote.

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Massachusetts

KFD responds to house fire on Massachusetts Avenue

Published

7 hours ago

July 8, 2024

Press Room

KFD responds to house fire on Massachusetts Avenue

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -On Monday, the Knoxville Fire Department reported responding to a house fire in a bedroom at 1544 Massachusetts Avenue.

According to KFD, when fire crews arrived, officers told them the entire house at the dead end of the street was on fire. Crews successfully extinguished the fire and a small yard fire near the home.

KFD responds to house fire on Massachusetts Ave(Knoxville Fire Department)

According to KFD, the home suffered significant damage and was a total loss. Officials also report that despite the building having no electricity and being uninhabitable prior to the fire, three people—two females and one male — still managed to illegally live inside the home.

KFD said one female was taken into custody by Knoxville Fire Investigators and charged with aggravated arson.

According to KFD, no injuries have been reported from the incident.

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Massachusetts

Massachusetts woman killed in crash on Route 495 remembered as gifted doll maker and crafter

Published

14 hours ago

July 8, 2024

Press Room

Massachusetts woman killed in crash on Route 495 remembered as gifted doll maker and crafter

A woman who was killed in a fatal highway crash on Saturday is being remembered.

According to Massachusetts State Police, at just after 3:15 p.m., State Troopers assigned to the Middleborough Barracks responded to a single-vehicle crash on Route 495 southbound in Bridgewater that resulted in the death of passenger in the vehicle.

Preliminary investigation indicates that a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu was traveling on Interstate 495 when, for reasons still under investigation, it went into the wooded median of the roadway and rolled over. The Malibu’s driver, a 79-year-old Mashpee man, was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. The passenger of the vehicle, 74-year-old Lana Testa of Mashpee, sustained fatal injuries and was determined to be deceased by on scene medical personnel.

Friends say that the driver was Lana’s husband Dave.

Lana was being remembered for her primitive dolls and craft show creations in addition to her contributions to Primitive Place magazine which led the publication to issue a tribute.

“We are deeply saddened by the news of Lana Testa’s passing. Lana has been a dedicated supporter and contributor to A Primitive Place magazine from the very beginning. Her passion and creativity left an indelible mark on our community. As a gifted doll maker, Lana brought joy and inspiration to many through her exclusive creations, each one a testament to her extraordinary talent and meticulous craftsmanship.

“One of the cherished memories we hold dear is the feature in the Fall 2011 issue, where Lana and her husband David’s beautiful home was showcased. The image of one of Lana’s dolls “reading” that very issue stands as a poignant reminder of her contributions and the joy she brought to our readers. Lana’s dolls were more than just artistic pieces; they embodied her spirit, love, and dedication to the primitive arts.

“Lana’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those touched by her work. We extend our deepest condolences to David and the entire Testa family during this difficult time. Lana will be profoundly missed, but her memory will forever be cherished.”

Services have not yet been announced.

The crash remains under investigation by Troop D of the Massachusetts State Police, the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, the State Police Crime Scene Services Section, and investigators from the Plymouth County State Police Detective Unit. Troopers were assisted by Brockton and Raynham Fire and EMS, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

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Massachusetts

Weather alert for fog in 6 Massachusetts counties until early Monday morning

Published

21 hours ago

July 7, 2024

Press Room

Weather alert for fog in 6 Massachusetts counties until early Monday morning

A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Sunday at 4:27 p.m. for fog until Monday at 5 a.m. for Southern Worcester as well as Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket counties.

“The very humid conditions continue overnight, and will lead to more areas of fog. Patchy dense fog is expected, reducing visibility to one quarter mile or less in spots. Travelers should be prepared for rapid drops in visibility. Slow down and allow extra time to reach your destination safely,” according to the weather service.

Guidance from the weather service for navigating foggy conditions

If you must venture out in foggy conditions, keep these safety tips from the weather service in mind:

Moderate your speed:

Slow down and allocate extra time for your trip to reach your destination safely.

Visibility priority:

Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights. If available, employ your fog lights.

Avoid high-beams:

Refrain from using high-beam lights, as they create glare, making it more difficult for you to see what’s ahead of you on the road.

Keep a safe distance:

Maintain a generous following distance to account for abrupt stops or shifting traffic patterns.

Stay in your lane:

To ensure you are staying in the correct lane, use the road’s lane markings as a guide.

Zero visibility protocol:

In situations of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and seek a secure location, such as a nearby business’s parking lot, to pull over and come to a stop.

Limited parking options:

If no parking area is available, pull your vehicle as far to the roadside as possible. Once stationary, turn off all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.

By adhering to these weather service recommendations, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring your well-being.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

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