Legislation Aims to Protect Off-Duty Responders from Lawsuits
The Massachusetts State Senate has unanimously approved a “Good Samaritan Bill” aimed at protecting off-duty first responders from lawsuits if they provide assistance at an emergency scene. The issue of protecting first responders and others from lawsuits has come up at various times in recent years, but quickly regained traction in the aftermath of the recent Boston Marathon bombings. “While the many off-duty firefighters and EMTs who rushed to help in the aftermath of the Marathon bombings brought this into sharp focus, the fact is we are lucky to have brave men and women who come to the aid of their fellow citizens every day in emergencies from car accidents to heart attacks,” said State Senator Katherine Clark, who chairs the Judiciary Committee. “They shouldn’t have to worry that doing the right thing could result in legal action.” According to an announcement from Clark’s office, this legislation would specifically place off-duty first responders under the state’s existing Good Samaritan Law, which protects average citizens from frivolous lawsuits if they provide assistance to somebody during an emergency. “On Marathon Monday, many off-duty firefighters and emergency medical technicians came to the immediate aid of the hundreds of people impacted by the blasts and, as good Samaritans, they should be provided with the same legal protections,” said State Senate President Therese Murray. State Senator James Timilty, a Walpole Democrat, is the lead sponsor of the bill. “This legislation not only seeks to protect those who risked their lives to help on Marathon Monday, but the everyday occurrences of an accident on the side of the road or a child injured on the ball field. We should do everything in our power to ensure that those with the adequate training to help do not hesitate out of fear of a lawsuit,” said Timilty. SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch
Categories: Arrests Tags: Aims, from, Lawsuits, legislation, OffDuty, Protect, Responders
Death of Abandoned Dog Spurs Legislation Effort
A resident’s efforts to find justice for a lab that died after being abandoned in a foreclosed property have culminated with the filing of a bill to protect animals in similar situations. “This is the bill that I want. I have been praying for this bill for two years and I am very, very happy … I want this law passed. I don’t want this to happen to any other dogs,” said Lyn Gorka, a local real estate agent and animal rights advocate, who had spoken out for such a bill after being moved by the story of the 2 year-old Phantom that died after being abandoned in a foreclosed apartment. Gorka said abandoned animals in foreclosed properties is ongoing and being reported by other brokers throughout the region. “I want this to be called Phantom’s Bill,” she said. “I’ve been working on it for almost two years and I haven’t given up … with this bill in place, more animals will be saved.” The bill that would provide protections for abandoned animals in foreclosed and abandoned properties in Massachusetts was filed Wednesday night. The bill, filed by State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton), is titled An Act protecting abandoned animals in vacant properties (SD.618). It specifies that abandoned or foreclosed properties must be inspected for abandoned animals by the landlords or foreclosing owners within five days of properties being vacated. ‘I filed [the bill], to help provide protection and prevent further harm to abandoned animals in properties that have been foreclosed or vacated,” said Sen. Eldridge who worked with the MSPCA on the bill. If any abandoned animals are found, the the landlord or foreclosing owner would be required to notify an animal control officer. The bill does not make the landlord or foreclosing owner further responsible for the animal. Phantom’s owner was never charged. Hudson police said that there was a miscommunication and not enough evidence to prosecute, said Gorka. “I’d like to see that case reopened,” she said. She has petitioned the Hudson Police and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office to open the investigation again. She started an online petition to collect signatures in an attempt to sway the police department and district attorney. She is still collecting signatures here. South End Patch
Legislation Filed to Make ‘Roadrunner’ State Rock Song
Massachusetts already has a state polka (“Say Hello to Someone from Massachusetts,” anybody?) and a state glee club song among its eight anthems, but the state that produced The Pixies, Aerosmith and The Cars is missing its own rock song. But that could change soon. Rep. Martin Walsh (D-Dorchester) filed legislation last week to make “Roadrunner,” by The Modern Lovers the state rock song. In “Roadrunner,” Natick native Jonathan Richman croons about Stop & Shop, Route 128 and “the modern sounds of modern Massachusetts.” And “Roadrunner” could be the only rock song that has the lyrics “I’m in love with Massachusetts.” “This is about acknowledging an artist from Massachusetts who’s obviously had a very good career and one of his masterpieces outlines our Commonwealth. Why not recognize the people that have helped us become such a great place?” Walsh told the Boston Phoenix. To drum up enthusiasm for the bill, Walsh and publicist Joyce Linehan, who came up with the idea of making “Roadrunner” the state rock song, started a Facebook page on which people could show their support. As of Tuesday afternoon, it had 1,318 “likes.” After all, if Ohio and Oklahoma can rock their own rock songs, why can’t Massachusetts? SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch
Categories: Arrests Tags: 'Roadrunner', Filed, legislation, Rock, Song, state
