麻州長派遣10名野地消防員前往明尼蘇達州協助滅火

Governor Healey Sends Crew of Wildland Firefighters to Help Battle Minnesota Fires 
DCR and DFG are deploying a 10-person crew of firefighters to help battle blazes this weekend 

 

CARLISLE — Governor Healey announced that she is sending a crew of wildland firefighters from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) to Northern Minnesota to assist in battling wildfires that have contributed to recent air quality issues in New England. The 10-person crew, known as a Suppression Module, will join an international cohort of firefighters working to contain blazes across the U.S. and Canada.  

 

They are expected to depart this weekend. Details of their departure will be made available as soon as possible. 

 

The ongoing fires in Minnesota are part of a larger group of fires spanning the U.S. border into Canada. Smoke from these fires has drifted east in recent weeks, contributing to poor air quality in Massachusetts this summer. Governor Healey has also offered assistance to Canadian officials. 

 

“Massachusetts is proud to stand with our partners across the country and Canada to combat rising wildfires. When communities are in need, we have a responsibility to step up and help,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Thank you to our brave, highly skilled firefighters for answering this call, just as they answer every call here in Massachusetts. Their courage and service keep our state safe, and today they are keeping other parts of the country safe.”  

 

“Massachusetts firefighters understand the importance of service and working together.” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “What we are seeing in Minnesota and Canada requires a cooperative effort, with people from across the country and our neighbors in Canada coming together to keep communities safe from harm.” 

 

Minnesota is currently experiencing several wildfires near the Canadian border that are each at various stages of containment. This includes the Fort Frances 13 fire, which crosses the border into the province of Ontario and is among the series of fires covering nearly 2 million acres stretching all the way into Central Ontario. There are currently six large wildfires totaling 68,550 acres, with an additional eight new fires in the last few days all started by lighting. Smoke from these fires has drifted into Massachusetts in recent weeks, changing the color of the sky and reducing air quality to levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups, including those with asthma, lung or heart disease, and older adults. 

 

Massachusetts’ fire crew is a 10-person wildfire suppression module of specially trained firefighters who meet the National Interagency Standards of Fire and Fire Aviation Operations through the US Wildland Fire Service for hand crews. This crew will be working directly on the front lines for approximately 14 days, doing critical tasks like building fire breaks, securing fire perimeters, containing fires, and protecting structures. All firefighters are federally qualified for the work, having passed a 40-hour federal wildland firefighting class and physical fitness test. Through the mutual aid agreement of the compact, the requesting state or province pays all expenses of the out-of-state crews, including salary, transportation, lodging, and food. 

 

“Massachusetts’ firefighters are dedicated to protecting our residents and our natural resources throughout the year. That could mean fighting a brush fire close to home or assisting with a major wildlife response thousands of miles away,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Their expertise, professionalism, and willingness to serve make them an invaluable partner whenever and wherever they’re called.”   

 

“As wildfire seasons become longer and more intense, the expertise of our wildland firefighters has never been more important,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “Our crews are among the best in the country, and time and again they’ve answered the call to help communities facing some of the most challenging fire conditions. Whether they’re protecting people and natural resources here in Massachusetts or deploying across the country and continent, they bring extraordinary skill, professionalism, and commitment to every assignment. I’m incredibly proud of this team and the way they represent the Commonwealth while gaining valuable experience that will strengthen our wildfire response here at home.” 

 

“The wildfires across Canada and Minnesota are devastating for both people and wildlife. We are extremely grateful for the dedicated staff from DCR and MassWildlife who have stepped up to contribute their hard-earned skills to this important cause," said DFG Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “As climate change brings more frequent, long-lasting drought and extreme heat, wildfire seasons are intensifying across North America. We are committed to continuing to stand by our partners across the region to protect the public, our forests, and biodiversity." 

 

Massachusetts firefighting personnel have been deployed to multiple wildfires across the country in recent years, including fires in Montana, Idaho, California, Oregon, Arizona, as well as Canada. Most recently, DCR and DFG sent a 20-person crew to Fairbanks, Alaska in 2025, for a two-week deployment. In each case, Massachusetts firefighters are able to apply the unique skills they have learned in service at home and acquire new techniques and expertise they can bring back to address future fires.  

 

Since 1985, DCR’s Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry, in partnership with U.S. Forest Service and the Northeast Forest Fire Protection Commission, has been sending crews to fight fires across several states, including Alaska, Florida, Virginia, and Quebec.    

 

In the fall of 2025, Chief Fire Warden Dave Celino and the DCR wildland firefighters received the Fire Marshall’s award at the 36th annual  Firefighter of the Year awards in recognition of the experience, expertise and firefighting resources they contributed to state’s efforts to combat the historic fires that burned 4,000 acres across Massachusetts during the 2024 wildfire season.  

 

The responding Massachusetts firefighters are:  

 

Name	Home	Agency
Liard, Jr. Roy J	Millville	DCR
Mayer, Brian J	Groton	DCR
Mazzei, Benjamin A	Pelham	MassWildlife
Nash, Declan A	Groton	DCR
Nawrocki, Joseph P	New Salem	DCR
Huling, Christopher W	Braintree	DCR
Arrington, Brady S	Westport	DCR
Consolmagno, Glen J	Franklin	DCR
Holm, Riley P	Worcester	DCR
Poitras, Zachary A	Webster	DCR
Smeaton, Cody S	Westport	DCR

麻州長Healey簽署2新法保護性侵案受害者 有DNA就可追訴 16歲自願也不免責

麻州州長Maura Healey (前右）簽署保護倖存者法案。（周菊子攝）

     （Boston Orange編譯）麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）今（24）日簽署兩項保護性侵倖存者新法案，一是有DNA為證時，強暴案可不受15年追訴期限制，一是明確規定成年人不得以16、17 歲未成年人「自願」，或彼此權勢關係已結束為理由，豁免刑罰。

麻州州長Maura Healey簽署新法案，只要有DNA證據，性侵案不受追訴期15年限制。
（周菊子攝）

    這2項法案都已納入麻州2027會計年度預算案，即日起正式生效。

倖存者簡述當年還是學生，不懂如何應付師長輩的要求。（周菊子攝）

    奚莉州長強調她自己曾任檢察官，親眼見過在法律保障不足下，倖存者多絕望，受到的創傷多重。她很欣慰，在麻州參議員Joan B. Lovely長年奔走推動關閉權勢性侵漏洞、參議員Mark Montigny提案修訂DNA追訴期之外，又有眾議員John Lawn、Leigh Davis、Adam Scanlon等人共同努力，以及霍爾小姐學校（Miss Hall's School）性侵案受害人勇敢站出來，麻州終於可以為性侵案倖存者提供更多保護。

    這2項法案之所以能夠順利推動，和麻州近年的2大重案有關。

麻州參議員Joan B. Lovely長年奔走推動關閉權勢性侵漏洞。（周菊子攝）

第一起案件是私立女子高中霍爾小姐學校（Miss Hall's School）的前教師馬修·拉特利奇（Matthew Rutledge）在長達數十年的教學生涯中利用職權性侵多名女學生。由於這些受害者在案件發生時已年滿16歲，也是麻州法律原本認定的有能力同意年齡，地檢署一度表示「並不違法」，無法提起刑事訴訟。性侵案倖存者梅麗莎·法雷斯（Melissa Fares）和希拉蕊·西蒙（Hilary Simon）後來勇敢的站出來公開指控，才促使社會注意到16歲、17歲這年齡點造成的法律漏洞。

麻州眾議員John J. Lawn發言。（周菊子攝）

在霍爾小姐學校性侵案中，更令人震驚的是該校前校長珍妮·諾里斯（Jeannie Norris）在任內多次接獲馬修·拉特利奇（Matthew Rutledge）不當行為的報告，卻不僅未依法通報或採取措施，反而選擇隱瞞包庇。甚至建議由拉特利奇擔任法雷斯的大學申請顧問，讓受害者繼續留在加害者影響範圍內；後來有一名高年級學生因討論拉特利奇與國際學生的關係，竟遭停學處分並被迫向拉特利奇寫道歉信，校方甚至召開集會警告學生「不要八卦」。

這也使得拉特利奇得以長期利用“老師”，“顧問”的權勢地位及影響力，和梅麗莎·法雷斯（Melissa Fares）長期維持不當性關係，直至她32歲。新法案因此還附帶，即使犯案成年人和受侵害者的權勢關係後來結束了，其刑責仍可被追究的條文。

    霍爾小姐學校前校長珍妮·諾里斯（Jeannie Norris）已於2026年7月22日被伯克夏郡大陪審團以「魯莽危害兒童罪」起訴，馬修·拉特利奇（Matthew Rutledge）則在2026年4月被正式起訴三項強姦罪，案件審理中。

    第二起案件是化名「露易絲（Louise）」的女性遭性侵案。2005年時，露易斯被強暴、刺傷，警方直至2022年才因為DNA技術的進步，比對出嫌犯，但此時距離案發當時，已超過15年追訴期，檢方最終只能撤銷起訴，讓等待已17年的倖存者無法獲得審判正義。

    麻州在這次修法前，是全美少數對成人強暴案設有嚴格追訴期限制的州。由於DNA技術的進步，各界發現警方以往未能徹底調查的陳舊性侵案件，現在都有可能偵破，近年來美國有47州已陸續放寬或廢除相關追訴期限。麻州的制定新法，是在追趕全美腳步。

    在DNA檢測上，麻州一直面對嚴峻挑戰。根據麻州州審計局2024年報告，州警犯罪實驗室曾清查出一批超過6,500件過去未檢驗的性侵害檢體，經審核後仍有約4,000件符合檢驗資格，其中超過2,600件至2022年底仍在等待DNA分析。同時，州法雖規定檢體須在30天內完成檢驗，但波士頓警察局犯罪實驗室在2023會計年度收到186件檢體，但因人手不足，仍有一半（93件）未檢測。新法上路後，是否有更多舊案的真相能夠水落石出，仍待人們關注。

Governor Healey Signs New Protections for Sexual Assault Survivors into Law 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today held a ceremonial signing for two new laws in the FY27 Budget that strengthen protections for young people, support survivors of sexual assault and hold offenders accountable. These include a proposal from Governor Healey to eliminate the statute of limitations for rape cases when new DNA evidence identifies a suspect, as well as a provision to close a loophole that allowed adults in positions of authority to exploit 16- and 17-year-olds. 

“As a former prosecutor and Attorney General, I spent years working alongside survivors of sexual violence. I saw firsthand the trauma they carry, and the extraordinary courage it takes to come forward. I also saw the devastation caused when our laws don’t do enough to protect survivors and hold offenders accountable,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These new laws close dangerous loopholes, strengthen protections for children, and make sure survivors have a better opportunity to seek justice. While no law can change what survivors have endured, we can take action to make our laws fairer, our communities safer and help survivors get the justice they deserve.” 

“Securing justice in sexual assault cases should not be hindered by laws with loopholes that protect offenders,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We are grateful to the survivors who shared their stories and to the advocates who continued to fight for these necessary changes that are long overdue. Their courage has helped make Massachusetts safer for future generations.” 

“These two provisions are about protecting vulnerable residents, and about ensuring accountability and justice — two of government’s most fundamental responsibilities,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank the advocates, survivors, and public officials who worked tirelessly to get these reforms to the Governor’s desk for her signature.” 

"This is what it looks like when we listen to survivors and act. Closing these loopholes means predators can no longer hide behind our laws instead of facing them," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Because of this budget, we now have the power to hold accountable anyone who has abused a position of trust to harm kids, and to get survivors the justice they deserve. I applaud the Governor for signing these provisions into law, and I'm grateful to Senator Lovely for her unwavering leadership in getting this done."  

The first law, which was proposed by Governor Healey in January, allows prosecutors to bring rape charges when DNA evidence identifies a suspect after the standard 15-year statute of limitations has expired. The law allows criminal cases to move forward when advances in forensic science identify an offender years or even decades after an assault. 

The second law closes a loophole that allowed adults in positions of authority, such as teachers, coaches, police officers, social works, and other mandated reporters, to claim that a 16- or 17-year-old consented to sexual conduct. The new law makes it clear that minors under the age of 18 cannot legally consent to any type of sexual conduct with someone who has exercised authority over them. The law also makes clear that an offender cannot avoid prosecution simply because that position of authority has ended. 

Since taking office, Governor Healey has prioritized strengthening protections for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. She criminalized sexual assault by fraud of a medical professional, expanded the definition of abuse to include the term “coercive control”, banned revenge porn and expanded protections against abuse and exploitation. Her administration has also invested in domestic assault and sexual assault services and continues to support organizations that help survivors.  

 

Statements by Survivors: 

Melissa Fares, Survivor:  

“I’m really proud to be here today. Proud of everyone who fought for this. Proud that we kept going, even and especially when it was hard. Proud that we didn’t shut up. But mostly, I’m here today because I want 16-year-old me to know that this is a big deal. I want her to know that none of this was for nothing. I was failed. Failed by Massachusetts. Failed by the adults who were supposed to protect me. For a long time, the law failed kids like me, too. Today, it doesn’t. 

This law doesn’t erase what happened. It doesn’t give survivors back what was taken from them. But it closes a loophole that never should have existed to begin with, and because of that, children in Massachusetts will be safer. 

Over the last few years, I’ve realized how important it is to fight for the parts of yourself that others tried to dismiss—and not let anyone else decide what your story means. 

Thank you to Governor Maura Healey, Representative Leigh Davis, Senator Joan Lovely, District Attorney Timothy Shugrue, everyone who worked to make this happen, and of course my partner in fighting crime, Hilary Simon. I couldn’t have done this without you. 

To every survivor: I know how much it can cost to tell the truth. But I also know what can happen when you do. I am so sorry for what was done to you. I hope today reminds you that you’re far more powerful than you’ve been led to believe. And I hope you know you were always worth protecting. Thank you.” 

Shannon Hogan, Survivor: 

“Hello, my name is Shannon Hogan and I am a survivor. Since 2022 I have had the privilege of working with Representative Scanlon's office to advance this bill.  

At the time, I served as the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Program Director with the Boston Police Department, where I helped build a multidisciplinary team dedicated to investigating unsolved sexual assaults that posed the greatest threat to public safety. In less than two years, our team identified 5 serial offenders and brought some type of closure to more than 30 survivors. However, due to the statute of limitations, charges were dropped for one of the alleged perpetrators, and he was unable to be prosecuted. 

This was devastating, as one of the survivor’s had been waiting 17 years for that moment. In spite of this tragedy, she was determined to tell her story so others would not endure the same fate. I hope that today she is able to find solace in knowing we would not be here without her. Similar to the cases I worked during this time, my personal experience was also the result of a serial offender. A man adept in using the system to his advantage to escape facing his crimes. However, continued successful prosecutions of cold cases prove that the truth cannot remain buried forever. 

Today, I stand before you as both a law enforcement professional and a survivor to affirm that, even in our darkest moments, we cannot lose hope or faith that the light will ultimately prevail. Truth does not expire—and with the passage of this bill today, neither will justice.” 

Rosanne Sliney, Survivor 

“As a survivor and advocate, I know that justice is often delayed by silence, power, and time. These reforms strengthen protections for young people and make clear that DNA evidence should never be disregarded simply because years have passed. I am grateful to Governor Healey and the Legislature for taking this important step toward accountability. Survivors deserve laws that recognize a fundamental truth: justice should not expire.” 

 

Statements by Legislature: 

State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means (D-Westport) 

"Advances in DNA technology offer assault victims a new opportunity for justice, employing methods not available previously to hold those accountable for their actions, even after exceeding the statute of limitations. I worked closely with the Healey-Driscoll administration to incorporate this important provision in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. We also worked to strengthen protections for minors by increasing the age of consent, safeguarding adolescents who are coerced into an improper relationship with a person of authority. With the Governor signing this legislation into law, we now expand the scope of past offenses and better deter potential improper relationships from happening in the future.”   

Senator Joan B. Lovely (D-Salem) 

“For too long, our laws have allowed adults in positions of authority and trust to exploit the very children they are supposed to protect and then hide behind a claim of consent. That ends now. No figure of authority should ever be able to groom or assault a young person and walk away without accountability. Closing this loophole has been one of the most personal and important fights of my career, and I am proud that we got it done for the children and families of the Commonwealth.”   

Senator Mark Montigny, sponsor of legislation to allow prosecutions for sexual assault beyond the standard statute of limitations and cosponsor of the legislation to close the age of consent loophole (D-New Bedford) 

“Far too many victims, survivors, and their loved ones have endured unbearable pain and injustice. Together, these laws will finally help to ensure that those perpetrating these monstrous crimes can no longer evade criminal responsibility in the Commonwealth and I hope that provides survivors with some assurance that their voice matters and they have been heard.” 

Representative John Lawn (D-Watertown) 

"People in positions of power should never have the authority to exploit children. Weaponizing trust for sexual exploitation is abuse, not consent. I am proud of the progress made by closing the age of consent loophole, and our fight to strengthen protections and ensure justice for children and survivors continues. Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, Speaker Mariano, Senate President Spilka, Senator Lovely, Representative Higgins, and every survivor and advocate whose partnership and courage made this possible." 

Representative Adam Scanlon (D-North Attleboro) 

“Today is a great day for justice.  I am very grateful to the Governor for her support and for her signing it into law, as well as to my colleagues, including my co-filer Rep. Kane, as well as Chair Day, Chair Michlewitz, and the Speaker. I am also grateful to law enforcement for their support, and to advocates, like at the organizations RAINN and the Joyful Heart Foundation.  And mostly, I am honored to have worked with all the survivors who came forward to tell their stories and push for this change, starting with my friend and constituent Katelyn and including all the other survivors who were such strong advocates in this process.  You can be very proud of what you have accomplished, helping law enforcement get dangerous perpetrators off the streets and helping survivors get justice.” 

Representative Leigh Davis (D-Great Barrington) 

“When I took office, I made strengthening protections for students one of my first legislative priorities because I believed Massachusetts had to do better. I wasn’t the first person to recognize this gap in our law, but I was determined to help move years of advocacy across the finish line. I’m deeply grateful to Governor Maura Healey for signing this important legislation into law; to Melissa Fares and Hilary Simon for their extraordinary courage; to Berkshire District Attorney Tim Shugrue, whose early guidance helped shape my understanding of this issue; to Senator Joan Lovely and Representative John Lawn for their years of leadership; and to the many advocates, educators, prosecutors, and colleagues whose dedication made this day possible. Today, Massachusetts sends a clear message: power is not permission. We owe survivors our gratitude. We owe young people our protection. Today, Massachusetts delivers both.” 

Representative Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury) 

“I am thrilled that the DNA exception bill has become law. Removing the statute of limitations when there is a DNA match with a rape kit will get sexual predators off the streets, keeping the public safe and helping survivors see justice. I am grateful for the work of the advocates for this legislation, for Rep. Scanlon's partnership and leadership in advancing this statute change, and to the Governor and my colleagues in the House and Senate for including the DNA exception bill in the FY27 budget.” 

Senator Lydia Edwards, State Senator for the Third Suffolk District and Chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary (D-Boston). 

"This legislation closes a critical loophole and sends a clear message: survivors deserve every opportunity to pursue justice, no matter how much time has passed. Advances in DNA technology have transformed what is possible, and our laws should reflect that reality. By strengthening these protections, we're giving survivors another path to accountability while helping ensure those responsible for these violent crimes can be brought to justice. Signing this into law is an important step toward building a justice system where survivors are believed, supported, and empowered." 

Representative Michael S. Day (D-Stoneham) 

“I am very happy to see these measures, which will provide survivors and the Commonwealth itself with more avenues to seek justice, signed into law. I thank my colleagues and Governor Healey and her team who worked with me on these issues. I applaud the survivors who bravely shared their stories with us. They not only made today possible, they made our justice system better and fairer for future generations.” 

Sagamore大橋修繕圖紙出爐 訂2028年動工

Sagamore 大橋。（州政府圖片）

    (Boston Orange編譯)麻州政府今（24）日公佈伯恩鎮（Bourne）薩加莫爾大橋（Sagamore Bridge）的修繕設計模擬圖，預計2028年春季動工，2036年全面完工，將為這有90年歷史，每年承載超過3,800萬車次的大橋，帶來新生命。

    薩加莫爾大橋（Sagamore Bridge）是連接科德角（Cape Cod）與麻州本島的關鍵通道，大橋設計包含兩座獨立橋跨，分別承載單向車流，以降低事故風險；還設有護欄隔離的共享路徑與景觀眺望點，以改善行人與自行車通行體驗，並強化橋墩設計，以因應科德角運河（Cape Cod Canal）的船舶交通需求。

    麻州交通廳（MassDOT）表示，施工期間將維持雙向各兩車道通行，直至第一座新橋完工，並採用先進交通監測技術，與地方應變單位協調，減少尖峰時段衝擊。

    奚莉州長強調，這是「數十年來首次真正落實的橋樑更新」計畫，將為地居民、商家與緊急應變系統服務。副州長Kim Driscoll指出，將持續與社區合作，確保施工管理得當。麻州代理交通廳長兼MBTA總經理伍偉華（Phillip Eng）與公路局長強納森·古利佛（Jonathan Gulliver）都表示，設計過程將納入公眾意見，打造符合科德角風貌的基礎設施。

    根據時程，工程將於2027年底發佈開工通知，2028年春季正式動工；2033年所有車流改行新橋，2036年全案竣工。施工期間，官方將透過專屬網站定期更新交通狀況，並與伯恩鎮及緊急服務單位密切配合，確保事故快速排除及主要設施聯通。

    薩加莫爾橋與伯恩橋（Bourne Bridge）同為1930年代啟用的橋樑，是科德角半島對外僅有的兩條陸路通道，此次改建為麻州近年最大規模的跨運河基建投資，州政府將陸續公佈總經費與細部預算。

Governor Healey Unveils New Design Renderings for Replacement Sagamore Bridge 

 New designs showcase safer travel, improved pedestrian and bicycle access, and continued progress on replacing the aging Cape Cod bridge 

  

BOURNE — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today unveiled new design renderings of the replacement Sagamore Bridge, giving residents, businesses and visitors a detailed look at the future bridge as Massachusetts continues making historic investments to replace the aging Cape Cod Bridges. The new renderings showcase key design features, including separate bridge spans to improve safety, a barrier-separated shared-use path for pedestrians and bicyclists, upgraded roadway connections, and architectural features that reflect the character of the region. 

"For decades, people have talked about replacing the Cape Cod Bridges. Our administration is getting it done," said Governor Maura Healey. "These new renderings give people a look at the safer, stronger bridge we're building for residents, businesses and everyone who depends on these crossings every day. We're making historic investments to improve transportation, strengthen the Cape's economy and make it easier and safer for people to get where they need to go." 

"These bridges are essential for Cape Cod families, local businesses, first responders and millions of visitors every year," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "As this project moves forward, we're continuing to work closely with local communities so construction is managed responsibly while delivering infrastructure that will serve the region for generations." 

“These new renderings allow residents, businesses, and communities across the region to begin seeing what the future of this vital transportation connection will look like,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “Replacing the Cape Cod Bridges is a once-in-a-generation investment in the safety, reliability, and economic future of Cape Cod, the Islands, and the surrounding region. As the project advances, we remain committed to listening to the public, addressing community concerns, and delivering an innovative, high-quality design that will serve generations to come.” 

“MassDOT hopes these new renderings help people envision how the new Sagamore Bridge will improve safety, enhance mobility, and meet the region’s transportation needs for generations to come,” said Undersecretary of Transportation and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “As the design continues to advance, MassDOT looks forward to incorporating public feedback to help shape a final design that reflects Cape Cod.” 

The Sagamore and Bourne bridges are more than 90 years old and carry more than 38 million trips each year, serving as critical connections for residents, businesses, visitors and emergency responders. Through the Cape Cod Bridges Program, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is replacing these aging bridges with safer, more reliable and more resilient infrastructure while improving connections to local roadways and reducing congestion. 

The new renderings highlight several major improvements, including twin bridge spans carrying one direction of traffic each to improve safety, a barrier-separated shared-use path with a scenic overlook for pedestrians and bicyclists, enhanced lighting, and bridge foundations designed to better accommodate marine traffic through the Cape Cod Canal. 

During the public hearing, MassDOT also provided an update on construction phasing and traffic management. Throughout construction: 

• Two lanes in each direction will remain open until the first new bridge span is complete. 

• The project team will use advanced traffic monitoring technology, coordinate closely with local officials and emergency responders, and limit construction impacts during peak travel periods to help keep people moving safely. 

MassDOT will coordinate closely with the Town of Bourne and Bourne emergency services to ensure quick clearance of incidents and access to key facilities and the Cape Cod Bridges website will feature regular updates on traffic conditions during the construction phase.  

Construction is expected to begin in spring 2028 following a Notice to Proceed in late 2027. All traffic is expected to be traveling on a new bridge by 2033, with final completion currently anticipated in 2036. 

For more additional information on the Cape Cod Bridges project including updates, please visit: Cape Cod Bridges | Mass.gov. 

川普政府動用301條款全球課徵10%及12.5%關稅 麻州長Healey要求聯邦退還48.8億元稅款

     （Boston Orange綜合報導）美國貿易代表署（USTR）根據川普總統的行政指令宣佈，從7月24日凌晨零時零分起，將依照「301 條款」，向全球 60 個未能有效立法或執行「禁止強迫勞動商品進口」規範的經濟體，課徵 10% 至 12.5% 的新關稅。

    今年2月，美國最高法院裁定川普總統動用「國際緊急經濟權力法（IEEPA）」加徵全球關稅是違憲行為後，白宮為避免出現關稅空窗期，改用為期150天的臨時關稅條款過渡，並在7月24日的臨時條款到期日前，採用「1974年貿易法」第 301 條款，指控多國「打擊強迫勞動不力」，藉以建立長期關稅的法源基礎。

    根據最新辦法，適用 10% 稅率，美方認定已建立或承諾建立類似「反強迫勞動進口禁令」規範的17個經濟體，包括加拿大、墨西哥、歐盟 27 國（整體作為一個貿易體）、英國、台灣、印度、阿根廷、孟加拉、柬埔寨、厄瓜多、薩爾瓦多、瓜地馬拉、印尼、馬來西亞、巴基斯坦等。

    適用12.5%稅率的經濟體有43個，包括中國、日本、澳洲、紐西蘭、韓國、新加坡、巴西、越南、泰國、菲律賓、智利、哥倫比亞、沙烏地阿拉伯、土耳其、瑞士、挪威等。

    新關稅條款出爐後，引發強烈政治震盪。麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）發表嚴正聲明，指過去數月的違法關稅已讓麻州損失數十億美元，每戶人家損失約1,745元，要求聯邦政府立即退還超徵的48.8億美元稅款，並痛批白宮持續單邊加稅是「強行榨取民眾血汗錢」。

    來自麻州的聯邦眾議院籌款委員會民主黨議員理查·尼爾（Richard Neal）也批評，打擊強迫勞動應是嚴肅的供應鏈議題，不應被白宮「賤化為掩飾司法敗訴與加稅的藉口」。

    法律專家指出，白宮「鋪天蓋地」將 60 國一律認定為打擊強迫勞動不力，極可能再次引發進口商的團體訴訟與二次憲法審查。隨著關稅成本實質反映在終端售價，美國消費者將面臨新一波物價上漲壓力，這項爭議也將成為今年美國期中選舉的熱門焦點。

Governor Healey Statement on President Trump's Latest Global Tariffs 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today released the following statement in response to President Trump's announcement of new tariffs on imports from more than 80 countries:  

"Even after the Supreme Court told President Trump that his previous tariffs were illegal, he’s still choosing to double down on this failed policy. We already know that this will result in higher costs, negative impacts to businesses and weakened American competitiveness. Nobody can afford this. We need a President who actually cares about the number one issue facing the American people – affordability. I’m going to keep working every day in Massachusetts to lower the cost of housing, energy and health care, and I’m going to keep standing up to the damage President Trump is doing to our people and our economy.” 

Earlier this year, Governor Healey demanded a $1,745 refund for every Massachusetts household for the financial harm caused by President Trump’s unconstitutional tariffs. She also launched the Massachusetts Tariff Response and Business Operations Support Initiative to align state resources to aid Massachusetts businesses. 

Senate Passes Economic Development Bill Investing in Housing, Research, and Responsible AI

Senate Passes Economic Development Bill Investing in Housing, Research, and Responsible AI

Legislation creates AI safety guardrails, funds housing and research,  
bans deceptive cryptocurrency kiosks, implements ‘fun agenda’  

 

(BOSTON—7/23/2026) Following two days of debate, the Massachusetts Senate today passed an economic development package that lifts up small businesses and burgeoning industries, bans predatory kiosks used in cryptocurrency scams, and reins in the potential dangers of artificial intelligence by instituting responsible guardrails against catastrophes. 

 

The bill also surges the production of new housing units through automatic two-family zoning across Massachusetts, creates safety rules for fast electric scooters and e-bikes, and invests $100 million in immediate support for scientific research programs at public higher education institutions. 

 

With $575.4 million in authorizations, the economic development bond bill is poised to grow quality jobs in the Commonwealth, support innovation, and improve the quality of life for workers and families. 

 

“Today the Senate took action to maintain the Commonwealth’s economic edge while giving Massachusetts residents, families, and businesses the best bet at success,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “The bill we passed today will help small businesses cut through red tape, provide opportunities for new families to find a home they can afford, and set our state up to face the challenges and embrace the opportunities of the coming years. The strength of the final legislation reflects ideas from every Senate member in an effort to lift up every region of the Commonwealth. I applaud Chair Finegold for his steady stewardship of this wide-ranging bill, Chair Rodrigues for his continued leadership and collaboration, and all of my Senate colleagues for their invaluable contributions.” 

 

“It’s critically important to keep the Massachusetts economy on the cutting edge, and this economic stimulus package does just that and more,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “This bill hits all sectors of the state’s economy, jumpstarting scientific research, spurring housing development, investing in workforce development and business growth, supporting the defense industry, and setting limits on the overreach of artificial intelligence. With the federal government no longer a partner, we need to continue to be ambitious and utilize the tools that we have to grow and develop the economic engine of the Commonwealth. I would like to thank Senator Finegold for his work shepherding this legislation, my Senate colleagues for their thoughtful input in further shaping this bill, and President Spilka for her determined leadership in these uncertain times.” 

 

“We have a responsibility to invest in the future and to create opportunity for everyone who calls Massachusetts home,” said Senator Barry R. Finegold (D-Andover), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. “I’m proud this economic development bill threads that needle, by strengthening our leadership position as a hub for industries of the future while uplifting small businesses and working families who are the backbone of our economy. Our state is already a place where AI, defense tech, and robotics thrive. This bill ensures we stay competitive. AI is here, and it’s moving fast. We must keep up. That’s why this bill establishes commonsense guardrails and a comprehensive transparency framework to hold AI companies accountable; fostering innovation while ensuring catastrophic risk never occurs. We can do both—keep the people of Massachusetts safe and be a globally competitive powerhouse.” 

 

The bill prioritizes bonding investments to boost every aspect of the Massachusetts economy, including: 

 

• $100 million to support and promote economic growth and job creation in the defense sector; 
• $75 million to support the development and application of AI; 
• $25 million to support downtown and main street vitality in Massachusetts towns and cities, in addition to $2.5 million to help convert vacant storefronts into pop-up opportunities for new small businesses; 
• $25 million for research and development of robotics technology; 
• $20 million to support construction of early stage and high growth business ventures; 
• $20 million to support community development financial institutions and small businesses; and 
• $25 million to support arts, culture, and the creative economy, building on recent successes of the Massachusetts tourism and cultural sector. 

 

The legislation requires major AI developers—known as large frontier developers—to account for their AI models’ risk of critical safety incidents by setting frameworks to avoid potential catastrophes. The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) would be empowered to bring civil lawsuits against major AI developers if they violate these new safety requirements. 

 

The bill would create unprecedented levels of new housing units in Massachusetts by allowing two-family homes on all residentially zoned lots, subject to reasonable local limitations. 

 

Supporting the Massachusetts economy’s workers and their families, the bill goes further to boost the state’s housing stock by creating a new, easier process for converting commercial properties into residential units, and requiring timely review processes for housing construction projects. 

 

Recent e-bike and electric scooter technology has moved beyond older state laws into unregulated territory. This bill accounts for these developments by creating new safety standards that keep young children off these devices, some of which can speed at 30 miles per hour, and banning mopeds and similar devices from bike lanes and shared use paths.  

 

Scientific research drives a significant part of the Massachusetts economy. With federal research funding under threat, the legislation invests an immediate $100 million in bridge funding for public higher education institutions to help maintain the pace of scientific discovery and retain talented graduate and post doctorate workers. 

 

Full details of the legislation as released by the Senate Ways and Means Committee are available in a fact sheet in the Senate’s press room. 

 

Over the course of the past two days, the Senate built on the underlying bill by adopting amendments in critical areas related to responsible technological advancement, the hospitality industry and vibrant business districts, and the ability for certain professions to work across state lines. 

 

Safety in Technological Innovation 

 

Stopping Cryptocurrency ATM Misuse (Amendment 374): Responds to the use of cryptocurrency kiosks as tools in predatory scams by fully banning the operation of such kiosks in Massachusetts. Scammers in recent years have directed older adults to use crypto kiosks to send money which is often not recoverable when the fraud is discovered, leading some seniors to lose their entire life savings. 

 

Frontier AI Risk Reports and Independent Verification (Amendment 471): Verifies that large AI developers are complying with this legislation’s new safety requirements by requiring independent, third-party safety audits. Additionally requires large AI companies to undergo in-depth, independent safety testing every four months to identify any residual catastrophic risks. 

 

Protecting Against CSAM (Amendment 94): Criminalizes the creation, possession, or sharing of AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM), in response to new AI technology and computer programs capable of generating synthetic images that are indistinguishable from real photos. Penalties for sharing such images go up to 10 years imprisonment. Creating or prompting synthetic CSAM is punishable by up to five years in prison, or 10 years if the image depicts a real child. 

 

Responsible Robotics (Amendment 118): Ensures the responsible use of robotics technology. Prohibits the possession, operation, manufacture, or sale of robots that are equipped with weapons—including firearms, chemical agents, weaponized lasers and explosives. Prohibits the use of a robotic device to criminally harass or physically restrain another person. Violations are punishable by up to five years in prison. Includes a waiver process for defense companies and contractors; an exemption for the military; and a process for law enforcement to use weaponized robots to destroy or diffuse bombs, with a proper warrant. 

 

The ‘Fun Agenda’ 

 

No Soccer No Party (Amendment 595): Convenes a working group to study the feasibility of a future international soccer tournament to be held in Massachusetts. The group, organized under the Office of International Trade and Investment, would study potential dates, venues, operational needs, and funding sources, and would coordinate with representatives of participating countries including the United States, Scotland, and nations with a significant diaspora in Massachusetts. 

 

Making music affordable by reining in predatory ticket scalping (Amendment 20): Institutes a 110 per cent cap on prices charged by ticket resale platforms for music concert tickets. 

 

Happy Hour (Amendment 78): Gives cities and towns the option of re-establishing ‘happy hour’ discounted alcohol sales policies, boosting bars, restaurants, and other licensed establishments. Municipalities would regulate happy hours by local ordinance. 

 

Conviviality Districts (Amendment 309): Builds on the success of a historic summer by permanently allowing cities and towns to permit public alcohol consumption in designated outdoor districts. Municipalities would be able to adopt the local-option districts for areas such as streets and parks, with the requirement that drinks be purchased from licensed establishments within the designated area. 

 

Public Arts and Entertainment Microgrant Program (Amendment 354): Authorizes $1 million for a new grant program to boost the cultural and economic vitality of downtown areas, commercial areas, cultural districts, gathering places, and nightlife destinations. The Massachusetts Cultural Council would distribute the microgrants to support public arts, performances, and programming. 

 

Cultivating Agritourism Across Massachusetts (Amendment 70): Authorizes $5 million for grants to support local farms, agriculture, and small businesses through agritourism. 

 

Massport Liquor License Flexibility (Amendment 441): Allows bars and restaurants at Logan Airport to continue serving alcohol as long as flights are arriving and departing from the airport. 

 

Networking Jobs Across State Lines 

 

Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (Amendment 11): Increases access to psychology services by adding Massachusetts to an interstate compact that recognizes the licensure of psychologists in other participating states. Allows licensed psychologists from those states to practice via telehealth across state lines. 

 

Social Work Licensure Compact (Amendment 222): Supports Massachusetts social workers by joining surrounding states in the social work licensure compact, ensuring they can continue to care for patients in other states. 

 

Establishing a Physical Therapy Compact (Amendment 402): Bolsters the physical therapy workforce by working toward the creation of an interstate compact, which would allow licensed physical therapists and assistants to practice across participating state lines.  

 

Fostering a Strong Local and Regional Economy 

 

Juvenile Jurisdiction (Amendment 495): Raises the age of juvenile jurisdiction to include residents who are 18 years old. The ‘raise the age’ initiative is proven to decrease crime, increase public safety and improve economic outcomes by allowing emerging adults who are 18 years old—the typical age of a high school senior—to be tried as juveniles instead of adults for certain crimes. 

 

Requiring Automated Criminal Record Sealing (Amendment 511): Automates and expedites the process of sealing criminal records, ensuring that eligible people are able to move forward without bureaucratic delays. 

 

Affordable Homeownership Pilot (Amendment 46): Supports the development and construction of permanently affordable homeownership units by aiding the creation of a pilot program. Authorizes $2.5 million to fund the creation of units for low- and moderate-income households, including units within mixed-use developments. 

 

Municipal Tax Relief (Amendment 554): Gives cities and towns the option of providing enhanced tax relief in the form of a rebate to lower- and middle-income taxpayers who already receive the residential tax exemption. Creates an additional tool on top of the established residential exemption, which gives property tax relief to local residents by shifting more of the residential tax burden onto vacation homes and investment properties. 

 

West-East Passenger Rail (Amendment 196): Authorizes $5 million for the development of the passenger rail station in Palmer, a key stop for West-East Passenger Rail to span the state from Boston to Pittsfield. 

 

The ENOUGH Act (Amendment 401): Creates a fund and framework to capitalize on public-private partnerships to lift families and communities out of poverty. Support would extend to community organizations to boost areas such as early education and care, affordable housing, public safety, and civic infrastructure. 

 

Zoo New England (Amendment 22): Authorizes $5 million for capital improvements at facilities of Zoo New England, which supports education and conservation through the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and Stone Memorial Zoo in Stoneham. 

 

Massachusetts National Guard Museum Birthplace (Amendment 366): Unlocks federal dollars to support the development of the Massachusetts National Guard Museum by giving an official designation to the museum. Designates the facility’s location as Salem, the birthplace of the National Guard where the first muster of the colonial Militia was held 389 years ago. 

 

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means advanced the redrafted economic development bill to the full Senate with a 16-0 vote on July 16, 2026. 

 

The package is based on legislation originally filed by Governor Maura Healey. A prior version was passed by the House of Representatives. 

 

The Senate passed the bill and sent it back to the House of Representatives for further consideration. 

Massachusetts Senate Moves to Subject Governor, Legislature to Public Records Requirements

Massachusetts Senate Moves to Subject Governor, Legislature to Public Records Requirements 

Bill Would Require Governor, Senate, and House of Representatives to Make Records 

Available to the Public, with an Independent Appeals Process 

 

(BOSTON—7/23/2026) In an effort to further expand Massachusetts’ residents’ access to how decisions are made in the Executive and Legislative branches, the Massachusetts Senate released legislation today that requires the Governor, Senate, and House of Representatives to be subject to greater transparency and make expansive documents and records available to any person who requests them. 

 

The bill—S.3200, An Act promoting transparency and public access in state government—provides access to key legislative records, such as voting records, salary information, ethics disclosures, operating expenditures, and certain contracts. 

 

“This legislation is a critical step forward in the Senate’s continuing practice of making the Legislature’s work more open and accessible to the people we serve,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “By writing the Legislature and the Governor into the public records law, we are affirming that the people of Massachusetts have a right to clearly see our work and how their tax dollars are spent. This builds on the success of this session’s rules reforms, which were important steps in opening up our work to public view while inviting more voices into the process. I’m proud of the work the Senate has done to get us here and I looking forward to debating this bill next week.” 

 

“These important public records reforms would expand the public’s direct access to government records, strengthen transparency, and improve our ability to hold our government accountable,” said Carol Rose, executive director of the ACLU of Massachusetts. “We strongly support the Senate’s thoughtful bill and appreciate the Legislature taking necessary steps to improve transparency within a framework that is legally defensible. This historic expansion of our public records law builds on proposals that we and fellow advocates have long promoted, and we look forward to seeing it enacted into law.” 

 

“For too long, Massachusetts has remained one of the only states in the country where the press and the public cannot access records of the Legislature and Governor,” said Robert Ambrogi, executive director of the Massachusetts Newspaper Publishers Association. “This long-overdue bill would finally change that. We commend the Senate for taking this long-overdue step, and we urge its swift passage.” 

 

“Transparency in government is a cornerstone of a strong democracy, and to achieve it requires good policy that empowers people and that can sustain constitutional challenges,” said Geoff Foster, executive director of Common Cause Massachusetts. “That’s why we’re thrilled to support legislation that is being advanced by the Senate that would take the historic step of finally subjecting both the Governor’s office and the Legislature to a public records law which has been a top legislative priority for Common Cause Massachusetts and our members for decades.” 

 

Modeling its approach to legislative records access after Pennsylvania’s ‘Right-to-Know Law,’ the bill outlines the process for members of the public to request legislative records, including an appeal process before the Judicial Branch—independent of the Legislature or Executive—for denied requests. 

 

The legislation also boosts the transparency of the Executive Branch and opens access to records created by the Governor’s Office. 

 

Like the process for requesting legislative records, any person could submit a records request to the Governor’s Office, which would have 10 days to produce responsive documents. 

 

Requestors would be able to appeal a denied request from the Governor’s Office to a division of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, and then to the Superior Court. 

 

All public access provisions would take effect at the start of the new term in January 2027. 

 

The Senate plans to take up the transparency legislation at a formal session on July 30, 2026. 

 

The bill was reported to the full Senate today by the Committee on Ways and Means. A previous version was passed by the House of Representatives. 

 

Full details of the legislation are available in fact sheets in the Senate press room. 

 

All votes taken at the committee and chamber levels are processed by the Clerk and publicly posted on the Legislature’s website.