BOSTON – Last week, Senator Sal DiDomenico and his colleagues in the Massachusetts Senate passed legislation to ensure confidentiality for first responders when participating in peer support services following critical incidents.  The bill, which had already passed the Senate unanimously earlier this year, returned to the Chamber after an amendment was offered by the House of Representatives. 

“The confidentiality provisions in this bill will ensure that our first responders have the privacy protections they need and deserve when it comes seeking mental health care,” said Senator DiDomenico. “Our firefighters, law enforcement officials, and paramedics constantly put themselves into the most stressful and dangerous of situations to protect our public safety, and it is critical that they have access to the services needed to deal with this stress without fear of stigmatization.”

“First responders—the men and women who keep us safe in the most trying of circumstances—work under high levels of stress, and often are left to fend for themselves when it comes to personal mental health care,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland).  “This bill grants those first responders the access they deserve to confidential support, and allows them to seek help without fear of retribution or stigma.”

“In times of crisis our police, firefighters, and first responders put themselves in dangerous and stressful situations to keep us safe,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr (R-Gloucester).  “They need and deserve the ability to effectively deal with that stress, and this legislation will make that possible. I am grateful to be able to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance it.” 

Responding to a critical incident can have a significant effect on the mental health of the Commonwealth’s firefighters, paramedics, and law enforcement officers. In order to ensure prompt access to the necessary services, many departments rely on trained peer support counselors. These counselors can direct the affected first responders to the necessary mental health support services, or offer their own support as needed.

However, the lack of confidentiality afforded these peer support counselors has complicated their roles, and dissuaded some first responders from using this service.  The sensitive nature of mental health issues is further compounded by concerns that first responders will experience professional adversity due to their decision to seek mental help.  Basic confidentiality protections will encourage greater participation, expanding access to services and improving the mental health and performance of first responders.

The legislation passed by the Senate provides that a critical incident stress management team member shall not be required to testify or divulge any information obtained during the receipt of critical incident stress or crisis intervention services.  The language also provides for limited exemptions, including when a person is in danger of serious bodily harm or death, or if the information indicates the existence of a crime.

The Senate has now approved a version of the bill which will return to the House for reconsideration. 

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BOSTON-Senator Sal DiDomenico recently served as a speaker at the Massachusetts Immigrants and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition’s Annual Our Shared Table event at the State House. Every year, to kick off the holiday season, MIRA hosts this luncheon for newly sworn-in U.S citizens and other immigrants and refugees to celebrate our Commonwealth’s rich diversity, share personal stories, and make new connections.

“Our Shared Table is always one of my favorite events of the year, and it was an honor to join with so many friends at this year’s holiday luncheon to celebrate our immigrant and refugee community,” said Senator DiDomenico. “I am proud to support MIRA Coalition through our work in the Massachusetts Senate, and I am very grateful to Executive Director Eva Millona and her team for all that they do to make our Commonwealth a welcoming place for all.”

Senator DiDomenico has been a longtime supporter of MIRA Coalition and champion for immigrants’ rights. Throughout his tenure in the Senate, he has continuously voted against legislation and amendments to the state budget that would harm Massachusetts’ immigrant and refugee community. In one of his very first votes as a State Senator, he joined with only nine other colleagues in opposition to a budget amendment that unfairly targeted Massachusetts immigrants. Since then, he repeatedly advocated for initiatives that provide critical services to our immigrant and refugee population and programs that help residents of Massachusetts become United States citizens.

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BOSTON-Senator Sal DiDomenico recently announced a new civics education law aimed at strengthening civics education in the Commonwealth’s public schools by taking a nonpartisan approach to civic engagement projects and awareness programs starting in the eighth grade.

Senator DiDomenico and his colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature passed this piece of legislation in July and Governor Baker signed a revised version of the bill last week. DiDomenico was a strong supporter of the bill and greater civics education in the Commonwealth.

“Now more than ever, civics education is of the highest importance to teach and prepare our next generation of leaders,” said Senator DiDomenico, Assistant Majority Leader of the Massachusetts Senate. “I am confident that this law will empower youth with the tools and knowledge they need to be well-versed in our electoral system and legislative process, and will ensure that they are ready to be active participants in our democracy.”

The law requires every school district that serves students in eighth grade or high school to offer all students the chance to participate in a non-partisan civics project. State officials will also be required to develop a voter registration challenge, to encourage students get their classmates to register or pre-register to vote. 

The law also implements new requirements for civics education. Schools will now be required to teach:

·         the state and U.S. constitutions;

·         the Bill of Rights;

·         local history and government;

·          the branches of government;

·         the responsibilities of a citizen in a democracy;

·         digital media literacy;

·         issues related to diversity and power; and

·         etiquette regarding the flag.

A trust fund will be created to help school districts develop curricula that adhere to the new state history and civics education requirements. 

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