BOSTON– Senator Sal DiDomenico recently announced that the Massachusetts Legislature passed legislation to authorize notary publics to perform notary actions using video conferencing during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

“My office heard from many constituents on this issue of remote notarization, and I am pleased that my colleagues in the Legislature and I were able to enact this change,” said Senator DiDomenico. “Industries across our Commonwealth are having to quickly adapt to these unprecedented times, and the Legislature is doing everything we can to identify these needs and make the necessary changes. Public health and safety must remain top priority, and this will help minimize risk for many people in need of this critical service and ease the burden on a crucial part of our economy.”

The legislation applies requirements for authorized notary publics to use electronic video conferencing for documents requiring notarization including those related to a mortgage or other conveyance of title to real estate, will, nomination of guardian or conservator, caregiver authorization affidavit, trust, durable power of attorney, or health care proxy. 

The legislation includes the following provisions, which will be in place until three business days after termination of the March 10, 2020 declaration of a State of Emergency:

• Authorizes a notary public appointed under the laws of the Commonwealth to perform an acknowledgement, affirmation or other notarial act using video conferencing in real time;

• Makes valid notarial acts using video conferencing when the notary public and each principal are physically located within the Commonwealth as well as other provisions;

• Requires notaries to record the video conference and retain a copy of the conference; and related documentation for 10 years.

The bill, which is the latest action by the Legislature to address the COVID-19 public health crisis and its effects on Massachusetts, has been sent to the Governor’s desk. 

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BOSTON–Senator Sal DiDomenico recently announced that the Massachusetts Legislature passed a bill providing additional legal protections for health care personnel and facilities to ensure that they can rapidly respond to the COVID-19 emergency.

“Our health care workers are on the front lines of this public health emergency, and it is critical we do everything we can to protect them as they confront the pandemic and provide treatment for our residents,” said Senator DiDomenico. “As Massachusetts enters the midst of its COVID-19 surge, this legislation is key to ensuring our health care system can quickly respond to the crisis and our brave medical personnel can continue providing critical care for patients.”

Under the legislation, health care professionals, facilities and volunteer organizations assisting in the state’s efforts to respond and treat COVID-19 would be protected from suit and civil liability for alleged damages related to the virus. Health care facilities and professionals would still be subject to consumer complaints brought by the Attorney General and protections would not extend to acts of negligence, recklessness, or intent to harm or acts of discrimination.  These protections would apply retroactively to March 10, 2020, and remain in effect for the duration of the State of Emergency.

The bill, which is the latest action by the Legislature to address the COVID-19 public health crisis and its effects on Massachusetts, has been signed by the Governor.

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BOSTON– Senator Sal DiDomenico recently announced that the Massachusetts Senate passed legislation to support those experiencing homelessness and provide testing and budgetary flexibility to school districts. The bill, which is the latest action by the Legislature to address the COVID-19 public health crisis and its effects on Massachusetts, has now been signed into law by Governor Baker.

“This legislation is the latest step from my colleagues and I in the Legislature to provide much needed relief to our Commonwealth’s families and most vulnerable residents,” said Senator Sal DiDomenico. “I am particularly pleased to report that this bill includes a MCAS waiver for the current academic year. Our students and educators are facing enough stress and educational disruptions due to COVID-19 without the added pressure of having to prepare for the MCAS. This was absolutely the right course of action during this unprecedented time, and I was proud to support this change for our students.”

This latest relief package known as An Act to Further Address Challenges Faced by Municipalities, School Districts and State authorities Resulting from COVID-19, includes the following components.

Student Requirements and District Operations. To address disruptions caused by the closure of K-12 schools due to COVID-19, the legislation waives the MCAS requirements for the 2019-2020 academic year and allows DESE to modify or waive competency determination requirements related to high school graduation.

In order to comply with measures under the newly implemented Student Opportunity Act, the legislation would require the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Commissioner to extend the deadlines for school districts to submit their three-year plans to address educational disparities in student subgroups.  This deadline shall be extended to May 15, 2020, or later, as determined by the Commissioner.

The legislation also provides budgetary flexibility for regional schools as a result of COVID-19.

Helping Vulnerable Populations. In keeping with the Legislature’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations, the legislation repurposes existing homelessness funds that currently support services that can’t be provided due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The legislation redirects funding to address immediate and critical homelessness needs resulting from the public health emergency.

MBTA Budget Flexibility. The legislation also provides the MBTA additional budgetary flexibility amid the COVID-19 emergency.

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