House Passes Legislation to Enhance Consumer Protection
House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo joined his colleagues in the House to pass legislation providing added protections and resources for consumers in the event of a data security breach that impacts a credit agency or other business.
Under this legislation, credit freezes, lifts or removals must be provided to consumers without a charge. Credit agencies or businesses must provide one year of free credit monitoring after any breach.
“This legislation includes many powerful consumer protection tools that also modernize the way we do business,†DeLeo said. “I thank Chairman Chan for his exhaustive study into this complex problem and Chairwoman Benson for her ongoing commitment.â€
The legislation updates the framework for the implementation of a freeze and related communication including:
For the first time in Massachusetts, this legislation establishes specific guidelines for parents and guardians to freeze accounts of children under the age of 16 and incapacitated individuals.
The legislation also updates notification guidelines for breached entities and third-party affiliates.
Additionally, the attorney general must provide information online to consumers regarding the breach.
This bill also updates current law to require companies and organizations to obtain consent before running a credit report.
Winthrop Buses to Accept Charlie Cards Beginning In March 12
Starting March 12, all route 712 and 713 MBTA buses serving Winthrop will begin accepting Charlie Cards as a primary method of fare collection. The brand new buses, which were introduced in June 2017, brought significant improvements to bus service in Winthrop, but were not equipped to accept Charlie Card tap payments. Riders have had to use a paper Zone 1A pass, a paper monthly pass, to pay cash or pay twice to board Winthrop buses after making what would have otherwise been a free connection from the Blue Line at Orient Heights. The MBTA is providing new software just for Winthrop buses to make them Charlie Card compliant until the next fare technology, AFC 2.0 (Automated Fare Collection) is rolled out in 2020/2021.
This exciting announcement, made by Julia Wallerce of the Transportation Advisory Committee during the Town Council’s Feb. 6 meeting, was received with a full round of applause and many supportive comments from Councilors.
“This has been an issue since I was a young child, and it’s been a real barrier to riding the bus both for locals and for visitorsâ€, said Councilor Peter Christopher. “This will make it so much easier for everyone to take transit, so thank youâ€.
Wallerce informed the Council that the MBTA would also be providing new signs for all of the bus stops in Winthrop, many of which are currently unmarked, and that she hopes they will be followed by amenities such as shelters, benches, and trash receptacles.
“We are grateful to the MBTA for taking Winthrop’s transit needs seriously, and to Sen. Boncore for his help in making this happen,†said Wallerce. “We look forward to continuing to improve access and service for the nearly 3,000 people who ride our buses each (week) dayâ€
Luca DePhamphillis, 7, with his nina, Pam Evans, hooking a Charmander Pokémon necklace around her…
Retired Winthrop Police Lt. David Lessard, 69 died last Friday after a long battle with…
By Adam Swift The town is looking toward a possible debt exclusion vote in the…
By Adam Swift As part of the Annual Spring Forum on Tuesday night, Town Manager…
Winthrop Police Department Awarded Car Seat Distribution Grant Police Chief John Goodwin is pleased to…
By Adam Swift State and Chelsea officials, along with local nonprofit La Colaborativa, have spent…