By Bob Katzen

The House 156-0, approved and sent to the Senate legislation that would create a public database of violations of the state’s fire prevention laws and a public notification system to alert workers of violations.

The measure is designed to boost safety for firefighters and people conducting “hot work” including welding, plasma cutting and spark-producing construction. The proposed law has been ten years in the making and was first prompted by the March 2014 deaths of firefighters Edward Walsh and Michael Kennedy who perished while fighting a fire that was caused by welders, working without a city permit, on a building next door to the brownstone in which they died.

“By making these crucial reforms we will ensure the safety of the general public and our first responders,” said Rep. Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston), Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means.

“While we can never undo the profound loss of Lt. Edward Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy, we can honor their sacrifice by ensuring that the lessons learned from that tragic day are not forgotten,” said Rep. Daniel Cahill (D-Lynn), House Chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security.

The Senate approved a similar bill in March 2024 but it died in the House Ways and Means Committee which did not act on it.

(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)

Rep. Christine Barber Yes Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Yes