June 24, 2005 (Boston, MA) - Senator Therese Murray (D-Plymouth), Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, Representatives Vinny deMacedo (R-Plymouth) and Tom O’Brien (D-Kingston) announced today the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security has given approval Nicole’s Law. The legislation, named after 8 year-old Nicole Garafalo of Plymouth whose life was taken by carbon monoxide build-up in her family’s home, would require that every residence in Massachusetts install a carbon monoxide detector. The bill will now be referred to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

 

“I am glad to see this critically important legislation move forward. This bill is about saving lives, and I believe that it is the best way that we can honor Nicole’s short life,” said Murray. “It’s common sense, a $20 investment in a carbon monoxide detector will save you something that is priceless – the lives of you and your loved ones. I can’t think of a more convincing reason to go out and buy a detector today.”
Murray added, “I know that my colleagues in the Senate and the House know the importance of this bill, and I hope that we are able to pass it and that the bill will be signed into law as quickly as possible.”

"I am grateful to Nicole's family for supporting this important piece of legislation," said Representative Vinny deMacedo. "By taking a proactive stance and installing carbon monoxide detectors in residential buildings, we can prevent future carbon monoxide poisonings. I am convinced that Nicole's law will go a long way in savings lives and securing the safety of our friends and families."

"I am reassured that the Public Safety Committee has seen fit to expedite the process regarding "Nicole's Law," noted O'Brien. "We filed this bill to honor the memory of Nicole Garafalo, a child whose life was cut short, and to prevent a similar tragedy from affecting other Massachusetts families. The Committee's quick response signifies the importance of this legislation and should indicate to every Massachusetts homeowner the necessity of installing a carbon monoxide detector."

Nicole’s Law mandates that all residences in Massachusetts must have working carbon monoxide detectors within 180 days of the bill being signed into law. The detectors would be subject to inspection upon the sale or transfer of a structure.