State Rep. Kathy LaNatra

I had the chance to join my colleagues in the Plymouth delegation at last week’s Plymouth Lions Club meeting, to provide an update on the State of the Commonwealth. This was a great discussion where we heard the concerns of many of the members, spoke about what is going on at the State level, and heard about the great work the Lions club is doing. Thank you for the invite!

Last Thursday, was the 2nd Annual Military Appreciation Day in the State House. The Healey-Driscoll Administration created Military Appreciation Day in May 2025 to honor those who proudly serve both our country and communities. Each legislator is invited to nominate a member of their local military community to be honored during the ceremony.

I was humbled to honor Kathleen Keegan of Pembroke as this year's 12th Plymouth District Military Appreciation nominee. Kathleen served 28 years in the Massachusetts Army National Guard and fully exemplifies the qualities of service to her community, her fellow service members and her country. She is the Vice Commander of the Pembroke American Legion, serving veterans and their families, she Chairs the Pembroke Tree Lighting committee and the Pembroke Celebrates fireworks celebration, and she is a real estate agent in Pembroke, helping to connect residents with their dream homes. From her military service to her deep commitment to her community, I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition. While Kathleen couldn't attend the celebration in the State House, it was very inspiring to present her with her award in front of last evening's American Legion meeting, in front of so many of the veterans she helps each and every day.

I want to highlight the final two bills the House passed this past week. The first makes it unlawful for a person to manufacture, modify, sell, transfer, possess or operate a robotic device equipped or mounted with a weapon. It also makes it unlawful for a person to use a robotic device to threaten to commit a crime, criminally harass a person, or physically restrain or attempt to physically restrain a person. It is critical that our laws keep up with technological advancements. Arming robots and drones with weapons is a threat to the safety of all residents and I am proud to take action before an incident requires us to act.

The second bill requires newborns be screened and tested for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) and tasks the DPH with developing regulations and best practices for screening for cCMV, as well as informing the public and health care professionals about the dangers of this treatable condition. Early detection and access to information can help change the course of a newborn's life through treatment and early intervention.

Thank you to the Speaker, Chairman Michlewitz, Chair Day, Chair Decker and all of those whose leadership and forward thinking helped bring these important bills to the House floor.