Send Page to a Friend JCRC Applauds the State Legislature for Signing Into law House Bill 5238 (August 10, 2006) The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) applaud the Massachusetts state legislature and Governor Mitt Romney for signing into law House Bill 5238, "An Act Relative to Insurance and lawful Travel by Applicants for Life and Disability Insurance and Insured Individuals." This legislation was passed unanimously by both the Massachusetts House and Senate. This legislation prevents insurers from unfairly discriminating against travelers to Israel and other lawful destinations when the discrimination is based solely on the State Department's Travel Watch list. Similar laws have been passed in California, Connecticut, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, New York and Washington. Andy Tarsy, ADL New England Regional Director, stated "Massachusetts residents can now apply for life insurance without the fear of being denied, simply because of past or future travel to Israel, without any evidence of increased risk. This legislation which balances the needs of insurers with the lawful travel plans of Massachusetts residents, will have a broad impact, including tourists, business leaders, students and people traveling abroad to render humanitarian aid." "We are grateful to the Life Insurance Association of Massachusetts who worked with us to ensure that unfair discrimination based on lawful travel will no longer occur and to the Legislature, for swiftly enacting this bill," said Nancy Kaufman, JCRC Executive Director, ADL and JCRC advocated on behalf of the bill, including providing testimony at a hearing before law makers last year. This new law eliminates an injustice against Massachusetts residents with lawful travel plans.