The Legislative Workgroup studies the current Congressional, State Senate and House legislation to determine which bills align with the Dignity Alliance mission. A bill should contribute to one of our goals. The membership is notified of any bills of interest, and is given the opportunity to sign on.
Please advocate for our endorsed bills by contacting your legislators.
Visit the Advocacy Page for a detailed list of our goals.
Thank you to everyone who attended our February 16 Sponsorship Event at the State House!
How to use Tables (below)
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- The Search will present all bills that match your input in any field.
- Use the buttons to download the table.
2023 MA Bills
13 bills have been sponsored by Dignity Alliance Massachusetts that would improve the lives of older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers.
DignityMA has also endorsed a number of legislative proposals sponsored by other organizations.
All bills listed have been endorsed by Dignity Alliance Massachusetts.
Read the Dignity Alliance Legislative Package 2023 – 2024 (pdf) (posted 3/16) to learn how the state legislature can make our priorities become actual improvements in long term services and supports.
2023 - 2024 State Legislature Bills
| Senate | House | Title | Committee | Lead Sponsor(s) | More Info | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~ | H0623 | An Act to improve quality and safety in nursing homes | Joint Committee on Elder Affairs | Carol Doherty Ruth Balser Christopher Hendricks Rodney Elliott James Hawkins | ** DignityMA Sponsored ** DignityMA Testimony for H623.pdf | 1 |
| S0377 | H0633 | An Act relative to transparency and accountability in nursing homes | Joint Committee on Elder Affairs | Patricia D. Jehlen Mark C. Montigny James B. Eldridge Sally Kerans | ** DignityMA Sponsored ** DignityMA Testimony for S377 and H633.pdf | 1 |
| S0390 | ~ | An Act to ensure resident safety within assisted living facilities (*) | Joint Committee on Elder Affairs | Mark C. Montigny Paul A. Schmid, III Christopher Hendricks James B. Eldridge | ** DignityMA Sponsored ** This act requires assisted living residences to have and maintain automatic external defibrillation devices and train staff in the use of such equipment, updates a reference in the membership in the Assisted Living Advisory Council to recognize the creation of the secretary of housing, and provides for a human rights committee in each ALR to protect the rights of residents | 2 |
| ~ | H0142 | An Act relative to community living for older adults and people with disabilities | Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities | Josh S. Cutler Brian Murray Carol Doherty James Eldridge Vanna Howard | ** DignityMA Sponsored ** This act encourages participation of older adults and people with disabilities to participate in community life by amending the Open Meeting law to ensure that these groups have access to local and state government activities. Subject to local acceptance, the bill allows reduction in property taxes to keep living in communities affordable, provides Architectural Access Board regulations to apply to renovation as well as new construction to promote greater accessibility, protects homes of older adults and people with disabilities from being acquired in payment of MassHealth costs, encourages the construction of accessory dwelling for older adults and people with disabilities, authorizes personal care homes for older adults, and prevents bullying in public housing. Finally, it establishes a special commission on alternatives to arrest and incarceration for individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities. This has been problematic for individuals who act out in public, but are generally not responsible for their actions. Police sometimes misjudge the situation, and the incident can escalate to the detriment of both the individual and the police. The commission will look at solutions to this problem | 3 |
| ~ | H2874 | An Act promoting accessible dwellings for older adults and people with disabilities to remain in their communities | Joint Committee on Revenue | Kate Lipper-Garabedian Ruth B. Balser James B. Eldridge | ** DignityMA Sponsored ** This bill encourages home modification for seniors to help them remain in their homes as they age, promotes expanding the availability of adaptive housing for consumers with disabilities, mobility impairments and older adults, expands the authority of the Architectural Barriers Board to cover renovations as well as new construction to promote accessibility, and establishes a livable home modernization program. | 3 |
| ~ | H1241 | An Act to improve discharge opportunities from acute care facilities | Joint Committee on Health Care Financing | Lindsay N. Sabadosa James Eldridge | ** DignityMA Sponsored ** This bill promotes a more robust hospital discharge program requiring consideration of placements in the community with appropriate services and support, rather than always referring patients to nursing homes. | 3 |
| S1952 | H2752 | An Act to improve long-term care staffing and dignity for caregivers | Joint Committee on Revenue | Bruce E. Tarr James B. Eldridge Manny Cruz | ** DignityMA Sponsored ** This bill would establish a career ladder for home care workers, create a family care- giver tax credit, authorize spouses to serve as paid caregivers, strengthen emergency preparedness for home care workers and protect the health and safety of home care workers. | 4 |
| 0S403 | ~ | An Act to improve resilience in older adults and people with disabilities during public health, environmental or technological emergencies | Joint Committee on Elder Affairs | Bruce E. Tarr James B. Eldridge | ** DignityMA Sponsored ** This bill provides that in the event of a public health emergency or other natural or technological disaster, the secretaries of health and human service and elder affairs shall coordinate the response of the public health officer, emergency responders, and public safety personnel relative to protecting older adults and people with disabilities in (1) demographic, (2) physical, (3) psychological, (4) spiritual, and (5) socio-cultural factors. The act would direct councils on aging that receive state funding develop emergency plans to protect older adults and the disabled in their communities. The bill directs the executive office of housing to develop a grant program, subject to appropriation, to make homes of older adults and people with disabilities more resilient to disasters and to improve home safety | 5 |
| S0396 | H0622 | An Act to establish the office of elder advocate | Joint Committee on Elder Affairs | Josh Cutler Jake Oliveira Brian Ashe Patrick O’Connor Michael Moore Kathleen LaNatra Smitty Pignatelli Linsdsay Sabadosa James Arena-DeRosa, Carmine Gentile Carol Doherty Paul McMurtry Mindy Domb Vanna Howard James Eldridge Pat Jehlen | ** DignityMA Sponsored ** The bill is new this term, and establishes an office of elder advocate within, but not subject to the control of, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs with the authority to respond to complaints for residents or staff of nursing homes, rest homes, as well as assisted living residences. It is modelled on the current statute that established the Office of Child Advocate. The office has the authority to initiate a complaint on its own without need for one to be submitted if it believes there may be probable cause of a violation of the rights of residents. If the office is established, it will add an important new tool to support consumers and staff in long-term care, and supplement the oversight of the Department of Public Health (responsible for nursing homes and rest homes) and the Executive Office of Elder Affairs (responsible for assisted living residences). | 1 |
| S1922 | H2770 | An Act to ease the tax burden on older adults, people with disabilities and their caregivers | Joint Committee on Revenue | Carol Doherty Jake Oliveira Alan Silvia Rodney Elliott Patrick O’Connor Paul Feeney James Eldridge | ** DignityMA Sponsored ** The bill includes easing taxes on older adults, as recommended in the plan proposed by the Baker administration, including expanded eligibility for the senior circuit breaker program that benefits elder home owners and renters. In addition, the bill includes a tax credit for family caregivers. Caregivers provide a variety of services for senior citizens and people with disabilities every year. Often, these caregivers are taking care of their parents or loved ones and will pay for medical expenses with their own money. Such dedicated caregivers would be eligible to receive this caretaker tax break and deduction. These deductions help defray the cost of taking care of loved ones, allowing the best care possible. | 3 |
| ~ | H0655 | An Act requiring dignity, privacy, and safety for residents in nursing homes and rest homes | Joint Committee on Elder Affairs | Thomas P. Walsh Rodney M. Elliott James B. Eldridge | ** DignityMA Sponsored ** DignityMA Testimony for H655.pdf | 1 |
| S0399 | ~ | An Act protecting the rights of older adults and people with disabilities | Joint Committee on Elder Affairs | Rebecca L. Rausch | ** DignityMA Sponsored ** This bill improves enforcement of the rights of older adults and people with disabilities by making the rights of nursing home residents consistent with rights granted by the departments of mental health and developmental disabilities, establishes a human rights protection organization in each nursing home, and directs the department of public health to train human rights committees and to oversee the program. | 1 |
| S2012 | H2987 | An Act to establish a COVID-19 Remembrance Day | Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight | Patricia D. Jehlen Ruth Balser Rebecca L. Rausch James B. Eldridge | ** DignityMA Sponsored ** This bill creates a new provision in the general laws, requiring the governor to annually issues a proclamation to remember the tragedy of the COVID-19 pandemic, to honor victims and survivors and their families who suffered from this pandemic, especially residents of nursing homes, and to take stock in the collective ability of public and private organizations and individuals on preparedness in the Commonwealth for future events that result in a declaration of a state of emergency. | 1 |
| S109 | H201 | An Act relative to supported decision-making agreements for certain adults with disabilities | Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities | Joan B. Lovely, Sean Garballey, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., John F. Keenan, Christopher M. Markey, Vanna Howard, Marc T. Lombardo | (endorsed by DignityMA in 2021-2022) | |
| S726 | H1168 | An Act protecting the homes of seniors and disabled people on MassHealth | Joint Committee on Health Care Financing | Joanne M. Comerford, Mindy Domb, Jack Patrick Lewis, Mathew J. Muratore, Christine P. Barber | (endorsed by DignityMA in 2021-2022) Estate-Recovery-fact-sheet-23-24.pdf | |
| S0749 | ~ | An Act relative to pharmaceutical access, costs and transparency | Joint Committee on Health Care Financing | Cindy F. Friedman, Rebecca L. Rausch, Susannah M. Whipps, Joanne M. Comerford | (endorsed by DignityMA in 2021-2022) | |
| S0152 | H0378 | An Act expanding wheelchair warranty protections for consumers with disabilities | Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure | John J. Cronin, Jack Patrick Lewis, Kimberly N. Ferguson, Carmine Lawrence Gentile | (endorsed by DignityMA in 2021-2022) | |
| S0756 | H1202 | An Act preserving special needs trusts for disabled seniors | Joint Committee on Health Care Financing | Patricia D. Jehlen, Susannah M. Whipps, Brian W. Murray, Patrick M. O'Connor, Kate Hogan | (endorsed by DignityMA in 2021-2022) | |
| S0108 | H0188 | An Act establishing guardians as providers of medical care to support the rights of incapacitated persons | Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities | Joan B. Lovely, Vanna Howard, Sally P. Kerans | (endorsed by DignityMA in 2021-2022) Mass. Guardianship Policy Institute | |
| S1434 | H3303 | An Act establishing the human service transportation (HST) consumer advisory board | Joint Committee on Public Health | Susan Moran, Mindy Domb , Sarah K. Peake | creates an HST consumer advisory board to ensure that consumers of the nonemergency human service transportation system have a formal opportunity and process to share concerns, insights and suggestions to ensure that the HST service is safe and reliable for all who depend on the service to get to medical appointments and other community services. | |
| S0121 | H3302 | Resolve reviving and continuing the non-emergency human services transportation task force | Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities, committee on Transportation | Susan L. Moran, James B. Eldridge, Carmine Gentile, Jacob Oliveira, Mindy Domb , Sarah K. Peake | extends the HST Task Force, which by statute ended on December 1, 2022. The extension would afford greater opportunity to continue the process of program improvement and feedback, begun by the Task Force in its first year. | |
| ~ | H0148 | An Act establishing a livable home modification grant program | Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities | Carol A. Doherty | Research tells us that elders and those with disabilities can look forward to a better quality of life by staying in their own home. Patterned after a successful Rhode Island bill, this legislation establishes a grant program for the purpose of assisting seniors and those with disabilities in making home modifications that will allow them to remain in their homes. The grant is equivalent to, at maximum, 50% of the total costs of the modification not to exceed $5,000. | |
| ~ | No Assigned Number yet | An Act establishing a tax exemption for pension income for certain senior citizens of the Commonwealth | Carol Doherty | An Act establishing a tax exemption for pension income for certain senior citizens of the Commonwealth (new file); Rep. Carol Doherty; As more and more seniors are living on pension incomes and as their tax burden often increases beyond their ability to pay for essential needs such as food, medications and rents or mortgages this bill proposes to alleviate some of this burden by establishing a tax exemption for those over the age of 65 with pension income, whereby the first $20,000 of income derived from said pension would be exempted. After 20 years of payment (at age 85) 100% of income derived from pensions would be exempted. | ||
| S0383 | H0629 | An Act to improve Alzheimer's and dementia care in Senior Care Options programs | Joint Committee on Elder Affairs | Jason M. Lewis, Michael J. Barrett, Vanna Howard, Brian M. Ashe, Danielle W. Gregoire | require all Massachusetts Senior Care Options (SCO) plans, serving our most vulnerable populations, to provide comprehensive care planning services to SCO members that have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias; | |
| S1408 | No assigned number yet | An Act to strengthen the direct care and dementia workforce | Joint Committee on Public Health | Paul W. Mark, Vanna Howard, Jack Patrick Lewis, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., Tram Nguyen | As the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s in Massachusetts grows, there will be an increased demand for home and community-based services as well as long-term care services, which also means an increased demand for direct care workers. This bill incentivizes careers in the direct care and dementia workforce, as well as provides opportunities for career development; | |
| S1380 | H2178 | An Act to strengthen our public health infrastructure to address alzheimer’s and all dementia | Joint Committee on Public Health | Adam Gomez, Vanna Howard, Jack Patrick Lewis, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. , Denise C. Garlick | Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias are a growing public health crisis. There were 130,000 individuals living with Alzheimer’s Disease in Massachusetts as of 2020, and that number is expected to grow to 150,000 by 2025. This bill increases public awareness of Alzheimer's and other dementias; requires the collection of data on Alzheimer's and other dementia in Massachusetts, including racial and ethnic disparities; and creates a state Dementia Care | |
| ~ | H0614 | An Act relative to early-onset Alzheimer's disease | Joint Committee on Elder Affairs | Bruce J. Ayers | ensure services provided through the MassHealth Frail Elder Home and Community-Based Services waiver are made available to persons diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease regardless of their age, if they are otherwise eligible for such services. | |
| S755 | H1195 | An Act clarifying rate setting processes for home health and home care services | Joint Committee on Health Care Financing | Patricia D. Jehlen, Carmine Lawrence Gentile, Vanna Howard, Susannah M. Whipps | Contact Info: Home Care Alliance: hcollins@thinkhomecare.org, Home Care Aide Council: jwattfaqir@hcacouncil.org, Mass Home Care: lisap@tves.org; | |
| S0380 | H0649 | An Act to improve Massachusetts home care | Joint Committee on Elder Affairs | Patricia D. Jehlen, Thomas M. Stanley, Joanne M. Comerford, Jack Patrick Lewis, Michael J. Moran | Currently, Massachusetts does not license non-medical home care services. These services are essential to the Commonwealth’s long-term services and supports system and allow individuals to remain safely in their residence. The Enough Pay to Stay Coalition supports the creation of a licensure system that would establish baseline standards for agencies, to ensure a quality network of providers for consumers and keeping services affordable for those who rely on them. Contact Info: Home Care Aide Council: jwattfaqir@hcacouncil.org. Home Care Alliance: hcollins@thinkhomecare.org Mass Home Care: lisap@tves.org; | |
| S0379 | H0648 | An Act to improve quality and oversight of long-term care | COMMITTEE ON ELDER AFFAIRS | Rep; Thomas Stanley and Sen. Patricia Jehlen | NOTE: This is the so-called Comprehensive Bill that went to House Ways and Means last session. Dignity Alliance supports it with recommended improvements. | |
| S0119 | H0141 | An Act to Expand Nicky’s Law to Day Habilitation Programs; An Act updating Nicky’s Law to protect individuals with disabilities in MassHealth day habilitation programs | COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN, FAMILIES, AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES | Representative Josh Cutler, Senator Mike Moore | This bill will require MassHealth Day Habilitation providers to use the abuse registry. This expands the protections of Nicky’s Law to those in MassHealth Day Habilitation. This is priority refiled bill be The ARC of Massachusetts. | |
| S0107 | H0206 | An Act relative to cueing and supervision in the PCA program | COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES | Representative James O’Day; Senator Joan Lovely | This bill will require the allowance of cueing and supervision, in the PCA program, as a covered service for those eligible members who need it. | |
| S0904 | H1296 | An Act relative to accessory dwelling units | COMMITTEE ON HOUSING | Representative Christine Barber, Senator Bruce Tarr | This bill will allow the creation of accessory dwelling units for people with disabilities and older adults with an allowance for the owner occupier to be a special needs trust. | |
| S0097 | H0128 | An Act ensuring equal access to medical treatments essential for people with a developmental disability, intellectual disability, or autism; ABA MassHealth for Adults; | COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN FAMILIES AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES | Representative Christine Barber; Senator John Keenan | This bill will require MassHealth to cover applied behavior analysis services for adults with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities, where ABA is a medical necessity. Also included language for Assistive Technology coverage. | |
| S1334 | H2204 | An Act to accelerate equity and effectiveness of our local and regional public health system | COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH | MPHA LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY; This is the SAPHE 2.0 bill - which is a bill to assure minimum public health standards in every city/town in MA (STATEWIDE ACCELERATED PUBLIC HEALTH FOR EVERY COMMUNITY ) Fact Sheet for SAPHE 2.0 (pdf) | ||
| S2277 | H3272 | An Act to increase regional transit opportunities in the Commonwealth | COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION; MPHA LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY | This bill is the Regional Transit Authority Advancement Act - which would increase support for RTAs and help stabilize/expand public transportation to the majority of MA residents - including older adults! - who live outside the MBTA service area Fact Sheet to increase regional transit accessibility(pdf) | ||
| S0076 | H0135 | An Act establishing basic needs assistance for Massachusetts immigrant residents; a legislative priority for MLRI | Sen. DiDomenico; Rep. Antonio F. D. Cabral; Rep. Judith A. Garcia | Restore basic benefits for MA immigrant residents | ||
| S0372 | ~ | An Act directing the administration to amend the Frail Elder Home and Community-Based Waiver to permit eligible older adults to choose to reside in Certified Assisted Living Residences | COMMITTEE ON ELDER AFFAIRS | Senator Patricia Jehlen | A MA ALA legislative priority; Directing the administration to amend the home and community-based waiver to permit eligible older adults to choose the option of a certified assisted living residence. | |
| S0083 | H0171 | An Act relative to rates for workers providing supports and services for individuals with disabilities. | JOINT COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN, FAMILIES, AND DISBALED PERSONS | Representatives Sean Garballey, Simon Cataldo , Senator Barry Finegold | This bill has to do with the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and MassHealth workforce rate increase. This bill addresses the severe workforce shortage of direct support staff, program managers, and clinicians such as nurses. | Workforce |
| S0748 | H1192 | An Act to protect medically fragile children | JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE FINANCING | Representative Denise Garlick, Senator Cindy Friedman | Requires the state to increase the budget for continuous skilled nursing services in home care and mandates the office of Medicaid to review the wage payment rates established by home health agencies. | Workforce |
| S0753 | H1180 | An Act relative to preventing discrimination against persons with disabilities in the provision of health care. | JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE FINANCING | Representative Josh Cutler, Senator Adam Gomez | Prohibits hospitals, medical providers, or other public/private entities from withholding or de-prioritizing lifesaving care due to a person’s perceived quality of life stemming from a disability. | Health |
| S0123 | H0213 | An act to increase the safety of individuals with disabilities relying on life-support equipment (Tommy’s Law) | JOINT COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN, FAMILIES, AND DISBALED PERSONS | Representative Dave Rogers, Senator Patrick O’Connor | Bill requires appropriate discharge plan review with residential facility nursing staff and increasing accountability for medical equipment monitoring. | Health |
| S1553 | ~ | An Act building a more accessible Massachusetts | JOINT COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY | Senator Michael Moore | This bill addresses loopholes that prevent buildings constructed prior to 1991, and all workplaces to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It accomplishes this by bringing such buildings under the purview of the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board when newly built or when major renovations take place, ensuring more accessible housing units are available in our state and expanding employment access. | Housing / Workplace |
| ~ | H2291 | Act expanding the availability of adaptable housing for people with disabilities and seniors | JOINT COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY | Representatives Michael Moran, Christine Barber | ; This bill addresses loopholes that prevent buildings constructed prior to 1991, and all workplaces to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It accomplishes this by bringing such buildings under the purview of the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board when newly built or when major renovations take place, ensuring more accessible housing units are available in our state, and expanding employment access. | Housing / Workplace |
| S0103 | H0207 | Act relative to persons with developmental disabilities | JOINT COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN, FAMILIES, AND DISBALED PERSONS | Representative Jim O’Day, Senator Joan Lovely | Bill adopts the federal definition of developmental disabilities, which includes fetal alcohol syndrome. | Equitable Access |
| S1037 | H1601 | An Act prohibiting discrimination against adults with disabilities in Family and Juvenile Court proceedings | JOINT COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY | Representative Kay Khan, Senator Joan Lovely | Parents should not be denied the right to raise their children solely based on their disability. This bill requires courts to use evidence, not assumptions, to determine if a parent’s disability causes actual harm to a child. Courts will have to explain in writing if a parent’s disability is a negative factor in custody and parenting time decisions and assess if the harm can be avoided with accommodations (like adaptive equipment or supportive services). | Family |
| S83 | H0171 | An Act relative to rates for workers providing supports and services for individuals with disabilities. | JOINT COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN, FAMILIES, AND DISBALED PERSONS | Representatives Sean Garballey, Simon Cataldo, Senator Barry Finegold | This bill has to do with the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and MassHealth workforce rate increase. This bill addresses the severe workforce shortage of direct support staff, program managers, and clinicians such as nurses. | |
| S2025 | H3031 | An Act relative to the 401(k) CORE plan | Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight | Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante, Senator Joan Lovely | An Act Regarding the 401k CORE Plan, would expand the Connecting Organizations to Retirement program run through the Treasurer's office, which gives non-profit employees a retirement savings option; sponsored by AARP | |
| S0624 | H0996 | An Act to encourage retirement planning | Joint Committee on Financial Services | Representative Paul J. Donato, Sal N. DiDomenico | An Act To Encourage Retirement Planning, would go further, establishing the Massachusetts Secure Choice Savings Program, a retirement savings option that would be available to both for profit and nonprofit workers who lack a way to save through their paycheck; sponsored by AARP | |
| S1547 | H2397 | An Act relative to parole review for aging incarcerated people | Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security | Representative Lindsay N. Sabadosa, Senator Liz Miranda | Sponsored by Prisoners Legal Services of Massachusetts | |
| S0764 | H2932 | An Act to establish the family caregiving tax credit | Joint Committee on Revenue | Representative David M. Rogers, Senator Jason Lewis | creates a $1,500 tax credit for costs associated with taking care of elderly or disabled family members; sponsored by multiple organizations | |
| S1048 | H1682 | An Act relative to summary process and rental assistance | Joint Committee on the Judiciary | Representatives Samantha Montaño, Peter Capano, Senator Liz Miranda | Provide housing stability by preventing unnecessary evictions that may be avoided through mutual resolution, therefore it is hereby declared to be an emergency law, necessary for the immediate preservation of the public safety and health | |
| S0385 | H0634 | An Act relative to expanding the availability of personal care homes for older adults | Joint Committee on Elder Affairs | Representative Sally Kerans, Senator Joan Lovely | sponsored by multiple organizations | |
| S2024 | H3040 | An act to modernize participation in public meetings | Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight | Representative Denise Garlick, Senator Jason Lewis | ||
| S1468 | H2243 | An Act relative to certified medication aides | Joint Committee on Public Health | Senator Bruce Tarr, Rep. Brian Murray | ||
| S0175 | H1232 | An Act relative to family members serving as care | Joint Committee on Health Care Financing | Senator Joan Lovely Representative James O'Day | DignityMA Testimony for S775 and H1232.pdf | |
| S0115 and S0375 | H0626 | An Act increasing the personal care allowance for long term care residents | Joint Committee on Elder Affairs | Senator Patricia Jehlen Representative Thomas Stanley | DignityMA Testimony for S115.pdf | |
| S1927 | H2733 | Senate 1927: An Act relative to home modifications for seniors H2733: An Act to provide an income tax exemption for families caring for their elderly relatives. | Joint Committee on Revenue | Senator Mike Rush Representative Tackey Chan | DignityMA Testimony for S1927 and H2733.pdf | |
| ~ | H0615 | An Act to ensure the quality of care in nursing homes | Joint Committee on Elder Affairs | Representative Ruth Balser | ||
| ~ | H0616 | An Act strengthening the Attorney General’s tools to protect nursing home residents and other patients from abuse and neglect | Joint Committee on Elder Affairs | Representative Ruth Balser Representative Andrea Campbell | ||
| ~ | H0628 | An Act relative to certified medical directors at skilled nursing facilities | Joint Committee on Elder Affairs | Representative Kenneth Gordon Representative Aaron Saunders | ||
| ~ | H0637 | An Act establishing an LGBTQI long-term care facility bill of rights | Joint Committee on Elder Affairs | Representative Jack Lewis Representative Sarah Peake | ||
| S0364 | ~ | An Act relative to promoting the betterment of resident health and safety in long term care facilities | Joint Committee on Elder Affairs | Senator Julian Cyr and Representative Angelo Puppolo | ||
| S0378 | ~ | An Act relative to small house nursing homes | Joint Committee on Elder Affairs | Senator Patricia Jehlen | ||
| S0384 | ~ | An Act strengthening the Attorney General’s tools to protect nursing home residents and other patients from abuse and neglect | Joint Committee on Elder Affairs | Senator Jason M. Lewis Representative Andrea Joy Campbell |
Archive 2021-2022 MA Bills
| Bill No. | Title | Goal | Committee | Lead Sponsor(s) | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S0131 | Resolve Establishing a Special Commission on the Treatment of Intellectually and Developmentally Disable Offenders in the Criminal Justice System | 3 | Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities | Sen. Lovely | S131_endorse.pdf |
| S2104 | An Act updating the Open Meeting Law to support remote participation | 3 | State Administration and Regulatory Oversight | Sen. Rausch Rep. O’Day | (H3213) S2104_3213_endorse.pdf |
| H3213 | An Act updating the Open Meeting Law to support remote participation | 3 | State Administration and Regulatory Oversight | Sen. Rausch Rep. O’Day | (S2104) S2104_3213_endorse.pdf |
| H0227 | An Act to support equal access to community care for elders and the disabled | 3 | Health Care Financing | Sen. Comerford Rep. Higgins | (S748) S748_H227_endorse.pdf |
| S0748 | An Act to support equal access to community care for elders and the disabled | 3 | Health Care Financing | Sen. Comerford Rep. Higgins | (H227) S748_H227_endorse.pdf |
| S0404 | An Act to Strengthen Emergency Preparedness for Home Care Workers | 5 | Elder Affairs | Sen. Friedman Rep. Santiago | (H756) S404_H756_endorse.pdf |
| H0756 | An Act to Strengthen Emergency Preparedness for Home Care Workers | 5 | Elder Affairs | Sen. Friedman Rep. Santiago | (S404) S404_H756_endorse.pdf |
| S0773 | An Act to Preserve Special Needs Trusts for Disabled Seniors | 3 | Health Care Financing | Sen. Jehlen Rep. Hogan | (H1274) S773_H1274_endorse.pdf |
| H1274 | An Act to Preserve Special Needs Trusts for Disabled Seniors | 3 | Health Care Financing | Sen. Jehlen Rep. Hogan | (S773) S773_H1274_endorse.pdf |
| S0403 | An Act to Improve Nursing Home Job Standards and Care Quality | 4 | Elder Affairs | Sen. Feeney Rep. Balser | (H724) S403_H724_endorse.pdf |
| H0724 | An Act to Improve Nursing Home Job Standards and Care Quality | 4 | Elder Affairs | Sen. Feeney Rep. Balser | (S403) S403_H724_endorse.pdf |
| S1476 | An Act to improve infection control within long-term care facilities | 1 | Public Health | Sen. Montigny | S1476_endorse.pdf |
| S0413 | An Act to Improve Employer Standards for Massachusetts Nursing Homes | 1 | Elder Affairs | Sen. Jehlen, Rep. Cronin, Rep. Garbally | (H733) S413_H733_endorse.pdf June 30,2021: Testimony S 413 |
| H0733 | An Act to Improve Employer Standards for Massachusetts Nursing Homes | 1 | Elder Affairs | Sen. Jehlen, Rep. Cronin, Rep. Garbally | (S413) S413_H733_endorse.pdf June 30,2021: Testimony S 413 |
| S0974 | An Act to Establish the Office of Adult Decisional Support Services | 1 | Judiciary | Sen. Creem Rep. Tucker | (H1898) S974_H1898_endorse.pdf |
| H1898 | An Act to Establish the Office of Adult Decisional Support Services | 1 | Judiciary | Sen. Creem Rep. Tucker | (S974) S974_H1898_endorse.pdf |
| S0788 | An Act to establish the Family Caregiver Tax Credit | 3 | Revenue | Sen. Lewis Rep. Roger | (H3043) S788_H3043_endorse.pdf |
| H3043 | An Act to establish the Family Caregiver Tax Credit | 3 | Revenue | Sen. Lewis Rep. Roger | (S788) S788_H3043_endorse.pdf |
| S0421 | An Act to ensure resident safety within assisted living facilities | 2 | Elder Affairs | Sen. Montigny | S421_endorse.pdf |
| S0414 | An Act to Ensure Quality of Care in Nursing Home | 1 | Elder Affairs | Sen. Jehlen, Rep. Balser | (H727) S414_H727_endorse.pdf June 30,2021: Testimony on S 414 |
| H0727 | An Act to Ensure Quality of Care in Nursing Home | 1 | Elder Affairs | Sen. Jehlen, Rep. Balser | (S414) S414_H727_endorse.pdf June 30,2021: Testimony S 414 |
| S0419 | An Act to Create Safe Environments for Home Care Workers and Consumers | 4 | Elder Affairs | Sen. Lovely Rep. Moran | (H748) S429_H748_endorse.pdf |
| H0748 | An Act to Create Safe Environments for Home Care Workers and Consumers | 4 | Elder Affairs | Sen. Lovely Rep. Moran | (S419) S429_H748_endorse.pdf |
| H2419 | An Act removing barriers to work that discriminate against persons with disabilities, mobility impairments, and seniors | 3 | Public Safety and Homeland Security | Rep. Barber | H2419_endorse.pdf |
| H1242 | An Act relative to transfers of assets by MassHealth members | 1 | Health Care Financing | Rep. Barber | H1242_endorse.pdf |
| H1598 | An Act relative to the Uniform Power of Attorney Act | 1 | Judiciary | Rep. Gentile | H1598_endorse.pdf |
| H1646 | An Act relative to temporary guardians | 1 | Judiciary | Rep. Hill | H1646_endorse.pdf |
| S0124 | An Act relative to supported decision-making | 3 | Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities | Sen. Lovely Rep. Tucker | (H272) S124 has been replaced by S2848 S124_H272_endorse.pdf |
| H0272 | An Act relative to supported decision-making | 3 | Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities | Sen. Lovely Rep. Tucker | (S124) H272 has been replaced by H4725 S124_H272_endorse.pdf |
| S0406 | An Act Relative to Small House Nursing Homes | 1 | Elder Affairs | Sen. Jehlen | S406_endorse.pdf July 2021: Testimony S 406 |
| S0422 | An Act relative to reserving beds in nursing homes during certain leaves of absence | 1 | Elder Affairs | Sen. Montigny | S422_endorse.pdf |
| H2613 | An Act relative to protecting local retirees | 3 | Public Services | Rep. Day | H2613_endorse.pdf |
| H1256 | An Act relative to preventing discrimination against persons with disabilities in the provision of health care | 3 | Committee on Health Care Financing | Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz, Rep. Josh Cutler | (S2921 - formerly S745) H1256_endorse.pdf |
| S0424 | An Act relative to prevent patient abuse and death in nursing homes | 1 | Elder Affairs | Sen. Montigny | S424_endorse.pdf |
| H0731 | An Act relative to mandatory reporting of elder abuse | 3 | Elder Affairs | Rep. Chan | H731_endorse.pdf |
| S0398 | An Act relative to intensive case management for clinically complex older adults | 3 | Elder Affairs | Sen. Chandler | S398_endorse.pdf |
| S0418 | An Act relative to expanding the availability of personal care homes for older adults | 3 | Elder Affairs | Sen. Lovely Rep. Kerans | (H 745) S418_H745_endorse.pdf July 12,2021: Testimony S 415 and H 745 Meg Coffin, and Testimony S 415 and H 745 Samantha VanSchoick |
| H0745 | An Act relative to expanding the availability of personal care homes for older adults | 3 | Elder Affairs | Sen. Lovely Rep. Kerans | (S418) S418_H745_endorse.pdf July 12,2021: Testimony S 418 and H 745 by Meg Coffin, Testimony S 418 and H 745 by Samantha VanSchoick |
| S2420 | An Act relative to expanding the availability of adaptive housing for consumers with disabilities, mobility impairments, and seniors | 3 | Public Safety and Homeland Security | Rep. Barber Rep. Moran | S2420_endorse.pdf |
| H2259 | An Act relative to Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders | 1 | Public Health | Rep. Campbell | H2259_endorse.pdf |
| S0811 | An Act relative to consistent treatment of life estates | 3 | Health Care Financing | Sen. Rausch Rep. Murray Rep. Higgins | (H1301) S811_H1301_endorse.pdf |
| H1301 | An Act relative to consistent treatment of life estates | 3 | Health Care Financing | Sen. Rausch Rep. Murray Rep. Higgins | (S811) S811_H1301_endorse.pdf |
| H2246 | An Act Relative to CNA Training | 3 | Public Health | Rep. Chan | H 2246 Endorsement.pdf |
| S1084 | An Act relative to bullying in public housing to establish a statewide tenant protective services ombudsman for elderly and disabled residents in public and subsidized housing; to protect established rights of citizens and tenants. | 2 | Judiciary | Sen. Lovely | S1084_endorse.pdf |
| H0193 | An Act regarding transparency for individuals and Guardians | 1 | Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities | Rep. Cahill | H193_endorse.pdf |
| S0681 | An Act providing coverage for hearing aids | 3 | Financial Services | Sen. Hinds | S681_endorse.pdf |
| S0420 | An Act protecting the rights of assisted living residents | 2 | Elder Affairs | Sen. Montigny Rep. Barber | (H728) S420_H728_endorse.pdf |
| H0728 | An Act protecting the rights of assisted living residents | 2 | Elder Affairs | Sen. Montigny Rep. Barber | (S420) S420_H728_endorse.pdf |
| S0749 | An Act Protecting the Homes of Seniors and Disabled People on MassHealth | 3 | Health Care Financing | Sen. Comerford Rep. Barber | (H1246) S749_H1246_endorse.pdf |
| H1246 | An Act Protecting the Homes of Seniors and Disabled People on MassHealth | 3 | Health Care Financing | Sen. Comerford Rep. Barber | (S749) S749_H1246_endorse.pdf |
| S0412 | An Act increasing the personal needs allowance for residents of long-term care facilities | 1 | Elder Affairs | Sen. Jehlen | S412_endorse.pdf |
| S1506 | An Act increasing the personal needs allowance for residents of long-term care facilities | 1 | Public Health | Sen. O’Connor | S1506_endorse.pdf |
| S0397 | An Act increasing awareness of community based PACE programs for older adults | 3 | Elder Affairs | Sen. Chandler Rep. Madaro | (H747) S397_H747_endorse.pdf |
| H0747 | An Act increasing awareness of community based PACE programs for older adults | 3 | Elder Affairs | Sen. Chandler Rep. Madaro | (S397) S397_H747_endorse.pdf |
| S1257 | An Act establishing a special commission to study and report on the history of state institutions for people with developmental and mental health disabilities in the Commonwealth | 2 | Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Recovery | Sen. Barret Rep. Garbally | (H2090) S1257_H2090_endorse.pdf |
| H2090 | An Act establishing a special commission to study and report on the history of state institutions for people with developmental and mental health disabilities in the Commonwealth | 2 | Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Recovery | Sen. Barret Rep. Garbally | (S1257) S1257_H2090_endorse.pdf |
| S1482 | An Act Ensuring Access to a Resident Representative in Long-Term Care Facilities | 1 | Public Health | Sen. Montigny | S 1482 Endorsement.pdf |
| H0737 | An Act Clarifying Rate Setting Processes for Health and Home Care Services | 3 | Health Care Financing | Sen. Jehlen Rep. Gentile | (S774) S774_H737_endorse.pdf |
| S0774 | An Act Clarifying Rate Setting Processes for Health and Home Care Services | 3 | Health Care Financing | Sen. Jehlen Rep. Gentile | (H737) S774_H737_endorse.pdf |
| S1629 | An Act building a more accessible Massachusetts | 3 | Public Safety and Homeland Security | Sen. Moore | S1629_endorse.pdf |
| S0089 | An Act Allowing Spouses to Serve as Caregivers | 3 | Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities | Sen. Comerford Rep. Orall | (H1305) S89_and_H1305_endorse.pdf |
| H1305 | An Act Allowing Spouses to Serve as Caregivers | 3 | Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities | Sen. Comerford Rep. Orall | (S89) S89_and_H1305_endorse.pdf |
| S0900 | Act to prevent and respond to bullying of elderly and disabled residents; to improve housing administration, establish best practices, train, educate. | 2 | Housing | Sen. Lovely Rep. Honan | (H1407) S900_H1407_endorse.pdf |
| H1407 | Act to prevent and respond to bullying of elderly and disabled residents; to improve housing administration, establish best practices, train, educate. | 2 | Housing | Sen. Lovely Rep. Honan | (S900) S900_H1407_endorse.pdf |
| S0127 | Act Establishing Guardians as Providers of Medical Care to Support the Rights of Incapacitated Persons | 1 | Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities | Sen. Lovely Rep. Kerans | (H235) S127_and_H235_endorse.pdf |
| H0235 | Act Establishing Guardians as Providers of Medical Care to Support the Rights of Incapacitated Persons | 1 | Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities | Sen. Lovely Rep. Kerans | (S127) S127_and_H1235_endorse.pdf |
| S0908 | An Act relative to accessory dwelling units | 3 | Committee on Housing | Senator Bruce Tarr, Rep. Christine Barber | (H1370) |
| H1370 | An Act relative to accessory dwelling units | 3 | Committee on Housing | Rep. Christine Barber, Senator Bruce Tarr | (S908) |
| S2921 Formerly: S0745 | An Act relative to preventing discrimination against persons with disabilities in the provision of health care | 3 | Committee on Health Care Financing | Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz, Rep. Josh Cutler | (H1256) |
| H0205 | An Act establishing a livable home modification program | 3 | Committee on Children, Families and People with Disabilities | Rep. Carol Doherty | |
| S1867 | An Act relative to taxes due upon the death of active-duty personnel and the elderly | 3 | Committee on Revenue | Sen. Cindy Friedman, Rep. Michelle Ciccolo | (H2849) |
| H2849 | An Act relative to taxes due upon the death of active-duty personnel and the elderly | 3 | Committee on Revenue | Sen. Cindy Friedman, Rep. Michelle Ciccolo | (S1867) |
| H4175 | An Act relative to the senior citizen work rebate program during the COVD-19 emergency | 5 | Committee on Revenue | Rep. Meghan Kilcoyne | |
| S2695 | An Act relative to pharmaceutical access, costs and transparency | Committee on Ways and Means | Sen. Cindy Friedman | Originally filed as S771 | |
| H4224 | Resolutions establishing the annual observance of COVID-19 Remembrance Day | Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight | Rep. Blais, Rep. Domb | DignityMA Resolution on H4224 | |
| S0416 | An Act strengthening the Attorney General’s tools to protect nursing home residents and other patients from abuse and neglect | 1 | Joint Committee on Elder Affairs | Sen. Jason Lewis, Atty Gen. Healy, Sen. Eldredge, Rep. Stanley | DignityMA Resolution on S416.pdf |
| H4780 | An Act to Improve Quality and Oversight of Long-Term Care | 1 | Joint Committee on Elder Affairs | Rep. Thomas Stanley plus 74 Senators and Representatives and Attorney General Maura Healey | DignityMA Resolution on H4780.pdf |
| H1436 | An Act promoting housing stability and homelessness prevention in Massachusetts | 3 | Joint Committee on Housing | Sen. Sal DiDomenico; Rep. David Rogers; Rep. Michael Day | (S874) DignityMA Resolution on H1436.pdf |
| S0874 | An Act promoting housing stability and homelessness prevention in Massachusetts | 3 | Joint Committee on Housing | Sen. Sal DiDomenico; Rep. David Rogers; Rep. Michael Day | (H1436) DignityMA Resolution on S874.pdf |
| H4361 | An Act to improve Massachusetts’ competitiveness and reduce the cost of living - State Tax Cut Proposal Endorsement | Joint Committee on Revenue | DignityMA Resolution on H4361.pdf | ||
| S2848 | An Act relative to supported decision-making | 3 | Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities | Sen. Lovely Rep. Tucker | (H4725) S2848 replaces S124 DignityMA Resolution on H4725 and S2848.pdf |
| H4725 | An Act relative to supported decision-making | 3 | Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities | Sen. Lovely Rep. Tucker | (S2848) H4725 replaces H272 DignityMA Resolution on H4725 and S2848.pdf |
| S2009 | An Act relating to access to public records | Senate Ways and Means | Sen. Michael Barrett | (H3150) DignityMA Support |
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| H3150 | An Act relating to access to public records | House Ways and Means | Rep. Sean Garballey | (S2009) DignityMA Support |