October 3, 2024: Outstanding Bills That Could Still Be Passed!
Dignity Alliance Massachusetts is appreciative of the legislative successes produced by the 193rd General Court. However, several important bills have yet to be enacted in the current session.
- S. 2546 An Act to reform Wheelchair Warranties for people with disabilities. Engrossed in the Senate referred by the House to Committee on Health Care Financing.
The legislation, which has received strong support from disability advocates in Massachusetts, requires all wheelchairs sold or leased in the Commonwealth to come with expresswarranties—a change from the current law, which only requires customized wheelchairs to come with express warranties.
THE PROBLEM: Durable medical equipment devices are often prone to defects and sudden failure. It is commonplace for consumers to be left stranded or isolated in their homes for weeks, or even months, awaiting repairs, unable to get to work, school, medical appointments, the grocery store, and in some cases to move around their own home.
Our laws must be reformed to strengthen warranty protections for MA residents with disabilities. We need to: 1) level the playing field for consumers, 2) shorten repair wait times, 3) prevent harm to our economy, 4) save taxpayer money that MassHealth currently spends fixing these defective wheelchairs, and 5) ensure that we are all treated with dignity and respect.
THE SOLUTION: The Warranty Protections for Consumers with Disabilities Act. This act draws upon legislation already adopted in other states to ensure stronger warranty protections for consumers with disabilities here in MA. These reforms include:- Expanding the warranty to cover all wheelchairs for two years;
- Protecting wheelchair users’ right to reasonable repair;
- Reimbursement of costs incurred by consumers as a result of their defective chair;
- Providing loaner chairs while a consumers’ chair is inoperable; and more. Passing this bill would protect the health, autonomy, time, and money of consumers with disabilities who rely on wheelchairs every day.
- H.4653 An Act Enhancing the Market Review Process (Comprehensive Health Reform) – Conference Committee
The legislation has been engrossed in the House, awaiting action in the Senate. Much of the plan is aimed at addressing problems resulting from the increase of private equity and real estate investment trust participation in health care here, and throughout the United States. The goals of the bill are to restore stability to the health care system, bolster accountability within the industry, and control health care spending to ensure that everyone in Massachusetts has access to quality, affordable health care. The bill also includes important updates to how the Commonwealth regulates and monitors the health care market, informed by the Steward Health Care crisis. - S.2797 An Act to rename the Executive Office of Elder Affairs as the Executive Office of Aging and Independence. Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
The Executive Office of Elder Affairs was established more than 50 years ago as a member of the Governor’s Cabinet, and was one of the nation’s first agencies responsible for addressing the needs of older people. Today, the agency manages programs and services that are available to 1. 7 million older adults and their family caregivers and supports an extensive aging services network. These programs and services provide supports to help people age in the community of their choice, most often in their home or other community-based setting.
The agency strives to be the trusted, first point of contact for older adults and their caregivers. However, research has shown the growing older population does not identify with the term “elder.” Modernizing the agency’s name reduces negative images about aging, normalizes aging as a natural process and emphasizes that older people value independence and self-determination.
Research revealed that aging adults do not connect with the term “elder,” and often associate the term with someone who is at the end of their life. Instead, residents prefer neutral terms such as “aging” and “older people.”
Additionally, research showed older adults deeply value the ability to maintain their independence through the aging journey. From these findings, the agency needs a new name to more accurately reflect its programs and services, and to better connect with eligible adults. The goal is for Massachusetts to be a state in which every person has the tools, resources, and support they need to fully embrace the aging experience. Dignity Alliance believes that the goal will best be achieved if the Governor raises the visibility of the agency as a full partner with the other cabinet agencies of state government, and which the legislation authorizes. - S.2024 An Act to modernize the open meeting law – House Committee on Ways and Means.
The bill would permanently authorize Hybridge (Both in-person and virtual) public meetings that are essential for older adults and people with disabilities to be able to actively participate in state executive and legislative public meetings as well as municipal meetings. Hybrid meetings at the State House time of citizens, money for gas and parking, benefit the environment. S.4/H.601 - H.4722 An Act relative to strengthening Massachusetts Economic Leadership – Conference Committee
This bill could be more age and able-friendly if amendments are adopted that encourage funding of private-sector project is amended to include air-conditioning in skilled nursing facilities and rest homes. Older adults also contribute significantly to our economy – nearly 20 percent of people 65 and older are employed – and the fastest growing segment of the U.S. workforce is people who are between 65 and 74. - S115 An Act increasing the personal care allowance for long term care residents – Senate Committee on Ways and Means.
The Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) is the monthly sum of money that residents who receive Medicaid may retain from their personal income. Any income above the allowance is applied toward the cost of their care.
The legislation would allow a long-overdue increase to the Personal Needs Allowance for nursing home residents. The Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) is the maximum amount of income nursing home residents can retain to cover personal expenses such as clothing, haircuts, and communication devices like cell phones. Currently, the amount set in Massachusetts some 35 years ago has stagnated at $72.80/month for an individual; a rate that has remained the same despite dramatic increases in the cost of goods and services. This PNA amount falls grossly short of today’s prices and living costs.
The pending bill would increase the monthly stipend to $100/month and provide for annual increases to keep pace with benefits provided to other citizens in other programs. This legislation would enhance the quality of life for nursing home residents by addressing the inadequacy of current PNA levels and ensuring that they have greater autonomy and dignity in managing their personal expenses. Dignity Alliance urges the Senate Ways and Means Committee to report the bill favorably on its own merits. - H.1201 An Act relative to supported decision-making – Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities.
Supported decision-making (SDM) offers a way for adults with disabilities and elders to maintain their rights, dignity, and independence by choosing one or more trusted supporters to provide them with assistance in making decisions about their lives. The Committee for Public Representation has piloted SDM across Massachusetts and seen the ways this model can transform lives. Too many people are unnecessarily placed under restrictive guardianships when they could make their own decisions with individualized assistance from people they trust. This bill would pave the way for many more individuals to use SDM in Massachusetts. - S.2499 An Act relative to pharmaceutical access, cost, and transparency Senate Committee on Bills in Third Reading.
The bill needs final Senate approval and engrossment in the House. The legislation would make urgent and much-needed reforms to the pharmaceutical system in the state by lowering the cost of drugs at the pharmacy counter and improving oversight of the pharmaceutical industry.
It also takes firm steps to create more equitable access to life-saving medications by providing a free, no-cost sharing option for certain drugs used to treat chronic illnesses that disproportionately affect people of color. - S.799 An Act to Advance Health Equity – Senate Committee on Ways and Means.
Massachusetts has the best health care system in the country, but not everyone in MA reaps the benefits. People of color, individuals with disabilities, and low-income communities are at greater risk for chronic illness, severe health complications, and even death. Throughout the United States, a person’s zip code is more predictive of their life expectancy than their genetic code.
2023-2024 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~ | 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 ** |
| ~ | 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 ** |
| ~ | 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 ** |
| ~ | H1241 | An Act to improve discharge opportunities from acute care facilities | Joint Committee on Health Care Financing | Lindsay N. Sabadosa James Eldridge | ** DignityMA Sponsored ** |
| 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 ** |
| 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 ** |
| 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 ** |
| 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 ** |
| ~ | 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 |
| S0399 | ~ | An Act protecting the rights of older adults and people with disabilities | Joint Committee on Elder Affairs | Rebecca L. Rausch | ** DignityMA Sponsored ** |
| 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 ** |
| S0109 | 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) 2/8/2024 - Bill extended to May 2 |
| S0726 | 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 2/8/2024 - Favorable Senate Ways and Means |
| 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) 2/8/2024 - Engrossed in Senate and House Ways and Means |
| 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) 2/8/2024 - Engrossed in Senate, House referred to Health Care Financing |
| 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) Favorable to House Ways and Means |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| ~ | H0148 | An Act establishing a livable home modification grant program | Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities | Carol A. Doherty | |
| ~ | No Assigned Number yet | An Act establishing a tax exemption for pension income for certain senior citizens of the Commonwealth | Carol Doherty | ||
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| ~ | H0614 | An Act relative to early-onset Alzheimer's disease | Joint Committee on Elder Affairs | Bruce J. Ayers | |
| S0755 | 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 | |
| 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 | |
| S0904 | H1296 | An Act relative to accessory dwelling units | COMMITTEE ON HOUSING | Representative Christine Barber, Senator Bruce Tarr | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | 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 | |
| S0748 | H1192 | An Act to protect medically fragile children | JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE FINANCING | Representative Denise Garlick, Senator Cindy Friedman | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| S1553 | ~ | An Act building a more accessible Massachusetts | JOINT COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY | Senator Michael Moore | |
| ~ | 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 | |
| S0103 | H0207 | Act relative to persons with developmental disabilities | JOINT COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN, FAMILIES, AND DISBALED PERSONS | Representative Jim O’Day, Senator Joan Lovely | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| S0624 | H0996 | An Act to encourage retirement planning | Joint Committee on Financial Services | Representative Paul J. Donato, Sal N. DiDomenico | 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 | |
| S1048 | H1682 | An Act relative to summary process and rental assistance | Joint Committee on the Judiciary | Representatives Samantha Montaño, Peter Capano, Senator Liz Miranda | |
| 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 | |
| H2994 | An Act further regulating access to public records | House Ways and Means | Representative Antonio Cabral | DignityMA Testimony for H2994 and H2998.pdf |
|
| H2998 | An Act to modernize participation in public meetings | Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight | Representative Antonio Cabral | DignityMA Testimony for H2994 and H2998.pdf |
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 |