H 2463 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relative to proper classification of health care workers during a public health emergency

HD 1377 requires Massachusetts to classify funeral home directors and workers as healthcare providers for priority access to medical supplies during public health emergencies when supplies are limited. Specifically, it mandates that the department prioritize funeral workers alongside doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff for vaccines, antitoxins, or similar products. This policy change directly affects funeral industry workers by ensuring they receive the same emergency access as traditional healthcare personnel during shortages. The law amends Chapter 111 of the General Laws to override other provisions that might exclude them from this priority category.
Sub-Topics: Public Health
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Jul 2026
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Jul 31, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
8
Key actions
2
Committee
3
Jul 31, 2026
Committee
Committee recommended bill ought to pass and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
lower
Jul 24, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on Public Health
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Sally Kerans
Sally Kerans
DDemocratic
MA
13th Essex