Massachusetts Bills

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 30, 2026

H 2756: An Act defining further a legislative body

This bill amends a definition in Massachusetts law to clarify that retirement boards themselves serve as the "legislative body" for matters they control independently. It directly affects retirement boards by specifying they are the governing authority for their own independent decisions. The change is purely procedural, modifying a legal definition without creating new policies or altering board powers. (Procedural bill; summary limited to key definition change.)

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 30, 2026

H 2785: An Act relative to Group Health Insurance Commission

This bill (HD 676) requires the Commonwealth to cover 90% of the monthly premium for state employees' Group Health and Medical Insurance plan, shifting the cost burden from employees to the state. It directly affects all state employees enrolled in this health insurance plan by significantly reducing their out-of-pocket costs. The key provision is a mandatory state payment of 90% of the premium, replacing any existing employee contribution for this specific coverage. This is a direct policy change to state employee benefits, not a procedural measure.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 30, 2026

H 2773: An Act defining person for retirement purposes

This bill (HD 566) amends Massachusetts law by adding a definition of "Person" to include individuals, corporations, retirement boards, and organizations with fiduciary responsibility for retirement system assets. It directly affects retirement board members, fiduciaries, and organizations managing retirement funds by clarifying who is legally recognized under retirement laws. The key mechanism is a simple definitional change within the law, not a new policy or benefit. This procedural update ensures consistent application of retirement regulations to all entities handling retirement funds.

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 30, 2026

H 4111: An Act relative to creating a battery recycling program

By Representative Ramos of North Andover, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4111) of Adrianne Pusateri Ramos and Sally P. Kerans for legislation to create a battery recycling program. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 30, 2026

H 2236: Resolve relative to children’s mental health in social media

HD 2051 creates a special commission to investigate how social media affects children's mental health and safety in Massachusetts. The commission, including health officials, educators, advocates, and youth representatives, will study risks like cyberbullying, addictive features, and harmful content, and examine how social media algorithms work. It will also identify best practices for social media companies to protect children and develop recommendations for parents, schools, and public awareness. The commission must submit its final report and draft legislation by December 31, 2026.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 30, 2026

H 4039: An Act relative to universal breakfast and lunch at senior centers

HD 2917, titled "An Act relative to universal breakfast and lunch at senior centers," requires the Massachusetts Department of Aging and Independence to provide free breakfast and lunch at all senior centers, centers for active living, and councils on aging statewide. To participate, these centers must have a kitchen. The bill establishes a new Senior Breakfast and Lunch Fund, funded by 1% of clothing and footwear sales tax revenue over $175, plus federal grants, private contributions, and dedicated state appropriations. The fund must be used to create meal programs, improve kitchen facilities, and partner with existing programs, with annual reports to legislative committees on fund activity. This directly affects over 300 community-based senior service organizations across Massachusetts.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 30, 2026

H 757: An Act relative to mandatory reporting of elder abuse

This bill requires certain professionals who work with seniors over 60 to report suspected elder abuse or neglect. Mandated reporters include healthcare workers, teachers, clergy, caregivers, and law enforcement. They must make an oral report immediately and a written report within 48 hours, detailing injuries, circumstances, and other relevant information. The bill also protects reporters acting in good faith from liability and prohibits employers from retaliating against them for reporting. Failure to report can result in fines up to $5,000, while frivolous reports face penalties including fines and potential jail time.

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 30, 2026

H 771: An Act relative to intergenerational community engagement

HD 382 establishes a statewide "community connect program" in Massachusetts to connect younger volunteers (including students and working adults) with seniors. The bill requires the Department of Elder Affairs to create senior resources centers in senior living facilities and community centers, offering health screenings, mental health counseling, legal aid, and workshops on financial literacy and technology. Volunteers assisting seniors with tech skills, errands, or companionship can earn community service credits (for students), and the program includes recognition awards for outstanding volunteers. The law takes effect one year after passage and directly affects seniors seeking support and volunteers aged 18+ participating in the program.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 30, 2026

H 755: An Act relative to social card games at municipal senior centers

HD 779 legalizes low-stakes card games at municipal senior centers in Massachusetts by defining "social card games" under specific rules. The bill prohibits winnings exceeding $50 per game/session, limits player contributions to $5 total, requires all wagered money to return to players, and bans organizers from profiting. It explicitly applies only to municipal senior centers and clarifies that hosting or playing these games won't lead to prosecution, though private venues may still ban them. This defines a legal framework for casual games without gambling elements.

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 30, 2026

H 788: An Act to ensure senior care organization quality and accountability

By Representative Robertson of Tewksbury, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 788) of David Allen Robertson for legislation to ensure senior care organization quality and accountability. Elder Affairs.

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 30, 2026

H 1352: An Act establishing a prescription drug rebate program for seniors

This bill establishes a state-funded program to reimburse Massachusetts seniors aged 65+ with household incomes of $50,000 or less annually for all out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, including insurance co-pays. The state would disburse reimbursements up to $2,500 per person yearly from the General Fund. Eligible individuals must apply through a process defined by the health commissioner, and the program requires annual impact reports to legislative committees, expiring after four years unless renewed by the legislature.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 30, 2026

H 787: An Act establishing a special commission to investigate and study the feasibility of dedicated senior shelters in Massachusetts

This bill establishes a special commission within Massachusetts' Executive Office of Elder Affairs to study the feasibility of creating dedicated senior-specific shelters for homeless residents aged 60 and older. The commission will examine homelessness rates among seniors, evaluate current shelter resources, assess potential locations and services, explore funding options, and review successful models from other states. It must submit a report with recommendations - including potential legislation - by December 31, 2026, to the legislature and the public. The bill does not fund or create shelters but directs a formal study to address gaps in housing and services for homeless seniors. The commission includes state agency leaders, legislative representatives, nonprofit experts, and shelter providers.

Topics ✓ Housing

Bill results