Massachusetts S1938: An Act supporting family caregivers

What the bill says

From the introduced text, February 27, 2025:

SECTION 1. Chapter 6A of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after section 16FF the following section:- Section 16GG. (a) There shall be an advisory council on family caregiving. The advisory council shall consist of: the secretary of health and human services, or a designee; the secretary of aging and independence, or a designee; the commissioner of public health, or a designee; the secretary of veterans’ services, or a designee; the secretary of labor and workforce development, or a designee; the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on elder affairs, or their designees; and 10 persons to be appointed, in a manner that ensures, as much as possible, geographic and demographic diversity, by the governor, including 2 family caregiver advocates, family caregivers, health care providers, representatives of state-based academic institutions, of whom is a gerontologist, and 2 representatives from state-based advocacy organizations that provide services to family caregivers, including information, referral and support services. (b) The advisory council shall meet at least quarterly and shall advise the executive office of health and human services and the general court on the development of family caregiving policy for the commonwealth. The advisory council shall work with the secretary of health and human services to identify resources available, and services needed for …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Joanne Comerford (D, Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester) · primary sponsor
• Jason Lewis (D, Fifth Middlesex)
• Michael Brady (D, Second Plymouth and Norfolk)
• Jacob Oliveira (D)
• Patricia Jehlen (D, Second Middlesex)
• Salvatore DiDomenico (D, Middlesex and Suffolk)
• Michael Moore (D, Second Worcester)
• John Keenan (D, Norfolk and Plymouth)
• James Eldridge (D, Middlesex and Worcester)
• William Driscoll (D)
• Thomas Stanley (D, 9th Middlesex)
• John Velis (D, Hampden and Hampshire)

Latest actions

1. July 9, 2026: Accompanied a new draft, see S3131
2. April 1, 2026: Reporting date extended to Thursday June 25, 2026
3. March 23, 2026: Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
4. September 16, 2025: Hearing rescheduled to 09/16/2025 from 10:30 AM-12:30 PM in A-1 and Virtual<br> <span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Hearing updated to New End Time</span>
5. September 5, 2025: Hearing scheduled for 09/16/2025 from 10:30 AM-01:00 PM in A-1
6. February 27, 2025: House concurred
7. February 27, 2025: Referred to the committee on Revenue

Common questions

What is S1938?

S1938 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act supporting family caregivers.

What is the status of S1938?

In committee as of July 9, 2026. Latest action: Accompanied a new draft, see S3131 (July 9, 2026).

Who sponsored S1938?

Joanne Comerford (D, Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester), with 11 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for S1938?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1938