Massachusetts H2104: An Act relative to meeting human service demand by modernizing incentives for the direct care workforce

What the bill says

From the introduced text, February 27, 2025:

SECTION 1. Chapter 149 of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following sections: - Section 204. (a) As used in sections 204 to 205, inclusive, the following words shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings: “Secretary or assistant secretary”, of the executive office of health and human services; “Direct Care Staff or Direct Support Professional”, a worker classified by the executive office of health and human services that meets any one or more of the following criteria: (1) supports one or more individuals in a service setting; or (2) does not have front line supervisor or management responsibilities. “Other Direct Care Staff or Direct Support Professional” a worker classified by the executive office of health and human services that meets any one or more of the following criteria: (1) supports one or more individuals in a service setting or supervises staff; (2) may have front line supervisor or management responsibilities; or (3) has relevant experience or credentials such as a degree from an institution of higher education or certifications which reflect advanced training. “Wage rate”, the hourly wage paid by a human services provider or a state agency to a human services worker. (b) When establishing rates of payment through chapter 257 of the acts of 2008 for department programs and contracts, the …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Sean Garballey (D, 23rd Middlesex) · primary sponsor
• Simon Cataldo (D)
• Sally Kerans (D, 13th Essex)
• David Linsky (D, 5th Middlesex)
• Whipps, Susannah M. (I, 2nd Franklin)
• Natalie Higgins (D, 4th Worcester)
• Christopher Hendricks (D)
• Colleen Garry (D)
• James Hawkins (D, 2nd Bristol)
• John Marsi (R, 6th Worcester)
• Daniel Cahill (D, 10th Essex)
• Vanna Howard (D, 17th Middlesex)

Latest actions

1. July 9, 2026: Reporting date extended to Thursday, December 31, 2026
2. January 29, 2026: Reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
3. October 8, 2025: Hearing rescheduled to 10/08/2025 from 10:00 AM-12:15 PM in B-1 and Virtual<br> <span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Hearing updated to New End Time</span>
4. September 25, 2025: Hearing scheduled for 10/08/2025 from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM in B-1
5. February 27, 2025: Senate concurred
6. February 27, 2025: Referred to the committee on Labor and Workforce Development

Votes

• Committee Vote - Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development (January 7, 2026): 10 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is H2104?

H2104 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act relative to meeting human service demand by modernizing incentives for the direct care workforce.

What is the status of H2104?

In committee as of July 9, 2026. Latest action: Reporting date extended to Thursday, December 31, 2026 (July 9, 2026).

Who sponsored H2104?

Sean Garballey (D, 23rd Middlesex), with 11 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for H2104?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2104