Massachusetts H793: An Act protecting the rights of older adults and people with disabilities

What the bill says

From the introduced text, February 27, 2025:

SECTION 1. Section 72 of chapter 111 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2020 Official Edition is hereby amended by inserting, at the end thereof, the following:- Notwithstanding any other general or special law, the department shall promulgate regulations to promote the dignity of residents, both permanent and temporary, of nursing homes licensed by said department that are equivalent to the protection of rights of residents of facilities licensed by the department of mental health and the department of developmental disabilities that shall be effective not later than July 1, 2027. SECTION 2. Chapter 70E of chapter 111 of the general laws, as appearing in the 2020 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after the sentence which reads: “Any person whose rights under this section are violated may bring, in addition to any other action allowed by law or regulation, a civil action under sections sixty B to sixty E, inclusive, of chapter two hundred and thirty-one,” the following additional paragraphs: Every nursing home shall establish a Human Rights Committee which shall have the authority to receive and investigate, or investigate on its own motion, any complaints affecting the rights of residents. The department shall promulgate regulations regarding the composition, terms, and duties of said committee, and shall provide annual training for human rights committee members in …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Jeffrey Turco (D, 19th Suffolk) · primary sponsor
• John Marsi (R, 6th Worcester)
• James Eldridge (D, Middlesex and Worcester)

Latest actions

1. March 30, 2026: Accompanied a study order, see H5310 (under House Rule 27)
2. September 3, 2025: Hearing scheduled for 09/16/2025 from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM in A-2
3. June 27, 2025: Referred, pursuant to an order adopted by the two branches, to the committee on Aging and Independence
4. February 27, 2025: Senate concurred
5. February 27, 2025: Referred to the committee on Elder Affairs
6. : Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order

Common questions

What is H793?

H793 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act protecting the rights of older adults and people with disabilities.

What is the status of H793?

Failed as of March 30, 2026. Latest action: Accompanied a study order, see H5310 (under House Rule 27) (March 30, 2026).

Who sponsored H793?

Jeffrey Turco (D, 19th Suffolk), with 2 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for H793?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H793