Massachusetts legislation · 194th General Court
Massachusetts H359: An Act relative to health equity and community health workers
Status: In committee, July 9, 2026
What the bill says
From the introduced text, February 27, 2025:
SECTION 1. Section 259 of chapter 112 of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking out the definition of “Core competencies” and inserting in place thereof the following:- ''Core competencies'', a set of overlapping and mutually reinforcing skills and knowledge essential for effective community health work in core areas that include, but are not limited to: (a) outreach methods and strategies; (b) client and community assessment; (c) effective communication; (d) culturally-based communication and care; (e) health education for behavior change; (f) support, advocacy and coordination of care for clients; (g) navigation and connection to resources for health needs, including but not limited to behavioral health, mental health and substance use disorder services; (h) application of public health concepts and approaches; (i) community capacity building; and (j) writing and technical communication skills. SECTION 2. Section 260 of said chapter 112 is hereby amended by striking out the third paragraph in its entirety. SECTION 3. (a) As used in this section, the following term shall have the following meaning: “Community health worker services,” services provided by a community health worker, including but not limited to, health education, information, and outreach; health promotion and coaching; navigation of health care and community-based services, resources and systems; care coordination; socioemotional support; and self-advocacy skill-building. (b) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, …
Sponsors
- Marjorie Decker (D, 25th Middlesex) · primary sponsor
- Estela Reyes (D)
- Priscila Sousa (D)
- Adrian Madaro (D)
- John Moran (D, 9th Suffolk)
- Carmine Gentile (D)
Latest actions
- : Reporting date extended to Thursday, December 31, 2026
- : Reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
- : Hearing rescheduled to 09/29/2025 from 09:00 AM-11:30 AM in A-2 and Virtual<br> <span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Hearing updated to New End Time</span>
- : Hearing rescheduled to 09/29/2025 from 09:00 AM-11:30 PM in A-2 and Virtual<br> <span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Hearing updated to New End Time</span>
- : Hearing scheduled for 09/29/2025 from 09:00 AM-01:00 PM in A-2
- : Senate concurred
- : Discharged to the committee on Public Health
- : Senate concurred
- : Referred to the committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Votes
- Committee Vote - Joint Committee on Public Health (November 25, 2025): 10 yea, 1 nay, passed
Common questions
- What is H359?
- H359 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act relative to health equity and community health workers.
- What is the status of H359?
- In committee as of July 9, 2026. Latest action: Reporting date extended to Thursday, December 31, 2026 (July 9, 2026).
- Who sponsored H359?
- Marjorie Decker (D, 25th Middlesex), with 5 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for H359?
- On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H359
Source: official Massachusetts record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.