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H 4938

An Act concerning the safety of autistic and alzheimer individuals

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Colleen Garry

Massachusetts bill establishing safety protocols and funding for autistic and Alzheimer's individuals to reduce wandering incidents and protect vulnerable populations.

Reporting date extended to Thursday, December 31, 2026
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Bill Summary · H 4938

Legislative bill overview

H 4938 is a Massachusetts bill focused on improving safety measures for autistic and Alzheimer's disease individuals. Based on the committee referrals to Financial Services and Health Care Financing, the bill likely addresses funding mechanisms, insurance coverage, or state-funded programs to support safety initiatives for these vulnerable populations. The recent favorable committee report suggests bipartisan or multi-committee support for the proposal.

Why is this important

Autistic individuals and those with Alzheimer's disease face elevated risks related to wandering, elopement, and safety incidents that can result in injury or death. Enhanced safety protocols and funded support systems can reduce these incidents and provide families and caregivers with critical resources, potentially decreasing emergency response costs and improving quality of life outcomes.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source and fiscal impact: Determining whether new safety programs are state-funded, insurance-mandated, or public-private partnerships may face budget scrutiny, particularly given the referral to Health Care Financing
  • Scope and eligibility: Questions about which specific safety measures are covered, age ranges included, and whether the bill applies to all care settings or specific locations
  • Implementation burden: Concerns about whether healthcare providers, schools, and care facilities have adequate resources to implement new safety requirements without unfunded mandate complaints

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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