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H 2587

An Act establishing a commission on municipal emergency medical service staffing levels and workforce development

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Marjorie Decker and 1 co-sponsor

Establishes a 15-member commission to study municipal EMS staffing and workforce development, evaluate performance, and propose standard staffing and reforms, due by Mar 1, 2026.

Discharged to the committee on House Rules
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Bill Summary · H 2587

Summary: H.2587 - An Act establishing a commission on municipal emergency medical service staffing levels and workforce development

Overview

House Bill 2587 proposes the creation of a special commission to study and make recommendations on municipal emergency medical service (EMS) staffing levels and workforce development in Massachusetts. The commission would evaluate current EMS staffing effectiveness, workforce challenges, and existing development programs, with the goal of informing potential policy changes and best practices.

Key Provisions

  • Establishment and purpose: Creates a 15-member commission to study municipal EMS staffing and workforce development, independent of existing laws to the extent specified in the bill.

  • Commission composition (15 members, including co-chairs):

    • The chairs of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security (or their designees) as co-chairs.
    • The chairs of the Joint Committee on Public Service (or their designees).
    • The State Fire Marshal (or designee.
    • The Director of the Office of Emergency Medical Services (or designee).
    • 2 members appointed by the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts.
    • 2 members appointed by the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts.
    • 2 members appointed by the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, Inc.
    • 1 member representing the Massachusetts Health Care Workforce Center.
    • 1 member representing the State Office of Rural Health.
    • 1 member appointed by the Massachusetts Municipal Association.

  • Duties and scope:

    • Evaluate the current effectiveness and efficiency of municipally-based EMS staffing, including metrics such as call volume, response times, ambulance transport times, hospital turnaround times, and ambulance wait times at hospitals.
    • Identify challenges facing the EMS workforce (operational inefficiencies, staffing shortages, training needs, retention issues).
    • Review existing EMS and fire service workforce development programs.
    • Recommend changes to streamline the workforce, improve service delivery, establish standard staffing levels, and identify best practices for workforce development to improve engagement, retention, and training.

  • Reporting requirement: The commission must submit its report and recommendations, along with any proposed legislation, to the chairs of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security and the clerks of the Massachusetts House and Senate no later than March 1, 2026.

  • Fiscal note: The bill text provided does not specify funding or appropriations for the commission.

Timeline and Procedural Status

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Referred to: Public Safety and Homeland Security (initial referral on 2/27/2025).
  • Hearing activity: Noted hearings and scheduling in 2025 (e.g., July 24, 2025).
  • Legislative actions include favorable reports and referral to House Rules, with the current status listed as Discharged to the committee on House Rules (as of November 20, 2025).
  • Report due date: March 1, 2026.

Potential Impact

  • The bill creates a structured, data-driven process to assess EMS staffing and workforce development at the municipal level.
  • By including broad representation (labor, fire chiefs, hospitals, rural health, municipal association, and relevant state agencies), the commission aims to balance operational practicality with workforce development needs and health system considerations.
  • If adopted, the resulting recommendations could lead to changes in staffing standards, call handling, transport and turnaround practices, and targeted workforce development initiatives—potentially informing future legislation or policy changes. No immediate funding obligations are specified in the bill.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Municipal EMS providers and fire departments.
  • EMS and fire service workforce, including frontline personnel, supervisors, and administrators.
  • Hospitals and ambulance providers (through hospital and transport metrics).
  • State agencies and associations involved in public safety, health care workforce development, rural health, and municipal policy.

Related Information

  • Related bill: HD 2765 (replaces).
  • Sponsors: Representative Marjorie C. Decker (primary) and Estela A. Reyes (cosponsor).

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

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