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HD 723

An Act establishing a fetal alcohol spectrum disorders program

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Patrick Kearney and 1 co-sponsor

Creates a statewide FASD program in the Dept. of Public Health to boost awareness, screening, prevention, intervention, and services, funded with federal support.

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Bill Summary · HD 723

Summary: An Act establishing a fetal alcohol spectrum disorders program (House Docket No. 723)

Overview

This proposed Massachusetts bill would create a formal Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) program within the Department of Public Health (DPH) to advance awareness, prevention, identification, intervention, and service delivery related to FASD. The measure defines key terms and establishes a statewide advisory structure to guide implementation, oversight, and coordination with other state agencies. The department would have authority to pursue federal funds and contract with public and nonprofit providers to carry out FASD-related activities.

Key Provisions

  • Definitions (Section 249(a))

    • FASD: Includes fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), partial FAS (pFAS), alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND), Static Encephalopathy – Alcohol Exposed (SE-AE), neurobehavioral disorders associated with prenatal alcohol exposure (ND-PAE), and alcohol-related birth defects (ARBD).
    • Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE): Recognized as a leading preventable cause of developmental disabilities with wide-ranging impact.

  • Establishment of the FASD Program (Section 249(b))
    The DPH would create a comprehensive FASD program, which may include:

    • Designating a state FASD program coordinator with relevant expertise.
    • Adapting existing federal/state programs to include FASD identification and supports.
    • Expanding screening and diagnostic capacity.
    • Developing and evaluating targeted FASD-informed interventions.
    • Increasing public awareness.
    • Providing training for professionals across sectors.
    • Acting as a centralized resource and disseminating information about FASD and supports.

  • Advisory Committee (Section 249(c))

    • A FASD advisory committee would guide the program, with duties such as developing a statewide strategic plan to reduce prenatal exposure and oversee grant proposals, program reviews, and interagency coordination.
    • Committee composition: the DPH commissioner or designee; up to 10 public members from health, education, justice, service providers, and tribal communities. At least 2 members must have lived experience with FASD or a family affected by FASD, and at least 1 member should have professional FASD advocacy experience.
    • The committee elects a chair for a 1-year term. Administrative support and budgeting are handled through the commissioner, with annual budgets and work programs adopted by the committee.
    • The committee reports to the governor and to the chairs of the Joint Committee on Public Health; a formal biennial report is due October 15 (to inform the governor’s budget message) and again to the chairs by November 15 in even-numbered years.

  • Administration and Funding (Section 249(d))

    • The DPH may apply for, receive, and disburse federal funds and contract with public/private nonprofit entities to implement FASD programs.
    • The department must comply with applicable federal requirements for funding.

Who Is Affected

  • Massachusetts Department of Public Health and its staff; health, education, and justice professionals; service providers; and individuals affected by FASD and their families (including tribal communities). The measure envisions cross-agency coordination and training across sectors and potential alignment with existing programs.

Timeline and Process

  • The bill establishes ongoing program governance, reporting, and funding processes but does not specify a distinct effective date in the provided text. Implementation would depend on legislative action and appropriations. Annual/biennial reporting obligations are clearly defined.

Note on Status

  • The provided materials indicate the bill is a proposed measure (HD 723) introduced in the 2025-2026 session, with the text filed in January 2025. The additional introduced date in November 2025 appears to reflect an alternate or updated status; the core provisions come from the 2025 filing.

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

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