WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SD 525

An Act establishing a statewide volunteer program to assist seniors

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Rush

Creates a statewide volunteer program, run by the Secretary of Elder Affairs, to help seniors with snow removal and home maintenance, funded by state funds or gifts/grants.

0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SD 525

Summary of Senate Bill SD 525 — An Act Establishing a Statewide Volunteer Program to Assist Seniors

Overview

  • Bill Number: SD 525
  • Title: An Act establishing a statewide volunteer program to assist seniors
  • Introduced: 2025 session (Filed January 13, 2025 as Senate Docket No. 525; Senate No. 489)
  • Sponsor: Senator Michael F. Rush
  • Status: Not specified in the provided text; the version available is the bill as filed in January 2025. A related, similar measure existed in a prior session (Senate No. 400, 2023-2024).

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a statewide volunteer program to assist Massachusetts seniors, focusing on practical, non-medical help such as snow removal and property or home maintenance.
  • Leverage volunteers and potential private/public support to improve seniors’ safety, independence, and quality of life.

Key Provisions

  • Establishment and authority
    • Section 41 to be inserted into Chapter 19A (amending Section 40) to authorize a statewide volunteer program.
    • Administered by the Secretary (of Elder Affairs) and subject to appropriation or gifts, grants, and awards from public or private sources per section 7 of Chapter 19A.
  • Scope of services
    • Primary services: snow removal and property or home maintenance for seniors.
  • Governance and administration
    • The department shall adopt rules and regulations to administer the program, including: 1) Coordinating among Commonwealth agencies and other organizations using community service and volunteerism. 2) Establishing a registry and registration system for volunteer personnel available to provide services. 3) Establishing procedures for matching and placing volunteers with seniors. 4) Encouraging corporate participation to support, promote, and advocate for community service and volunteerism related to the program. 5) Establishing a system of volunteer incentives to aid in recruiting and registering volunteers.
  • Funding and partnerships
    • Program funding can come from state appropriation or gifts/grants from public or private entities.
    • Emphasis on partnerships with businesses and community organizations to support operations and participation.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Seniors: Eligible recipients of snow removal and home/property maintenance assistance.
  • Volunteers: Individuals who register and are matched with seniors; may receive incentives.
  • Commonwealth agencies: Coordination and regulatory oversight as part of interagency collaboration.
  • Private sector: Corporate partners may participate for support and promotion of the program.

Procedural and Timeline Notes

  • No explicit start date or phase-in schedule is stated in the text excerpt.
  • The program’s creation depends on appropriation and the adoption of implementing rules and regulations by the secretary.
  • The bill references a similar proposal previously filed in 2023-2024, indicating ongoing legislative interest in a statewide senior assistance volunteer program.

Summary

SD 525 would authorize a Secretary-of-Elder-Affairs–led statewide volunteer program to assist seniors with snow removal and home maintenance. It would rely on state funding or gifts/grants, establish a volunteer registry and matching system, foster corporate partnerships, and create incentives to recruit volunteers. The bill emphasizes interagency coordination and broad community involvement to support seniors’ safety and independence.

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

Sign in to ask a question.