An Act establishing Getting to Zero Week

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jack Lewis

Establishes December 1–8 as Getting to Zero Week with an annual Governor's proclamation to raise awareness and encourage observance to end new infections, deaths, and stigma.

Summary: An Act establishing Getting to Zero Week (HD 1586)

Overview

Bill number: House Docket No. 1586 (House No. 3381)

Title: An Act establishing Getting to Zero Week

Sponsor: Representative Jack Patrick Lewis (Framingham), 7th Middlesex

Session: Massachusetts General Court, 2025-2026

Status: Introduced in the 2025-2026 session; status not expressly stated in the provided text (introduced November 29, 2025; filed January 15, 2025)

Purpose and Intent

The bill would create an annual, ceremonial observance in the Commonwealth aimed at raising public awareness and support for ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Massachusetts. It seeks to promote a shared commitment to reaching “getting to zero” in three areas: new HIV infections, HIV-related deaths, and HIV stigma.

Key Provisions

Annual Proclamation: The Governor must issue a proclamation each year.

Observed Dates: The proclamation designates December 1 through December 8 as Getting to Zero Week.

Purpose of Observance: To increase public awareness, understanding, and recognition of the community’s commitment to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Massachusetts.

Recommended Observance: The proclamation shall "recommend that the week in December be observed in an appropriate manner by the people" of the Commonwealth.

Scope: The bill does not impose mandates or require specific programs; it establishes a ceremonial designation and a broad recommendation for observance.

Affected Parties

Government: Governor’s office responsible for issuing the annual proclamation.

General public and communities in Massachusetts: Encouraged to observe the week in an appropriate manner.

Public health and HIV/AIDS stakeholders: May leverage the week for awareness activities, education, and advocacy.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Timing: December 1–8 designated each year for Getting to Zero Week.

Process: Annual proclamation by the Governor; no ongoing programmatic requirements or funding specified in the bill.

Implementation: Potential coordination with public health agencies and community organizations to promote awareness during the designated week.

Fiscal/Administrative Implications

The bill does not include appropriations or mandated programs. It primarily creates a ceremonial observance that could, in practice, support awareness campaigns and partnerships without creating new state-funded obligations.

Potential Impact

Awareness and stigma reduction: By spotlighting HIV/AIDS in December, the bill could help sustain public attention on prevention, treatment, and support services.

Community engagement: May encourage schools, workplaces, and communities to participate in educational activities during Getting to Zero Week.

Policy implications: No immediate regulatory or funding changes; the effect is largely symbolic and educational, potentially complementing existing HIV/AIDS public health efforts.