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S 3057

An Act relative to assisted living residences in the Commonwealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Pat Jehlen

Creates a dedicated Assisted Living Residences Trust Fund to support regulation, oversight, and consumer protections for ALRs in Massachusetts.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
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Bill Summary · S 3057

Summary of Bill S.3057 (194th Legislature) – An Act relative to assisted living residences in the Commonwealth

Purpose and aim

S.3057 proposes creating a dedicated framework for assisted living residences (ALRs) in Massachusetts. The bill establishes a new trust fund to support regulatory oversight, quality assurance, and consumer protection for ALRs, expands the scope of facilities considered under state long-term care policy, and creates a task force to study and recommend affordable ALR options and financing models.

Key provisions and changes

1) Creation of the Assisted Living Residences Trust Fund

  • A new fund, the Assisted Living Residences Trust Fund, would be established and administered by the Secretary of Aging and Independence.
  • Authorized uses of the fund include:
    • Staffing for assisted living certification units
    • Certification compliance reviews
    • Investigation of complaints and incidents
    • Ombudsman services for residents and families
    • Public data, reporting, and accountability
    • Managing appeals of findings and fines
    • Oversight enhancements

2) Sources of fund revenues

  • The fund would receive revenues from:
    • Certification application and renewal fees (from Chapter 19D)
    • Fines and civil penalties collected under Chapter 19D
    • Appropriations and directed funds
    • Amounts recovered in civil actions related to ALRs
    • Bond revenues and other designated money
    • Income from investments and loan repayments
    • Gifts, grants, settlements, and other designated sources
  • The department is instructed to maximize revenues through federal funds, matching funds, and grants.
  • Unexpended balances carry forward to future fiscal years and are excluded from the consolidated net surplus calculation. The fund is not subject to annual appropriation.

3) Fiscal and regulatory alignment

  • Certification fees (Section 4 of Chapter 19D) and fines (Section 6) and civil penalties (Section 8) would be deposited into the new fund.
  • The bill also expands the definition scope to include “assisted living residences” in certain long-term care facility provisions (Chapter 111, sections 72W½(a) and (b)).

4) Study and recommendations on affordable ALRs

  • Establishes a multi-stakeholder Task Force to study and recommend ways to create and improve access to affordable ALRs.
  • Task force composition includes senior state officials, legislators, housing authorities, nonprofit and industry representatives, and four gubernatorial appointees with specific expertise (affordable ALRs, operations, tenant advocacy, and a resident or family member).
  • Key topics for study include:
    • Defining an affordable ALR operationally
    • Target populations and service needs
    • Inventory of qualifying residences
    • Costs (service, housing, operations) and gaps in care
    • Statewide need and financing models (including “housing plus services”)
    • Comparisons with financing options in other states and Medicaid/subsidized housing
  • The Task Force must deliver its findings and recommendations by December 31, 2027.

Who is affected

  • Assisted living residences and their operators (through certification, compliance, and penalties)
  • Residents and residents’ families (through enhanced ombudsman services and oversight)
  • The Commonwealth, via a new funding mechanism and expanded regulatory scope
  • Stakeholders in housing, aging services, and long-term care financing (via the Task Force)

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Bill filed April 8, 2026; action history indicates House concurrence on April 15, 2026.
  • Establishment of the fund would occur upon enactment; the Task Force must report by December 31, 2027.
  • The bill makes several changes to existing funding and regulatory structures, with funds not reverting to the General Fund and being exempt from routine appropriation.

Overall, S.3057 aims to strengthen oversight of ALRs, create a dedicated funding stream for associated activities, and chart a path toward affordable, sustainable ALR options through a comprehensive statewide study.

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

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