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H 771

An Act relative to intergenerational community engagement

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Colleen Garry and 2 co-sponsors

Creates Community Connect volunteers to aid seniors with tech, tasks, and companionship, plus Senior Resources Centers offering health, counseling, legal aid, and workshops.

Referred, pursuant to an order adopted by the two branches, to the committee on Aging and Independence
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Bill Summary · H 771

Summary: H.771 An Act relative to intergenerational community engagement

Overview

H.771 proposes creating a statewide program to connect volunteers with seniors and to establish resources that support healthy, secure aging. The bill aims to leverage intergenerational volunteerism (including students and working adults) to build technological literacy, assist with daily tasks, and provide companionship. It also authorizes the development of Senior Resources Centers to deliver health services, counseling, legal aid, and educational workshops, funded “subject to appropriation.” The act would take effect one year after passage.

Key Provisions

1) Statewide Community Connect program

  • The Department of Elder Affairs (the department) would establish and administer the Community Connect program.
  • Volunteers (including students and working adults) would assist seniors with:
    • (i) Developing technological skills (smartphones, video calls, emails, etc.)
    • (ii) Daily tasks and errands (groceries, routine chores)
    • (iii) Companionship through regular visits or activities

2) Senior Resources Centers (subject to appropriation)

  • The department would establish Senior Resources Centers within senior living facilities and senior community centers.
  • Services provided would include:
    • (i) Health services: basic health check-ups, screenings, preventive care resources
    • (ii) Counseling: mental health support, grief counseling, stress management
    • (iii) Legal aid: free or low-cost legal advice on wills, housing rights, elder abuse protection
    • (iv) Workshops: financial literacy, healthy aging, technology usage

3) Educational and Recognition Components

  • Students who volunteer for Community Connect would be eligible for community service credits.
  • The department would establish and distribute community service awards recognizing volunteers.

Who is Affected

  • Seniors and senior communities across Massachusetts
  • Students and other volunteers participating in Community Connect
  • Senior living facilities and senior community centers
  • Providers of health, legal, counseling, and educational services for older adults

Implementation and Timeline

  • Effective date: 1 year after passage.
  • Funding considerations: Centers and some program components are “subject to appropriation,” meaning state funding must be approved in annual budgets or supplemental appropriations.
  • Legislative progress (current status as provided):
    • Introduced: February 27, 2025
    • Referred to Elder Affairs: February 27, 2025
    • Hearing scheduled: May 12, 2025
    • Referred to Aging and Independence: June 27, 2025
    • Senate concurrence noted in actions

Related Legislation

  • Related bill: HD 382 (the House Docket number for this measure)

Notes

  • The bill emphasizes intergenerational engagement and community-based supports for aging, with a clear emphasis on volunteerism, targeted services, and recognition programs. Funding availability will be a key factor in the rollout of Senior Resources Centers.

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

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