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HD 405

An Act relative to the organization of EOHHS

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Barrett and 4 co-sponsors

Creates a MA commission to study EOHHS staffing and organization, explore reorganizing into subagencies; 11 members; report findings by Oct 1, 2026 to guide possible reforms.

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Bill Summary · HD 405

Summary: An Act Relative to the Organization of EOHHS (HD 405)

Purpose and thrust

This proposed Massachusetts bill would create a special commission to study the effectiveness and organization of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS). The main aim is to evaluate whether the current staffing and administrative structure effectively fulfills EOHHS’s mandate and to explore potential reorganizations, including the possibility of dividing EOHHS into smaller subagencies.

Key provisions

  • Section 1 — Establishment and mandate of the commission

    • A special commission will be created to study the effectiveness of the EOHHS.
    • Tasks include:
    • Assessing the current number of EOHHS employees.
    • Evaluating the administrative structure of EOHHS.
    • Measuring the office’s effectiveness in fulfilling its legislative mandate.
    • Considering the feasibility and potential effectiveness of alternative organizational configurations, including splitting EOHHS into smaller subagencies.

  • Section 1 — Commission composition

    • The commission will have 11 members:
    • The Secretary of Health and Human Services (EOHHS).
    • 1 member appointed by the Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
    • 1 member appointed by the Senate President.
    • 8 members appointed by the Governor, with the following expertise:
      • 3 with experience in public health administration.
      • 3 with experience in private healthcare administration.
      • 2 with experience in the administration of social services.

  • Section 2 — Reporting deadline

    • The commission must submit a report of its findings, including any legislative or regulatory recommendations, by October 1, 2026.
    • The report must be filed with the clerks of the House and Senate and the joint committees on health care financing and public health.

Who would be affected

  • Directly: EOHHS and its agencies, through potential guidance that could influence future reorganizational decisions.
  • Indirectly: State policymakers and health and human services stakeholders, who would use the commission’s findings to inform any subsequent legislation or regulatory changes.
  • The public may experience changes in how health and human services are administered if reorganizational recommendations are adopted.

Timeline and process

  • Commission creation and appointment process would occur following enactment.
  • Final report due by October 1, 2026.
  • Any resulting policy changes would require additional legislation or regulatory action beyond this act.

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

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