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H 1569

An Act to ensure senior home safety and security

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Chynah Tyler

Requires continuous security services and mandatory safety training in senior housing facilities, overseen by the Secretary of Public Safety, with on-site police excluded.

Accompanied a study order, see H5352 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 1569

Summary: House Bill 1569 — An Act to ensure senior home safety and security

Overview

House Bill 1569, introduced February 27, 2025 by Representative Chynah Tyler (7th Suffolk), seeks to enhance safety and security for residents in senior housing facilities. The bill would add a new section (Section 18AA) to Chapter 6A of the General Laws, requiring continuous security services at senior housing facilities and establishing training and regulatory oversight.

  • Status: Hearing scheduled for October 15, 2025, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM (Room A-1)
  • Referred to: Housing (Feb. 27, 2025)
  • Related: Similar matter previously filed as House 1378 (2023-2024); House 527 replaces HD 527 in this session

Purpose and intent

The core aim is to ensure the safety and security of residents in senior housing facilities by mandating security services and staff training, with regulatory oversight to implement and enforce these requirements.

Key provisions

  • Definition of terms

    • Security services: A watch, guard, or patrol agency (as defined in Chapter 147, Section 22) or an employee of a senior housing facility who:
    • observes and reports unlawful activity;
    • prevents or detects theft or misappropriation of goods, money, or other items of value;
    • protects individuals or property from harm or misappropriation;
    • controls access to protected premises.
    • Note: Security services do not include security provided by a law enforcement officer (Chapter 6E definition).
    • Secretary: Secretary of Public Safety and Security.
    • Senior housing facility:
    • (i) a development operated by a housing authority (Chapter 121B) primarily housing persons 55+ or persons with disabilities, or
    • (ii) publicly-assisted housing (Chapter 40T) primarily housing persons 55+ or persons with disabilities.

  • Mandatory security services

    • Each senior housing facility must provide security services at all times to ensure resident safety and security.

  • Training

    • Every employee of a senior housing facility and other appropriate personnel (as determined by the secretary) must be trained on safety and security protocols.

  • Regulatory authority

    • The Secretary of Public Safety and Security may promulgate regulations to implement this section.
    • Regulatory collaboration: consultation with the Secretary of Elder Affairs, Director of Housing and Community Development, Attorney General, the Executive Director of the State 911 Department, the Colonel of the State Police, and several state police and housing associations (e.g., Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association, Massachusetts Latino Police Officers Association, Massachusetts Association of Minority Law Enforcement Officers) and housing authorities defined in Chapter 121B.

Who is affected

  • Residents: Senior residents living in qualifying housing facilities (55+ and/or with disabilities) would benefit from enhanced, continuous security and safety protocols.
  • Senior housing facilities: Operators and staff would be required to implement security services around the clock and participate in mandated training.
  • Employees and personnel: All employees and other appropriate personnel must receive safety and security training.
  • Law enforcement: The bill explicitly excludes law enforcement officers from providing security services under this section, implying a reliance on facility staff and contracted/security agencies unless otherwise regulated.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Introduction and referral: February 27, 2025 (to Housing Committee)
  • Legislative action: Senate concurrence noted in related entries
  • Hearing: October 15, 2025, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM, Room A-1
  • Implementation path: The bill envisions subsequent regulatory development by the Secretary of Public Safety and Security, in consultation with multiple agencies and associations, to establish minimum standards and procedures.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Safety outcomes: Aims to improve resident safety, reduce theft and unlawful activity, and improve access control within facilities.
  • Operational costs: Facilities may incur costs for ongoing security services (staffing or contracted guards) and mandatory training programs.
  • Regulatory burden: New regulations would set standards and compliance requirements for senior housing facilities.
  • Non-reliance on police for on-site security: Explicit exclusion of law enforcement from providing security services on-site in this framework.

Related references

  • Similar matter previously filed: House 1378 (2023-2024)
  • HD 527 (replaces) in this session

If you’d like, I can provide a one-page plain-English briefing for distribution to stakeholders or a side-by-side comparison with similar prior bills.

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

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