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Bill

HD 2178

An Act to strengthen the control of contagious and infectious diseases in the Commonwealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mindy Domb

Expands Massachusetts' emergency powers to isolate, quarantine, and mandate health interventions during infectious disease outbreaks, raising individual liberty concerns.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 2178

Legislative bill overview

HD 2178 proposes strengthening Massachusetts' authority to manage contagious and infectious disease outbreaks through enhanced control measures and surveillance capabilities. The bill expands the Commonwealth's powers to isolate, quarantine, and mandate health interventions during disease emergencies. It modernizes disease control statutes that had not been substantially revised in decades.

Why is this important

Public health officials need legal tools to respond quickly to emerging infectious threats, from COVID-19 variants to novel pathogens. Outdated statutes can create delays and ambiguities when rapid action is critical. However, these powers directly affect individual liberties, making the balance between public health authority and personal freedom a significant policy question.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of government authority: Expanding isolation and quarantine powers raises concerns about due process protections and when government can restrict individuals' movement and liberty without court orders
  • Mandate authority: Questions about whether the bill permits vaccine mandates, mask requirements, or other medical interventions and how this aligns with medical autonomy
  • Emergency definitions: Disagreement over what constitutes a disease emergency serious enough to trigger expanded powers, and whether the threshold is too low or appropriately calibrated

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

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