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S 153

Relates to prohibiting the release of certain balloons

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tony Palumbo

Expands PCA eligibility in Massachusetts to include people needing supervision and cueing for two or more ADLs, via updated division standards and rulemaking.

REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
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Bill Summary · S 153

Bill Summary — S 153 (2025)

Title (conflicting metadata): Relates to prohibiting the release of certain balloons
Official bill subject (per bill text): An Act relative to cueing and supervision in the personal care attendant (PCA) program
Introduced: January 20, 2025
Current status (as recorded): Referred to Senate Ways and Means after committee report (see Legislative Actions below)
Primary sponsor (per docket): Sen. Joan B. Lovely (Second Essex)

Note: the bill metadata supplied contains several inconsistencies (title, sponsor names, and committee referrals). The bill text and docket indicate this measure amends chapter 118E to change PCA eligibility; readers should verify details against the official Massachusetts Legislature website.

Purpose / Intent

To expand eligibility for the Massachusetts personal care attendant (PCA) program by requiring the responsible division to develop or amend program standards and regulations so that individuals who are otherwise eligible for PCA services—but who require supervision and cueing to perform two or more activities of daily living (ADLs)—are explicitly included as eligible members.

Key Provision (single statutory amendment)

  • Adds the following sentence to the first paragraph of Section 12 of chapter 118E of the General Laws:
    • "Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, the division shall develop or amend any standards and regulations applicable to the personal care attendant program to include as eligible members those individuals who are otherwise eligible for said program, but who require supervision and cueing in order to perform two or more activities of daily living."

Who would be affected

  • Individuals currently eligible (or otherwise meeting eligibility criteria) for PCA services who require supervision and cueing (for example, persons with cognitive impairments, memory loss, or certain neurological conditions) to perform two or more ADLs.
  • PCA providers and attendant workforce — may see expanded client rosters and possibly new training or supervision requirements.
  • The administering state division (likely the Division of Medical Assistance/MassHealth or the designated division under chapter 118E) — responsible for updating standards, regulations, eligibility determinations, and program oversight.
  • State budgets — potential increase in program enrollment and associated costs for PCA services (direct care wages, administrative/regulatory changes, monitoring).

Implementation & practical considerations

  • The division must promulgate or amend regulations; this will require rulemaking (notice, public comment) and operational changes (eligibility assessments, provider guidance).
  • The statute does not define “supervision and cueing” or specify which ADLs qualify; regulation will need to clarify definitions, assessment tools, documentation and training expectations.
  • Potential fiscal impact depends on how many additional enrollees qualify and the scope/frequency of services authorized.

Legislative actions (as recorded; note inconsistencies)

  • 2025-01-16: Bill filed (Senate Docket No. 1383)
  • 2025-01-20: Read twice and referred to Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; introduced in Senate
  • 2025-02-27: Referred to committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities; House concurred (notation appears inconsistent)
  • 2025-06-03: Hearing scheduled for 06/10/2025
  • 2025-06-26: Reported favorably by committee and referred to Senate Ways and Means

Related/previous measures

  • Companion/related entries listed include HR 564, A 6093 and prior-session bills S 2262, S 5308, S 7985; SD 1383 (replacement). Verify cross-references on the Legislature site.

Bottom line

S 153 is a targeted statutory change directing the state division that administers the PCA program to ensure people who need supervision and cueing to perform two or more ADLs are explicitly eligible for PCA services. It will require regulatory changes to define and operationalize that eligibility; it may increase access to PCA services for people with cognitive or supervisory needs and could have fiscal and administrative implications for the program. Verify current status and text on the official Massachusetts legislative website due to inconsistent metadata in the provided materials.

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

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