Bill
S 1383
Establishes a statewide, nonclinical, peer‑run respite network of 14+ centers to provide 24/7 trauma‑informed support for adults in distress, with targeted LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC sites
Note on source material
- The provided bill metadata contains inconsistent items (a different short title about park leases, a U.S. senator list, and multiple committee entries). This summary is based on the bill text in the docket (Senate No. 1383 / Senate Docket No. 832) which creates statewide, peer‑run respite centers in Massachusetts. Verify the official legislative website for final/authoritative status and amendments.
Purpose
- Establish a statewide system of voluntary, short‑term, peer‑run “peer respite” centers to provide non‑clinical, trauma‑informed, person‑centered support for adults (18+) experiencing emotional or mental distress — as crisis prevention, de‑escalation, and recovery support.
Key definitions (selected)
- Peer respite: 24‑hour, community‑based, home‑like residential program offering peer support to guests in distress; not clinical treatment.
- Peer‑run program: nonprofit entity (or within one) controlled/operated by a majority with lived or living behavioral‑health experience; primarily peer support (clinical services <10%); specialized in peer respite services for a minimum of 5 years (subject to departmental regulation).
- Peer supporter: staff with lived experience who have completed or are completing department‑required training.
- Guest: adult accepted to stay and receive services.
Major provisions
- Minimum network: Subject to appropriation, the Department (presumably of Mental Health or designated department) must establish at least 14 regional peer respites across the Commonwealth, with at least one in each county.
- Targeted sites: At least 2 respites serving LGBTQIA+ people (managed/operated by LGBTQIA+ individuals with lived experience) and at least 2 serving BIPOC communities (managed/operated by BIPOC individuals with lived experience). Geographic distribution should maximize access statewide.
- Funding and support: Subject to appropriation, the department must allocate funds and assist establishment. Funding must be sufficient to support service delivery, recruitment/training/retention/supervision of peer supporters, informational/training sessions, and compensation adequate to retain skilled peers.
- Program standards: Each respite must be department‑approved; services are voluntary, culturally competent, recovery‑focused, least‑restrictive, and non‑clinical. The department may promulgate regulations on training, accessibility, supervision, and other requirements.
Who is affected
- Adults experiencing mental or emotional distress and communities with limited access to culturally specific supports (LGBTQIA+, BIPOC).
- Peer supporters and peer‑run nonprofit organizations (new staffing/training/funding needs).
- State department charged with oversight and appropriation processes.
Procedural/timeline notes
- Filed/presented Jan. 14, 2025 by Senator Joanne M. Comerford (per docket). Multiple committee referrals and hearings are listed in the materials; the bill has been referred to relevant committees and hearings were scheduled. Implementation requires appropriations and departmental rulemaking.
Potential impacts and considerations
- Expands non‑clinical crisis alternatives and culturally specific supports; may reduce reliance on emergency/clinical settings.
- Requires sustained funding, workforce development (peer training/supervision), and clear regulatory standards.
- Some draft provisions (e.g., 5‑year specialization requirement for peer‑run programs) could limit start‑ups unless later amended by the department or legislature.
Recommendation
- Consult the official legislative docket for current status/amendments and any fiscal notes detailing appropriation amounts and implementation timelines.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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