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S 1565

Requires propositions authorizing creation of a state debt to contain an estimate of the debt service payable and publish an explanation thereof

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Tedisco

Creates a state Diabetes Action Plan in the Department of Public Health to reduce diabetes burden, coordinate agencies, and report biennially to lawmakers (funding required).

REFERRED TO ELECTIONS
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Bill Summary · S 1565

Summary — S.1565 (An Act relative to diabetes prevention)

Status: Introduced (filed Jan 15, 2025); read/introduced May 1, 2025. Referred to committees (see “Procedural status” below).
Primary sponsor (per bill text): Sen. Jason M. Lewis.

Purpose

To establish a coordinated, state-led diabetes action plan within the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) to reduce the incidence and burden of diabetes, improve diabetes care, control complications, and provide regular, data-driven reporting to the Legislature and relevant oversight bodies.

Key provisions

  • Creates a new section (Section 245) in Chapter 111 of the Massachusetts General Laws establishing a Diabetes Action Plan within DPH.
  • Requires DPH to develop the plan in consultation with:
    • Health Policy Commission (HPC)
    • Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA)
    • Group Insurance Commission (GIC)
    • Division of Medical Assistance (MassHealth)

  • Makes implementation subject to appropriation (i.e., funding must be provided by the Legislature).

  • The Diabetes Action Plan must:

    • Identify goals and benchmarks to reduce diabetes prevalence and impact.
    • Outline agency and departmental plans to reduce incidence, improve care, and control complications.

  • Biennial reporting requirement:

    • DPH (in consultation with HPC, CHIA, GIC, MassHealth) must submit a report by July 1 of each odd-numbered year to: Senate Ways & Means, House Ways & Means, Joint Committee on Health Care Financing, and Joint Committee on Public Health.
    • The report must address (i)–(x):
    • Financial effect of diabetes on the Commonwealth and political subdivisions
    • Number of persons affected by diabetes in the Commonwealth
    • Number of persons included in prevention and control programs operated by state agencies, municipalities, NGOs, etc.
    • Effects and benefits of implemented programs
    • Level of coordination across state agencies and actions under the plan
    • Goals and benchmarks established
    • Progress toward goals/benchmarks
    • Additional recommended actions for prevention, control, treatment
    • Funding needs for existing or recommended programs
    • Legislative recommendations, if any

Who is affected

  • State-level: DPH, HPC, CHIA, GIC, Division of Medical Assistance (MassHealth), and other state agencies engaged in public health and health financing.
  • Local governments and municipalities that run or contract for prevention and care programs.
  • Health insurers (including the GIC), providers, community organizations, and residents—particularly people with or at risk for diabetes—who may be included in program expansions or policy changes informed by the plan.

Fiscal and operational impact

  • The measure is subject to appropriation; any new staffing, program expansion, data collection, or intervention programs will require funding authorization.
  • Expected to increase coordination and data-driven planning; potential long-term savings if effective prevention/reduction of diabetes complications reduces health-care costs, but short-term costs are likely for planning, reporting, and program implementation.

Timeline and reporting

  • Plan to be established after enactment (no fixed implementation date in the text).
  • Biennial report due each odd-numbered year by July 1, starting the first July 1 after plan development and consultation.

Procedural status & related measures

  • Filed Jan 15, 2025 (Senate Docket No. 1227 / Senate No. 1565).
  • Legislative actions listed include referrals to Committees on Elections, Public Health, Finance; hearing scheduled 06/11/2025; reported favorably and referred to Health Care Financing (07/10/2025).
  • Related/companion measures and prior-session bills are listed (e.g., HR 138 companion; multiple prior-session SBs).

Notes: The bill text and sponsor information identify Sen. Jason M. Lewis as the author; some metadata provided alongside the text (e.g., alternate sponsors or titles) appears inconsistent and was not used in summarizing the statute’s substantive provisions.

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

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