An Act ensuring access to addiction services
This bill amends Massachusetts state law to improve access to addiction treatment by clarifying which facilities are eligible for court-ordered commitments. It specifically excludes jails and sheriff-run correctional facilities from being used for addiction treatment, directing that such care must occur in licensed public or private facilities. The legislation requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure there are enough treatment beds available and mandates that these facilities be distributed across the state to serve all regions. Additionally, the bill instructs the Department of Public Health to maintain and share a roster of available treatment options with courts to assist in making placement decisions.
Bill status
passed
3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Apr 2024
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023
Last action Apr 18, 2024
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
8
Key actions
1
Committee
3
Apr 18, 2024
Committee
Committee recommended bill ought to pass and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
lower
Mar 4, 2024
Committee
Reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery
lower
1 primary · 27 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Ruth Balser
DDemocratic
Co
Andy Vargas
DDemocratic
Co
Becca Rausch
DDemocratic
Co
Carmine Gentile
DDemocratic
Co
Chris Hendricks
DDemocratic
Co
Dan Sena
DDemocratic
Co
Erika Uyterhoeven
DDemocratic
Co
Jamie Eldridge
DDemocratic
Co
Jeff Turco
DDemocratic
Co
Jim Hawkins
DDemocratic
Co
Jo Comerford
DDemocratic
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