S 1988 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to government efficiency

This bill directs Massachusetts state agencies to incorporate behavioral science insights into their policies to improve public programs and reduce costs. It encourages departments to simplify application processes, present information more clearly, and design choices that help people make better decisions, such as setting beneficial default options. To support these efforts, the law requires agencies to work with outside researchers who specialize in evidence-based methods like randomized control trials. While the bill uses the word "encouraged," it establishes a formal framework for agencies to review and refine how they interact with citizens and manage public services.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2024
House Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Feb 26, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
1
Committee
2
Feb 26, 2024
Senate · Reported by committee
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
Feb 16, 2023
House · Passed
House concurred
Feb 16, 2023
Senate · Referred to committee
Referred to the committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Julian Cyr
Julian Cyr
DDemocratic
MA
Cape and Islands