H 5229 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act modernizing the six fundamental rights

This bill modernizes the six fundamental rights for individuals in mental health and substance use treatment facilities by updating state law to expand access to communication, visitors, and personal living spaces. It ensures people can make confidential phone calls, send and receive mail without censorship, receive visitors daily, and have private access to personal care items that respect their gender identity. The legislation also clarifies when rights can be temporarily suspended, requires facilities to establish clear rules for suspensions, and creates a new enforcement system with fines and a dedicated fund to support affected individuals. Additionally, it expands the list of professionals who can visit patients and strengthens accountability by mandating penalties for facilities that violate these rights.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 12, 2026 Last action Mar 12, 2026
Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Mar 12, 2026
Lower · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
lower
Mar 12, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported from the committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery
lower
0 primary · 12 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.