H 5613 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act to improve care and prepare for the new era of Alzheimer’s and dementia

This bill creates a mandatory dementia training program for law enforcement officers and firefighters to better assist individuals with Alzheimer's and related conditions. It requires new recruits to complete at least two hours of initial training and all active officers to undergo one hour of biannual education, focusing on recognizing symptoms, communicating effectively, and identifying abuse. Additionally, the legislation establishes a new Director of Dementia Care and Coordination within the Department of Health and Human Services to oversee state plans and evaluate the quality of training across various professions. These changes aim to improve safety and care for people with dementia while ensuring first responders and healthcare workers have the necessary skills to handle related situations.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jul 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jul 29, 2026 Last action Jul 29, 2026
Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
8
Key actions
2
Committee
1
Amendments
2
Jul 29, 2026
Introduced
Published as amended, see H5621
lower
Jul 29, 2026
Lower · Passed
Amendment 4 adopted, as changed
lower
Jul 29, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported from the committee on House Ways and Means
lower
0 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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