Bill > H4714

This bill, titled "For a Better Prepared Massachusetts," aims to improve the state's preparedness and response to public health emergencies, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic. The key provisions include: 1. Requiring school districts to submit annual continuity of operations plans detailing their emergency response efforts, including testing, isolation, social distancing, and masking. 2. Directing the Department of Environmental Protection to publish guidance on improving indoor air quality in various settings and establishing a fund to provide financial assistance for indoor air quality improvement projects in public buildings. 3. Defining "high-quality masks" and establishing a Better Prepared Trust Fund to maintain a stockpile of these masks for distribution to residents. 4. Expanding wastewater sampling for epidemiological monitoring to track COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. 5. Requiring the Department of Public Health to establish and maintain a long-term stockpile of high-quality masks for distribution during future outbreaks or emergencies. 6. Establishing a system for distributing high-quality masks to residents, with a focus on underserved and high-risk communities. 7. Mandating the Department of Public Health to collaborate with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority on regular wastewater monitoring and data reporting. 8. Requiring the Department of Public Health to establish a mechanism for residents to report at-home COVID-19 test results and making this data publicly available. 9. Creating a "Special Assistant to the Governor for COVID-19 Vaccine Administration" to coordinate and manage the state's vaccination efforts. 10. Directing the Department of Public Health, in collaboration with other agencies, to develop a comprehensive surge plan to combat potential seasonal increases in COVID-19 infections.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

COVID-19 and Emergency Preparedness and Management (J)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H4714