Bill > H225

This bill amends the structure and responsibilities of the Commission on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in Massachusetts. The bill expands the commission from its previous composition to a 21-member body, with representatives appointed by various state officials, including the secretary of elder affairs, commissioner of children and families, governor, legislative leaders, attorney general, and chief justices of probate and juvenile courts. Critically, the commission will now include six members who are grandparents or kinship caregivers with direct experience raising minor children. Members will serve four-year terms and be appointed through an open application process between August 1 and September each year. The commission's expanded responsibilities now include fostering unity among grandparent communities, serving as a liaison between government and interest groups, assessing state agency programs and regulations affecting grandparents raising grandchildren, advising legislative bodies on potential impacts of proposed legislation, investigating the potential establishment of a dedicated state agency for grandparent issues, and identifying challenges faced by relatives raising children. The bill aims to strengthen support and advocacy for grandparents who are primary caregivers for their grandchildren.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H225