Bill > H220

This bill establishes a new diaper benefits pilot program to help low-income families access diapers through a dedicated trust fund administered by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. The program will distribute funds to up to 12 organizations (such as diaper banks or food pantries) across different regions of the state, with a maximum of two organizations per region. Organizations can apply for funding through a request for proposal process and can use the funds to acquire, store, distribute, and market diapers, as well as organize diaper drives. The fund will be supported by state appropriations, interest earnings, and public and private donations. Private funding sources will be reviewed to ensure no conditions are attached to diaper distribution. Within one year of implementing each pilot program, the department must submit a detailed report to legislative committees, including information on the number of children and households served, diapers distributed by region, distribution processes, fund sources and balances, additional support leveraged, and expenditure details. The goal is to address diaper insufficiency among families with infants and young children, with potential future expansion based on the pilot program's success.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H220