Bill > H252

This bill amends Section 5 of Chapter 18 of Massachusetts General Laws to establish new procedural requirements for the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) when considering closing or relocating a community service office. Specifically, the bill mandates that at least 120 days before not renewing a lease or closing an office, the department's commissioner must notify local legislators and regional legal services about the proposed action, including the reasons behind it. If requested, the department must provide detailed testimony and data about the potential relocation, which must comprehensively analyze various factors such as transportation accessibility, office hours, ease of access for different populations (seniors, people with disabilities, working individuals, caregivers), language availability of staff, community impact, demographic information, and poverty rates. The bill aims to ensure transparency and protect vulnerable populations' access to essential social services by requiring extensive documentation and consultation before making significant changes to community service office locations.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H252