Bill > S709

This bill establishes a 19-member commission to study and propose solutions for preventing bullying of tenants in public and subsidized multi-family housing, with a particular focus on elderly and disabled residents. The commission will be comprised of various state officials, including designees from the executive offices of health and human services, elder affairs, and housing and community development, as well as the attorney general and the commissioner of mental health. It will also include legislative leaders, appointees from minority party leaders, and individuals representing consumer protection advocacy groups, legal services organizations, and those with direct experience with bullying. The commission's mandate is to investigate the causes and impact of bullying, research prevention methods used in other settings like schools and workplaces, and develop best practices, public awareness campaigns, and policy recommendations to protect tenants. Public meetings will be held across the Commonwealth to ensure broad participation, and the commission is required to submit its findings and recommendations by December 31, 2015.