Bill > H4155

This bill establishes a special legislative commission, a task force on older adults of all incomes, to study the characteristics, needs, and community engagement of individuals aged 60 and older in Massachusetts, regardless of their financial situation. The task force will collect and analyze data to identify current benchmarks, strengths, weaknesses, and future trends, aiming to develop recommendations for culturally competent services and opportunities that meet the diverse needs of older adults across all income levels. The task force will comprise 12 members, including legislative chairs of the joint committee on elder affairs, state secretaries from relevant departments like Elder Affairs and MassHealth, representatives from academic institutions and health foundations, and older adults with diverse backgrounds and experiences, such as caregivers and members of specific advocacy groups. This task force is mandated to hold its first meeting within 60 days of the bill's enactment, can form advisory committees, and must submit a final report with findings and legislative recommendations within 18 months of its first meeting, after which it will expire on July 31, 2018.