SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 2529

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-First General Court
(2019-2020)

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SENATE, February 5, 2020.

The committee on Housing to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 783) of Nick Collins and Paul R. Feeney  for legislation relative to senior and non-elderly disabled housing, reports recommending that the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2529) ought to pass.

For the committee,

Brendan P. Crighton

        FILED ON: 2/5/2020

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 2529

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

_______________

In the One Hundred and Ninety-First General Court
(2019-2020)

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An Act relative to senior and non-elderly disabled housing.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1. Within 45 days after the effective date of this act, a 15-member advisory commission shall be established to study the best practices and safety protocols of state subsidized senior and non-elderly disabled housing. The advisory committee shall consist of the following members: two members selected by the Governor of the Commonwealth; four members selected by the Speaker of the House; four members selected by the Senate President; one member selected by the Citizens Housing and Planning Association; one member selected by the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials; one member selected by the Mass Union of Public Housing Tenants; one member selected by the Disability Law Center; one member selected by the Massachusetts Municipal Association.

SECTION 2. (a) Notwithstanding any special or general law, there shall be established a special commission to: (i) determine the level of need for additional adult disabled housing in the commonwealth; (ii) create a portfolio accounting for all occupied and available housing for individuals with disabilities; and (iii) determine best practices and costs to increase the stock of adult disabled housing to meet the level of need.

(b) The special commission shall consist of: 2 members selected by the Governor of the Commonwealth; 2 members of the house of representatives, 1 of whom shall be appointed by the minority leader; 2 members of the senate, 1 of whom shall be appointed by the minority leader; the secretary of housing and economic development, or a designee; the undersecretary of housing and community development, or a designee; the commissioner of developmental services, or a designee; 1 representative of the Massachusetts Housing Partnership; 1 representative of the Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association, Inc.; 1 representative of the Arc of Massachusetts; 2 parents or guardians of adult disabled children; 2 representatives from local housing authorities who shall be appointed by the secretary of housing and economic development; and 1 representative of the Massachusetts developmental disabilities council. The first meeting of the commission shall take place not later than October 1, 2020.