SECTION 1. (a) There is hereby established a special legislative commission pursuant to section 2A of chapter 4 of the General Laws to investigate and make recommendations regarding the Commonwealth’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

(b) The commission shall consist of the following 17 members: 2 of whom shall be the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on COVID-19 and emergency preparedness and management who shall serve as co-chairs; 1 member of the house of representatives to be appointed by the speaker of the house; 1 member of the senate to be appointed by the president of the senate; 2 of whom shall be appointed by the governor; 1 medical professional with experience in COVID treatment and response each from Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Medical Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, and the University of Massachusetts Memorial Health Center; 2 members appointed by the co-chairs, one of whom shall be an expert in epidemiology and one of whom shall be an expert in infectious disease; 2 representatives appointed by the governor with backgrounds in racial health care disparities; and 2 representative appointed by the governor with a background in economics and fiscal policy. The co-chairs may appoint up to two additional members to fulfill the purpose and goals of the commission. 

(c) The commission shall investigate the Commonwealth’s medical, fiscal, and social response to the global COVID-19 pandemic and produce a report outlining the Commonwealth’s response to this pandemic and identifying the areas in which improvement is needed. The report shall be used to inform a response to any potential future pandemic.

(d) No later than 1 year after the effective date of this act, the commission shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the legislature, including, if applicable, drafts of legislation necessary to effectuate those recommendations.