Massachusetts House Bill H153

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23

Caption

To eliminate disproportionality and inequities for at-risk children

Impact

The bill mandates that the child advocate compile comprehensive data reflecting the involvement of different demographic groups within the state's child-serving entities. This will include statistical analysis at critical decision-making junctures, as well as tracking outcomes related to children in low-income families. The initiative aims to not only highlight areas of disproportionality but also to inform targeted policy reforms to enhance service delivery for marginalized groups. This legislative effort signifies a commitment to ensuring equitable treatment in public services, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Summary

House Bill 153, titled 'An Act to eliminate disproportionality and inequities for at-risk children,' seeks to address the gaps and disparities affecting children who are served by state entities in Massachusetts. It aims to amend Chapter 18C of the General Laws, elaborating definitions of 'disproportionality' and 'inequity' as they pertain to various demographic categories, including race, gender identity, and disability. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the child advocate in producing a report to analyze and report on disparities in service provision across these entities.

Contention

Discussions around H153 are likely to involve debates on the feasibility of collecting and analyzing such detailed demographic data, as well as concerns regarding privacy and the secure handling of sensitive information. There are potential arguments from stakeholders regarding the adequacy of current state systems to handle comprehensive data collection and reporting requirements. Moreover, some may question whether the proposed measures will lead to significant improvements in actual service provision or merely result in increased bureaucracy without tangible benefits for at-risk children.