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SENATE DOCKET, NO. 302 FILED ON: 1/12/2023
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 1250
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
_________________
PRESENTED BY:
Adam Gomez
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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:
The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:
An Act to establish a commission to study substance use disorder and treatment disparities in the
minority community.
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PETITION OF:
NAME:DISTRICT/ADDRESS :Adam GomezHampden 1 of 2
SENATE DOCKET, NO. 302 FILED ON: 1/12/2023
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 1250
By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1250) of Adam Gomez for
legislation to establish a commission to study substance use disorder and treatment disparities in
the minority community. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.
[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION
SEE SENATE, NO. 1301 OF 2021-2022.]
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Third General Court
(2023-2024)
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An Act to establish a commission to study substance use disorder and treatment disparities in the
minority community.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority
of the same, as follows:
1 SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any general or special laws to the contrary, there shall be
2established a commission to study the disproportionate impact substance use disorders and
3overdoses have on the minority community of the commonwealth and corresponding disparities
4in substance use disorder treatment access. The commission shall: (1) review current data and
5trends regarding substance use and overdose rates, disparities in treatment access, and
6corresponding causes in the minority community; (2) evaluate the effectiveness of current
7treatment interventions within minority communities; (3) identify barriers to accessing treatment,
8including lack of necessary resources, education, access and training to medical needs, and the
9need for culturally appropriate care and intervention; and (4) recommend evidence-based 2 of 2
10strategies to reduce overdose deaths and to improve access, treatment, and education in the
11minority community.
12 The commission shall consist of the following members or a designee: the secretary of
13health and human services, who shall serve as chair; the commissioner of the department of
14public health; a representative of the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services; and 8 members
15appointed by the governor, 2 of whom shall be representatives from advocacy organizations with
16expertise in substance use disorders and treatment, 2 of whom shall be representatives from
17advocacy organizations with expertise in racial disparities in health care, 1 of whom shall be a
18representative of community health centers located in a culturally diverse location, 1 of whom
19shall be a provider primarily serving the minority community, 1 of whom shall be an expert in
20substance use disorder treatment with a focus on the minority community, and 3 of whom shall
21be representatives of geographically diverse organizations that promote the well-being of
22culturally diverse populations through culturally competent behavioral health.
23 The commission shall file its report, including any recommendations, with the clerks of
24the senate and house of representatives, the joint committee on mental health, substance use and
25recovery and the house and senate committees on ways and means annually not later than
26January 1 of each year.