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SENATE DOCKET, NO. 525 FILED ON: 1/13/2025
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 489
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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PRESENTED BY:
Michael F. Rush
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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 establishing a statewide volunteer program to assist seniors.
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PETITION OF:
NAME:DISTRICT/ADDRESS :Michael F. RushNorfolk and Suffolk 1 of 2
SENATE DOCKET, NO. 525 FILED ON: 1/13/2025
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 489
By Mr. Rush, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 489) of Michael F. Rush for
legislation to establish the adopt a senior program. Elder Affairs.
[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION
SEE SENATE, NO. 400 OF 2023-2024.]
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)
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An Act establishing a statewide volunteer program to assist seniors.
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. Section 40 of chapter 19A of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2014
2Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting the following section:-
3 Section 41. The secretary shall, subject to appropriation or the receipt of gifts, grants,
4and awards from any public or private entity pursuant to section 7 of chapter 19A, establish a
5statewide volunteer program for the purpose of assisting seniors with snow removal, property or
6home maintenance services. The department shall have the power to adopt rules and regulations
7to administer this program which shall include, but not be limited to: (1) coordinating among
8agencies of the commonwealth and other organizations using community service and
9volunteerism as a strategy to assist with this program; (2) establishing a registry and registration
10of volunteer personnel who are available to provide services; (3) establishing procedures for 2 of 2
11matching and placing individuals with seniors; (4) encouraging the corporate community of the
12commonwealth to become an active partner in the support, advocacy and promotion of
13community service and volunteerism relative to this program; and (5) establishing a system of
14volunteer incentives to assist with recruiting and registration of volunteers.