The bill amends Section 71 of chapter 3 of the General Laws to establish a permanent commission focused on the needs of older LGBTQ adults and their caregivers. The new commission will consist of various members, including co-chairs from the joint committee on elder affairs, state officials, and representatives from LGBTQ organizations. Additionally, the governor will appoint five members, ensuring representation from different regions of the state and including experts in elder law and LGBTQ public policy, as well as older LGBTQ adults, with at least one being transgender.

The commission is tasked with investigating and analyzing the health, housing, financial, psychosocial, and long-term care needs of older LGBTQ adults and their caregivers. It will make recommendations to improve access to benefits and services, examine the impact of state policies on this population, and explore strategies to enhance provider awareness and competence. The commission will also assess funding needs, best practices for service delivery, and the feasibility of developing training curricula to better serve older LGBTQ adults, ultimately aiming to promote equality, reduce isolation, and improve their quality of life.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 3-71