The bill outlines the ongoing efforts of the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) to reduce reliance on paper records and enhance electronic documentation processes as mandated by Section 32 of Chapter 158 of the Acts of 2014. DTA's mission is to assist low-income individuals and families in achieving economic self-sufficiency through various support programs. The establishment of the Electronic Document Management Center (EDMC) in partnership with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services has been pivotal in streamlining case processing and managing documentation. The EDMC has seen a significant decrease in paper-based documentation since its inception, with a notable increase in the volume of documents processed electronically.
In 2025, DTA Connect, the agency's client-facing portal, further expanded access to services, allowing clients to manage their cases without visiting local offices. The platform processed over 2 million submissions, offering features such as virtual meetings for clients with disabilities and multilingual accessibility. DTA's outreach efforts included sending millions of communications to clients regarding case updates and available resources. The agency remains committed to modernizing its operations and exploring innovative technologies to enhance service delivery while continuing to reduce paper usage.