S.1280 / H.197 (Sen. John C. Velis; Rep. Arena-DeRosa)
Establishes special commission to study MA DCF-contracted providers of comprehensive foster care challenges in sustaining foster care liability insurance, e.g., due to burdensome costs and other requirements. (Lead: CLM)
- Providers have had to consider reducing services or closing due to an inability to pay higher insurance rates on the secondary market.
- DCF relies on contracted providers to find quality foster homes for youth with intensive therapeutic needs.
- Some solutions include:
- State-funded shared risk pool or victim’s compensation fund
- State laws limiting liability
- State-funded high-deductible program
STATUS: Senate bill with Judiciary (hearing was 4/22/25); House bill Referred to Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities (hearing was 10/21/25)
SPONSORS
House: Arena-DeRosa, DuBois, Garballey, Higgins
Senate: Velis