NASW-MA Legislative Agenda for LEAD 2019SB= Senate Bill; meaning the Senate branch has drafted this bill, sponsored by a State SenatorHB= House Bill; meaning the House branch has drafted this bill, sponsored by a State Representative*Note: Most bills have both a Senate and House draft; it’s important to address the correct bill number when writing to a State Senator or Representative!

SOCIAL WORK PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE SB56-HB163 Loan Repayment Program benefitting Social Workers (Sen. Lesser, Reps. Roy & Pignatelli): Creates

a loan repayment program to assist in retaining the human services workforce, including social workers, who routinely deliver life-saving interventions and work in the areas of highest need.

PROMOTE HUMAN RIGHTS HB140 LGBTQ Conversion Therapy Ban (Rep. Khan): Protects LGBTQ youth (18 and under) by outlawing the

debunked and harmful practice of sexual orientation and gender identity conversion therapy by mental health professionals.

SB1401-HD1520 Protecting Immigrant Communities (Sen. Eldridge, Reps. Balser & Miranda): Ensures basic civil rights for migrant communities and prohibits state and local entities from aiding in immigration enforcement and deportation efforts.

SB263-HB410 Healthy Youth Act (Sen. DiDomenico, Reps. O’Day & Brodeur): Requires school districts that already provide sex education to ensure that it is comprehensive, age-appropriate, and LGBTQ-inclusive, with an emphasis on informed consent to prevent sexual violence.

SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE SB37-HB104 Repealing the Family Welfare Cap (Sen. DiDomenico; Rep. Decker): MA is one of only a handful of

states that deny welfare assistance to children born while or after their parents first receive TAFDC. This bill would “lift the cap on kids”.

SB825-HB1486 Raise the Age of Juvenile Jurisdiction (Sen. Boncore, Rep. O’Day): Gradually raises the age of juvenile jurisdiction to include 18-20 year olds, which would reduce recidivism by ensuring offending youth are engaged in treatment, education, and vocational training that is more effective for this age group.

ACCESS TO SERVICES FOR ALL SB678-HB1173 Closing the SNAP Gap (Sen. DiDomenico, Rep. Livingstone): Creating a common application to

ensure that all individuals who are eligible for SNAP are enrolled at the same time they enroll for MassHealth and other services, promoting the health and welfare of low income residents of the commonwealth including children and older adults.