S 1173
An Act relative to minimizing suffering during the commitment process
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- Passed House
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Bill overview
This bill, titled ‘An Act relative to minimizing suffering during the commitment process,’ seeks to address and reduce potential suffering experienced by individuals undergoing commitment proceedings in Massachusetts. It aims to improve the process and ensure that those involved are treated with dignity and consideration. The bill’s specific details are currently under consideration by the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Health Care Financing Committee.
Key provisions
- Requires the Department of Mental Health to develop and implement guidelines for minimizing suffering during commitment proceedings.
- Establishes a review process to assess the adequacy of facilities and procedures used in commitment.
- Promotes the use of best practices for managing individuals during commitment, including humane treatment and access to supportive services.
- Encourages the collection of data on patient experiences during commitment to identify areas for improvement.
- Addresses potential issues related to the physical and psychological well-being of individuals undergoing commitment.
Who is affected
- Individuals undergoing commitment proceedings in Massachusetts
- Mental health professionals involved in commitment decisions
- Staff at facilities housing individuals undergoing commitment
- The Department of Mental Health
- The Judiciary
Notable changes
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joan B. Lovely
Cosponsor
Joan B. Lovely
Arguments in favor
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Bill S.1173 194th (Current)
An Act relative to minimizing suffering during the commitment process
By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1173) of Joan B. Lovely for legislation relative to minimizing suffering during the commitment process. The Judiciary.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Joan B. Lovely Status: Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Fiscal Note Primary Sponsor Summary
Bill History
Displaying 6 actions for Bill S.1173
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | House | House concurred |
| 11/7/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 11/18/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1 |
| 11/18/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 11/18/2025 from 01:00 PM-08:00 PM in A-1 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time |
| 2/5/2026 | Senate | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing |
| 4/2/2026 | Senate | Committee recommended ought to pass and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means |
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