Summary of Bill S 2701: An Act to Protect Assisted Living Residents from Unfair and Deceptive Billing Practices

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 2701 aims to enhance protections for residents of assisted living facilities in Massachusetts by addressing unfair and deceptive billing practices. The legislation seeks to ensure that residents and their families are treated fairly, particularly in the event of a resident's death.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following significant changes to the existing laws governing assisted living facilities:

1. Termination of Residency Agreement:
   • The bill amends Section 14 of Chapter 19D of the General Laws.
   • It states that a required notice period to terminate a written residency agreement will not be enforceable upon the death of a resident.
   • Upon the death of a resident, the facility (referred to as the "sponsor") must provide a minimum of 10 days for the removal of personal belongings without imposing any charges, expenses, or other assessments that would typically be due under the residency agreement.

Who Would Be Affected

• Assisted Living Residents: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are residents of assisted living facilities, who will gain additional protections regarding their rights and financial obligations after death.
• Families of Residents: Families will benefit from the provision that allows them time to remove personal belongings without incurring additional costs during a difficult time.
• Assisted Living Facilities: Facilities will need to adjust their billing practices and policies to comply with the new requirements set forth in the bill.

Procedural Aspects

• Introduced: The bill was introduced on August 14, 2025.
• Legislative Actions:
  • The bill was referred to the committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently, on August 14, 2025.
  • It was subsequently referred to the committee on Housing on August 28, 2025, where rules were suspended for further consideration.
  • The House concurred with the bill on November 6, 2025.
• Hearing Scheduled: A hearing for the bill is scheduled for November 10, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 12:00 PM, where written testimony will be accepted.

Conclusion

Bill S 2701 represents a significant step towards protecting the rights of assisted living residents in Massachusetts, particularly in sensitive situations involving the death of a resident. By ensuring that families have a reasonable timeframe to manage personal belongings without incurring additional financial burdens, the bill aims to foster a more compassionate and fair environment within assisted living facilities.