Raised Bill No. 162 - Senior Centers Summary

• Expands eligibility for municipal agents for elderly persons to include senior center staff members, in addition to agency members and community residents, effective October 1, 2020.

• Authorizes municipalities and private organizations designated as municipal agents to establish multipurpose senior centers offering services including nutrition, health programs, employment assistance, intergenerational initiatives, transportation, counseling, and case management.

• Requires the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity to provide assistance to senior centers through maintaining resource lists, offering technical assistance, and facilitating communication about local, state, and federal support.

• Establishes a state-wide senior center working group composed of representatives from senior centers, municipal agencies, professional associations, and state departments to develop an annual support plan and recommend core service standards by January 1, 2022.

• Directs the Department of Aging and Disability Services to adopt guidelines and provide training for municipal agents in coordination with area agencies on aging.