MA S1280

Establishes a special commission to investigate costs and burdens faced by comprehensive foster care providers contracted by the Department of Children and Families in obtaining and maintaining liability insurance

Commission membership includes chairs of the Joint Committee on Children, Families & Persons with Disabilities, Secretary of Health and Human Services, commissioners of Insurance and DCF, foster care caucus chair, Office of the Child Advocate, insurance providers, and representatives from the Children's League of Massachusetts

Commission must include a family member of a child receiving foster care services and an individual who has served as a foster care parent, with appointments ensuring diverse perspectives and geographic representation

Required study areas include insurance cost data (state and national), claims data, barriers to obtaining coverage, best practices from other states, and development of solutions to alleviate financial pressures on providers

All appointments must be made within 30 days of enactment, with final report and legislative recommendations due to the legislature by October 1, 2025