The civic record
Read. Follow. Verify.Massachusetts establishes a special commission to investigate durable power of attorney laws and financial abuse
Last action · March 26, 2026: Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)Sponsor: David Linsky
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What This Bill Would Do
Massachusetts establishes a special legislative commission to review the codification, administration, and practical use of durable powers of attorney, investigate the risk of financial abuse, and submit recommendations and draft legislation by March 1, 2027.
The measure sets up a multi-agency state review body mandated to hold at least 5 public meetings and propose legal reforms to protect vulnerable residents from financial exploitation under arrangements.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Individuals under durable power of attorney
State policy and legal protections regarding their care and financial oversight are subject to investigation and potential statutory changes.
State agencies and designated officials
Agency heads or their designees serve on the commission and must supply relevant data and information.
Legal and advocacy organizations
Groups such as the Massachusetts Bar Association and elder law attorneys are granted representation or asked to provide feedback.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the newly established special commission?
When must the commission report its findings?
How many public meetings must the commission hold?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
5 actions- Mar 26, 2026HouseAccompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)
- Oct 14, 2025JointHearing scheduled for 04/22/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
- Apr 18, 2025JointHearing scheduled for 04/22/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
- Feb 27, 2025SenateSenate concurred
- Feb 27, 2025HouseCommitteeReferred to the committee on The Judiciary
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
malegislature.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance50How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy10Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz25Current news / social attention level
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