Universal Breakfast and Lunch at Senior Centers

State Bills: Massachusetts

Published June 27th, 2025

Detected April 1st, 2026

Summary

Massachusetts House Bill H.4039 proposes requiring the Department of Aging and Independence to provide universal breakfast and lunch at senior centers, centers for active living, and councils on aging. The bill was referred to study order H5310 after committee review. A public hearing was held May 12, 2025.

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What changed

House Bill H.4039 would mandate that Massachusetts' Department of Aging and Independence implement universal breakfast and lunch programs at senior centers, active living centers, and local councils on aging. The bill was introduced by Representative Michelle L. Badger and initially heard by the Elder Affairs committee before being referred to the Aging and Independence committee. The bill has advanced to study order H5310, indicating ongoing legislative consideration.

Compliance officers and social services administrators should monitor the bill's progress through the Massachusetts General Court. While the bill remains in study phase, entities operating senior nutrition programs should review current meal service requirements and assess potential capacity implications if enacted. No compliance deadline or penalty provisions are specified as the legislation has not been finalized.

Source document (simplified)

Bill H.4039 194th (Current)

An Act relative to universal breakfast and lunch at senior centers

By Representative Badger of Plymouth, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4039) of Michelle L. Badger that the Department of Aging and Independence provide universal breakfast and lunch at senior centers, centers for active living and councils on aging. Elder Affairs.

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Bill Information

Presenter: Michelle L. Badger Tabs Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Hearing Attendance

Bill History

Displaying 6 actions for Bill H.4039
| Date | Branch | Action |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 4/22/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Elder Affairs |
| 4/24/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 4/29/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 05/12/2025 from 10:00 AM-01:00 PM in A-1 |
| 6/27/2025 | Joint | Referred, pursuant to an order adopted by the two branches, to the committee on Aging and Independence |
| | House | Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order |
| 3/30/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5310 (under House Rule 27) |

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