Legislative Priorities

View all of Jim's legislation here

End of life options act

While hospice and palliative care remain the most common end of life option, they simply cannot alleviate all pain and suffering for all patients. This bill gives terminally ill patients the power to make their own choice about their future.

With strict eligibility requirements and more than a dozen safeguards, it is the most comprehensive and stringent law of its kind in the entire country.

Raise the age

Young men and women ages 18-20 have the highest recidivism rate of any age group in the adult corrections system, and double the recidivism rate of similarly situated teens in the juvenile system.

This overly punitive approach is clearly not working for our Commonwealth’s young adults. According to research by the CDC, adolescents had a 34% lower recidivism rate when they were placed in the juvenile system compared to the adult carceral system.

By undertaking this common-sense reform to the justice system, our state has the potential to account for the developmental needs of emerging adults while simultaneously achieving goals of accountability and rehabilitation.

Wheelchair repair

Currently, individuals with disabilities who require the use of a motorized wheelchair must wait weeks, or even months if their equipment needs repair.

Unfortunately, these delays are due to a combination of factors including a shortage of manufacturers in the field of durable medical equipment and burdensome insurance requirements like prior authorization.

This bill would mandate that all wheelchairs be repaired within a fixed period of 10 days, regardless of whether repairs are under warranty or not. Additionally, the proposal would eliminate ALL prior authorization for wheelchairs less than 5 years old.

At its core, this bill is about enhancing the lives of those living with disabilities and their families. Nobody should have to wait months for repairs to vital medical equipment that they need to get around – it’s undignified.

Everyone needs an id

This bill aims to expand access to standard Massachusetts ID cards for people experiencing homelessness by eliminating the $25 fee and allowing alternative ways to verify Massachusetts residency without requiring a permanent address.

Obtaining an ID card is a critical first step for youth and adults experiencing homelessness to accomplish typical life tasks and access opportunities. ID is required for a broad range of life activities, such as:

Applying for housing and employment
Enrolling in education programs
Getting a library card
Picking up mail or packages from the post office
Opening financial accounts
Entering certain government buildings
Accessing medical services