Committee hears bill to let councils on aging directors hire staff, update outdated language

A bill to amend Massachusetts law so that directors of municipal councils on aging can hire staff without requiring a separate council vote drew support at a Joint Committee on Aging and Independence hearing Monday.

Representative Michael Donahue told the committee he supports H.765 / S.487, which would amend Section 8B of Chapter 40 of the Massachusetts General Laws to reflect how councils on aging are structured in most communities today. “This would increase the effectiveness of the director and the ability to meet the needs of older adults,” Donahue said.

Committee members and witnesses said the proposal has two main aims: update “ageist terminology” in the statute and reconcile the law with current municipal practice. Betsy Connell, executive…