Senate Bill - AN ACT CONCERNING SENIOR CENTERS

Bill number: LCO No. 1557 / Raised Bill No. 162

Session: February Session, 2020

Committee: AGING

Summary: This bill aims to make changes regarding senior centers. It includes provisions to:

Allow senior center staff members to be appointed as municipal agents for the elderly
Authorize the establishment of multipurpose senior centers, which can offer a variety of services
Provide additional resources for senior centers
Create a working group to study the needs of senior centers

Section 1

This section explains that each municipality must appoint a municipal agent for elderly persons. The agent can be a staff member of a senior center, a member of an agency serving elderly persons, or a responsible resident with an interest in the elderly or experience in aging programs. The duties of the agent include disseminating information, assisting with benefit applications, and reporting to municipal officials and the Department of Aging and Disability Services.

Section 2

This section allows municipalities or private organizations serving older persons to establish multipurpose senior centers. These centers can provide various services such as nutrition programs, health programs, employment assistance, intergenerational initiatives, community service opportunities, public benefits counseling, socialization and educational opportunities, transportation, peer counseling, financial and retirement counseling, arts and recreation programs, and case management services.

Section 3

This section states that the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity will provide assistance to senior centers, which may include maintaining a list of senior centers and resources, offering technical assistance, communicating information about support and services, and establishing a statewide senior center work group.

Section 4

This section establishes a statewide senior center working group. The group will develop a coordinated plan for the development of senior centers and municipal services for older persons. It will also evaluate the feasibility of implementing service standards, facilitate coordination with executive branch departments, provide best practices and procedures, and make recommendations for necessary appropriations or legislative changes. The working group will consist of various representatives appointed by different authorities and will submit a report on its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly.

Sen. Matthew Lesser

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