The State Senate appears ready to debate what some have referred to as "The Holyoke Soldiers Home" Bill.
The reform package comes in the aftermath of the Holyoke Soldiers Home tragedy where 77 veterans died from Covid at the start of the pandemic.
The reform measures will affect both the Holyoke and Chelsea facilities.
The House has already passed a version of the bill.
The Senate bill would require the head of the facility to be a licensed nursing home administrator--and create a new statewide council to advise on operational needs.
Some Western Mass lawmakers have had issues with that for fear of it becoming another state run agency as opposed to local operation.
After the Senate passes the measure it would to a conference committee to iron out differences.
(Photo Credit: John Baibak. WHYN News)