|
Bill
|
Summary
|
Sponsor
|
Status
|
Materials
|
|
HB983
An Act for passage to independence
|
“Passage to Independence” focuses on adequate funding for Turning 22 during the transition from high school to adult life. It includes some monies for those on the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) wait list. It also includes a set-aside for employment funding and includes some other positive components including two revenue sections. Turning 22 dollars are allocated for DDS and the Mass. Rehab. Commission (MRC).
|
Rep. James O'Day
|
|
|
|
HB984
An Act to encourage responsibility, cost effectiveness and meaningful lives for individuals with disabilities
|
The “Real lives” bill expands the ability of people to direct their own public funds. It requires no new funding. It requires that the administration implement certain new goals and strategies so as to allow public funds to be used as flexibly as possible by the individual or family even if it requires a new federal waiver or state plan amendment
|
Rep. Tom Sannicandro
|
| This bill has been revised; copy attached is revision, not filed bill. |
|
|
|
HB596
An Act relative to eliminating health disparities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
|
Calls for Executive Office of Health & Human Services, Department of Public Health, and Office of Medicaid to improve access to high-quality health care and eliminate health care disparities among disability populations. Areas of focus will include care coordination, disability education requirements and cultural competence for professional licensure and renewal.
|
Rep. Peter Koutoujian
|
|
|
|
HD2591
An Act facilitating the development of underutilized facilities and state-owned property formerly operated by the Department of Mental Health or the Department of Developmental Services for supported housing for DDS or DMH consumers
|
Proposes a mechanism to capture 50 percent of the proceeds of the sale or disposition of surplus property for use in creating housing for persons served by the DDS or DMH. Supported by the Citizens' Housing And Planning Association (CHAPA) and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), Massachusetts chapter.
|
Rep. Kay Khan
|
|
|
|
HB158
An Act improving outcomes for high school students with disabilities
|
Ensures that special education teachers and rehabilitation counselors can receive advanced training regarding transition planning and services. Requires the Board of Education to revise regulations for educator licensure to provide an specialist teacher license in Transition Services. Special education transition services, which are required by federal law, are critical to facilitate a student’s movement to post-school activities, including post-secondary education, vocational education, integrated employment, continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, and community participation. Although schools rely heavily on special education teachers to implement and manage transition planning and services, current licensure requirements inadequately address this critical area. Thousands of children with disabilities, ages 14-22, will directly benefit from this legislation.
|
Rep. Tom Sannicandro
|
|
|
|
HB1136
An Act for a competitive economy through safer alternatives to toxic chemicals
|
Preventative legislation that creates pragmatic and flexible program to replace toxic chemicals with safer alternatives wherever feasible. Targets only the most toxic chemicals.
|
Rep. Jay Kaufman
|
|
- Arc fact sheet
- Arc letter to state Reps. in support of bill - April 28, 2008
- Arc’s AHT page on website
|
|
HB76
An Act creating a means for tracking the unmet need of individuals with developmental disabilities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
|
Establishes the means to gather more data for assessing the unmet needs of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Directs the Office of Disabilities and Community Services to maintain the system and articulates which agencies will submit information.
|
Rep. Tom Sannicandro
|
|
|
|
HB523
An Act to require national background checks
|
Requires national background checks for all individuals who apply for work with DDS or its vendor agencies. Currently, DDS and vendor agencies are required to conduct statewide CORI checks, but no national check, which means applicant’s criminal record outside Massachusetts may not be identified.
|
Rep. Martin Walsh
|
|
· Joint Fact sheet
· Beverly Horne and Dick Krant - two family perspectives
· Arc/MDDC/MDSC Op-ed in Patriot Ledger – July 12, 2008
|
|
HB77
An Act relative to the humane treatment of disabled persons
|
Bans aversive therapy in Massachusetts. Prohibits the use of corporeal punishment, including shocking and pinching, for the purpose of changing the behavior of persons with physical or mental disabilities by any program funded, operated, licensed or approved by the Commonwealth.
|
Rep. Tom Sannicandro
|
|
· Visit our Aversive Therapy page for more information on this issue
· Arc fact sheet
|
|
HD2760/SD1230
An Act relative to the licensure of behavior analysts
|
Creates a new state licensing requirement for "Associate behavior analyst" and "Behavior analyst." Such individuals must demonstrate active status; must have fulfilled all requirements for renewal and recertification as a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst©.
|
Sen. Brian Joyce and Rep. John Scibak
|
|
|