H558
An Act to promote the inclusion of American Sign Language in the Commonwealth’s public schools, AKA The American Sign Language Inclusion Act
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, known as the American Sign Language Inclusion Act, aims to expand the availability of American Sign Language (ASL) courses in Massachusetts public schools. The legislation seeks to ensure that students have access to learning ASL, promoting inclusivity and communication for students who are Deaf or hard of hearing. It encourages schools to integrate ASL into their curriculum, recognizing the value of this language and culture. The bill builds upon previous attempts to establish ASL education in the state.
Key provisions
- Requires public schools to offer ASL courses.
- Encourages the development of ASL programs and resources.
- Supports teacher training in ASL.
- Promotes the inclusion of ASL in existing language arts curricula.
- Facilitates collaboration between schools and Deaf community organizations.
Who is affected
- Students in Massachusetts public schools
- Deaf and hard of hearing students
- Teachers and school administrators
- Massachusetts public schools
- The Deaf community
Notable changes
- Expands upon previous efforts to introduce ASL education.
- Creates a framework for consistent ASL instruction across the state.
- Recognizes ASL as a valuable language and cultural asset.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Carmine Lawrence Gentile
Danillo A. Sena
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
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Bill H.558 194th (Current)
An Act to promote the inclusion of American Sign Language in the Commonwealth’s public schools, AKA The American Sign Language Inclusion Act
By Representative Doherty of Taunton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 558) of Carol A. Doherty and others relative to courses in American Sign Language. Education.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Carol A. Doherty Status: Referred to Joint Committee on Education
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Bill History Petitioners
Bill History
Displaying 3 actions for Bill H.558
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Education |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 9/2/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 09/16/2025 from 11:00 AM-5:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium |
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S.345 189th (2015 - 2016)
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S.425 194th (Current)
An Act to promote the inclusion of American Sign Language in the Commonwealth’s public schools, AKA The American Sign Language Inclusion Act
S.2866 194th (Current)
An Act to promote the inclusion of American Sign Language in the Commonwealth’s public schools, AKA The American Sign Language Inclusion Act
S.287 186th (2009 - 2010)
An Act relative to the teaching of American Sign Language.
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