S2558
An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder
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Bill overview
This bill aims to improve interactions between Massachusetts police officers and individuals with autism spectrum disorder. It seeks to establish guidelines and training to help officers better understand and respond to the needs of autistic individuals during police encounters. The bill also intends to promote a more supportive and understanding approach from law enforcement when interacting with this population.
Key provisions
- Requires the Massachusetts Police Academy to incorporate autism awareness training into its curriculum.
- Establishes guidelines for police officers interacting with individuals with autism.
- Encourages the development of a statewide autism liaison program within law enforcement agencies.
- Promotes the use of visual aids and communication strategies during police interactions.
- Supports the creation of a registry of individuals with autism who may require specialized assistance from law enforcement.
Who is affected
- Individuals with autism spectrum disorder
- Massachusetts police officers
- Law enforcement agencies
- Families of individuals with autism
Notable changes
- Introduces specific training requirements for police officers.
- Establishes protocols for de-escalation techniques when interacting with autistic individuals.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Senate Committee on Ways and Means
Cosponsors
Bradley H. Jones Jr.
Brendan P. Crighton
Bruce E. Tarr
James B. Eldridge
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Bill S.2558 194th (Current)
An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Senate Committee on Ways and Means
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Bill History Amendments Roll Call Cosponsors
Bill History
Displaying 11 actions for Bill S.2558
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 7/17/2025 | Senate | Reported from the committee on Senate Ways and Means |
| 7/17/2025 | Senate | Recommended new draft for S2348 |
| 7/17/2025 | Senate | Order relative to subject matter adopted |
| 7/17/2025 | Senate | Placed in the Orders of the Day for Thursday, July 24th |
| 7/24/2025 | Senate | Amendment #1 (Moore) adopted -see Roll Call #63 (Yeas 39 to Nays 0) |
| 7/24/2025 | Senate | Amendment #2 (Tarr) rejected -see Roll Call #64 (Yeas 5 to Nays 34) |
| 7/24/2025 | Senate | Amendment #3 (Rodrigues) adopted |
| 7/24/2025 | Senate | Substituted, as amended, as a new draft for S2348 |
| 7/24/2025 | Senate | Ordered to a third reading |
| 7/24/2025 | Senate | Read third |
| 7/24/2025 | Senate | Reprinted as amended, see S2565 |
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