S2565
An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to improve interactions between police officers and individuals with autism spectrum disorder. It seeks to establish guidelines and training to help law enforcement officers better understand and respond to the needs of autistic individuals during encounters. The legislation intends to reduce misunderstandings and potentially stressful situations for both parties involved. Ultimately, the goal is to foster safer and more respectful interactions.
Key provisions
- Requires the Massachusetts Police Training Standards and Practices Commission to develop training materials for officers on autism spectrum disorder.
- Establishes guidelines for officers interacting with autistic individuals, focusing on de-escalation techniques.
- Encourages the use of visual aids and communication strategies during police encounters.
- Promotes the use of crisis intervention teams to assist individuals with autism experiencing difficulties.
- Directs the Department of Public Health to develop resources for families and individuals with autism regarding interactions with law enforcement.
Who is affected
- Individuals with autism spectrum disorder
- Police officers
- Families of individuals with autism
- Law enforcement agencies
- The Department of Public Health
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Cosponsors
Bradley H. Jones Jr.
Brendan P. Crighton
Bruce E. Tarr
James B. Eldridge
James K. Hawkins
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yoursRead the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Bill S.2565 194th (Current)
An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder
Senate, July 24, 2025 -- Text of the Senate Bill facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder (Senate, No. 2565) (being the text of Senate No. 2558, printed as amended)
View Text Print Preview Download PDF
Bill Information
Bill Information
Status: Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
Tabs
Bill History Roll Call Cosponsors
Bill History
Displaying 3 actions for Bill S.2565
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 7/24/2025 | Senate | Text of S2558, printed as amended |
| 7/24/2025 | Senate | Passed to be engrossed -- see Roll Call #65 (Yeas 39 to Yeas 0) |
| 7/28/2025 | House | Read; and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means |
Similar Bills
S.2204 193rd (2023 - 2024)
An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder
S.2348 194th (Current)
An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder
S.2542 193rd (2023 - 2024)
An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder
S.2558 194th (Current)
An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder
H.3516 192nd (2021 - 2022)
An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The General Court provides this information as a public service and while we endeavor to keep the data accurate and current to the best of our ability, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.