S 137
An Act dignifying individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
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Bill overview
This bill aims to improve the way individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities are treated and referred to in Massachusetts law and government processes. It seeks to ‘dignify’ these individuals by using respectful and accurate language in official documents and interactions. The bill has undergone amendments and is closely related to other legislation concerning disability rights in the state.
Key provisions
- The bill focuses on using respectful and accurate language when referring to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
- It seeks to improve the overall treatment and dignity of this population within the Commonwealth.
- The bill has been amended multiple times during its consideration.
- It is related to other legislation aimed at improving disability rights in Massachusetts.
- The bill was referred to the Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
Who is affected
- Individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities
- State agencies and government officials
- Families of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities
Notable changes
- The bill has been amended several times during its legislative process.
- It is part of a broader effort to improve disability rights legislation in Massachusetts.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Patricia D. Jehlen
Cosponsors
Bruce E. Tarr
James B. Eldridge
James K. Hawkins
Jason M. Lewis
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
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Bill S.137 194th (Current)
An Act dignifying individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 137) of Patricia D. Jehlen, Mark C. Montigny, Joanne M. Comerford, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Patricia D. Jehlen Special Attachments: Committee - Senate member votes
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Bill History Amendments Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Primary Sponsor Summary
Bill History
Displaying 11 actions for Bill S.137
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Referred to the committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities |
| 2/27/2025 | House | House concurred |
| 6/3/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/10/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1 |
| 6/23/2025 | Senate | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Rules |
| 7/17/2025 | Senate | Committee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for Thursday July 24, 2025 |
| 7/24/2025 | Senate | Read second |
| 7/24/2025 | Senate | Amendment #1 (Creem) adopted |
| 7/24/2025 | Senate | Amendment #2 (Lovely) adopted |
| 7/24/2025 | Senate | Ordered to a third reading |
| 7/24/2025 | Senate | Read third (title changed) |
| 7/24/2025 | Senate | Reprinted as amended, see S2563 |
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