Massachusetts Senate Bill S172

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/25
• Refer: 2/27/25

Caption

Relative to mandated reporters of disabled persons abuse

Impact

The proposed amendment to Chapter 19C of the General Laws of Massachusetts will strengthen the legal framework surrounding the protection of disabled individuals. By including firefighters and emergency medical technicians as mandated reporters, the bill enhances the capacity of the system to detect and respond to instances of abuse more effectively. This legislative change underscores a commitment to safeguarding individuals with disabilities by leveraging the observational capabilities of those who frequently interact with these populations in crisis situations.

Summary

Bill S172, titled 'An Act relative to mandated reporters of disabled persons abuse', aims to amend existing laws in Massachusetts to expand the definition of 'mandated reporters' to include emergency responders such as firefighters and emergency medical technicians. This change reflects a growing recognition of the role that first responders can play in identifying and reporting abuse against individuals with disabilities. The bill seeks to enhance the protections for vulnerable individuals by ensuring that a wider range of professionals are legally required to report suspected cases of abuse.

Contention

The discussion surrounding S172 may evolve to address the implications of broadening the mandated reporter category. While proponents argue that the inclusion of additional responders will protect disabled individuals more effectively, there may be concerns about the training and support needed for these professionals to identify signs of abuse accurately. Furthermore, questions may arise regarding the potential administrative burdens placed on emergency response teams, particularly in terms of the protocols for reporting and following up on such cases.