Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Massachusetts Senate Bill S313

Introduced

2/27/25

Refer

2/27/25

Caption

Strengthening transitional planning and increasing accountability for persons with disabilities and their families

Impact

The proposed bill seeks to establish a special commission tasked with reviewing service gaps and developing a comprehensive plan for supporting transition age youth. This commission will include various stakeholders, such as state officials and representatives from organizations that assist disabled individuals. The enhanced focus on the reports and strategies for service delivery aims to improve communication with families, increase awareness of available programs, and establish clear pathways for ongoing support after high school. Such provisions indicate a systemic shift in how the state intends to plan for and support the transition of these individuals into adult services.

Summary

S313, titled 'An Act strengthening transitional planning and increasing accountability for persons with disabilities and their families', is designed to enhance the transition process for individuals with disabilities as they graduate from high school or reach the age of twenty-two. The bill aims to amend Chapter 71B of the Massachusetts General Laws to extend certain educational and support services, acknowledging the challenges faced by these individuals and their families once they no longer qualify for special education services. Key amendments include requirements for the transitional advisory committee to report on the number of individuals transitioning out of the system and their anticipated needs, ensuring better planning and resource allocation.

Contention

While the bill has garnered broad support amongst sponsors—many of whom are advocates for persons with disabilities—there may be contention surrounding the funding and resources required to implement the proposed changes. Critics may argue that without adequate state budget allocations, the commission's proposals could remain aspirational rather than actionable. Additionally, stakeholders might express concerns regarding the effectiveness of increasing accountability measures at the state level, questioning whether bureaucratic changes will lead to tangible differences in the lives of individuals transitioning out of educational settings.

Latest S313 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

NJ AR96

Changes membership of Budget and Labor Committees; clarifies that bill or resolution may be listed on committee agenda for purposes of amendment.

MI HB4870

Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; funds donated to a candidate for recall efforts; require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.

MI HB4326

Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; provision related to officeholders raising funds when facing a recall; modify, and require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.

MN HC6

A concurrent resolution recognizing wild rice as sacred and central to the culture and health of Indigenous Peoples in Minnesota and critical to the health and identity of all Minnesota citizens and ecosystems and establishing a commitment to passing legislation to protect wild rice and the freshwater resources upon which it depends.