Bill > S156

This bill establishes a special 21-member commission to study and make recommendations about how to address the treatment of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities within the criminal justice system. The commission will include representatives from various state agencies, legislative committees, law enforcement organizations, and disability advocacy groups, such as the Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association, the Arc of Massachusetts, and the Disability Law Center. The commission's specific tasks include investigating existing options for diverting individuals with disabilities from incarceration, improving placement processes, developing techniques to identify individuals at risk due to developmental or intellectual disabilities, and exploring services and resources to prevent the escalation of potential issues. The commission will be co-chaired by the secretaries of health and human services and public safety and security, and will be required to file a comprehensive report with legislative recommendations by July 31, 2026, which will include proposed legislation to implement their findings. This initiative aims to create more supportive and appropriate approaches for managing interactions between individuals with disabilities and the criminal justice system.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S156