Bill > H257

This bill requires restaurants and food service establishments to provide photographic or visual menus to assist individuals with verbal communication impairments. Specifically, licensed innholders and common victuallers (restaurants) must maintain photographic menus on their premises that include written descriptions and pictures of each food and drink item, and must display a notice informing customers about the availability of these menus. The Department of Public Health will develop and implement a voluntary "Communication Impairment Friendly" designation program for restaurants, which will involve creating guidelines in consultation with the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, the Department of Developmental Services, and Arc Massachusetts, Inc. These guidelines will outline requirements for restaurants to receive the designation, with a key requirement being the maintenance of photographic or visual menus. The department is also authorized to develop regulations to implement these provisions, with the overall goal of improving dining accessibility for individuals who have difficulty verbally communicating their food and drink preferences.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H257