Bill > H820

This bill amends Massachusetts election law to enhance accessibility for voters with disabilities by requiring the state secretary to conduct comprehensive polling place accessibility inspections at least every four years. Under this legislation, an agent from the state secretary's office will inspect each polling place and early voting site to ensure compliance with federal and state accessibility laws. If any accessibility violations are found, the inspecting agent must promptly report these in writing to the state secretary and local city or town clerk. The responsible local officials must then take immediate action to address the accessibility issues and submit a written compliance plan within 5 days. If a city or town fails to respond appropriately, the state secretary can order compliance, and the attorney general is empowered to bring a civil action in superior court to enforce accessibility requirements. Additionally, the state secretary must provide an annual written report to the state legislature detailing the activities and findings of these accessibility inspections. The bill explicitly states that these provisions do not limit other potential judicial remedies for individuals or officials seeking to address accessibility concerns.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H820