Bill > H1433

This bill establishes standardized documentation requirements for students with disabilities seeking accommodations at public higher education institutions in Massachusetts. The bill defines key terms such as "individualized education plan" (IEP), a written statement identifying a student's special education needs, and "Section 504 plan," a plan providing accommodations under federal disability law. It specifies six types of acceptable documentation to prove disability status, including previous special education services, Section 504 plans, documentation from schools or agencies under the Americans with Disabilities Act, professional evaluations, disability records from other institutions, and military service-related disability documentation. Public institutions are required to request additional documentation only in specific circumstances, such as when a Section 504 plan was not in effect immediately before high school graduation. The bill mandates that the Board of Higher Education develop regulations for determining student disability accommodations, and each public institution must publicly disclose its process for evaluating disability accommodations on its website, ensuring transparency and consistency in supporting students with disabilities across Massachusetts public colleges and universities.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1433