Bill > H287

This bill establishes a special commission to study and develop best practices for ensuring the safety of blind and visually impaired individuals in public spaces, particularly in walkways and intersections. The nine-member commission will include representatives from key state agencies like the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation, as well as the Disability Law Center. Additionally, the governor will appoint four members, specifically two advocates from the blind and visually impaired community and two experts in roadway safety and accessibility technology. The commission will comprehensively review existing roadway and traffic policies, current accessible pedestrian signal usage, and emerging technologies that could improve safety for blind persons, especially in urban and densely populated areas. Within one year of the bill's passage, the commission is required to submit a detailed report with their findings and recommendations to various state officials and legislative committees, potentially suggesting new legislation or executive actions to enhance safety for blind and visually impaired individuals.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H287