Bill > S2714

This bill establishes a special legislative commission to study discrimination cases involving individuals with disabilities and service animals in Massachusetts. The commission will be composed of diverse stakeholders, including legislative committee chairs, the Massachusetts Office on Disability's executive director, the attorney general, representatives from disability advocacy organizations like the Disability Law Center and Disability Policy Consortium, two disabled advocates with service animals, and others. The commission is required to meet at least six times and hold no fewer than two public hearings to investigate four key areas: the number of disability rights denial cases reported to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and the U.S. Department of Justice, the effectiveness of disability rights enforcement in the state over the past five years, and strategies for educating the public about disability rights. By August 1, 2027, the commission must submit a comprehensive report to the state legislature, including specific recommendations and potential legislative or regulatory changes to address discrimination against individuals with disabilities and their service animals in public accommodations.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2714