H 499 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act concerning athletic activities of students with disabilities

This bill requires Massachusetts school districts to provide students with disabilities equal opportunities to participate in mainstream physical education and athletic programs. It mandates that districts offer reasonable modifications or aids to facilitate this participation while also ensuring adapted or unified sports programs are available. Exceptions are allowed only when inclusion poses an objective safety risk or fundamentally alters the nature of the program. Additionally, the bill directs districts to create inclusive sports opportunities and allows the state athletic association to establish interscholastic programs for students with specific disabilities.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
May 2024
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action May 30, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
10
Key actions
4
Committee
1
May 21, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Mar 28, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 29, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Education
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Kevin Honan
Kevin Honan
DDemocratic
MA
17th Suffolk