S 1482 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to American Sign Language training

This bill requires fire service personnel, police officers, and emergency medical service providers in Massachusetts to complete training courses that provide a basic understanding of American Sign Language. By amending existing state laws, the legislation mandates that these professionals receive ongoing education in ASL to improve communication with the Deaf community during emergencies. Additionally, the bill allows state departments to designate specific ASL courses as eligible for continuing education credits, ensuring that this training is integrated into standard professional development.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
May 2024
House Passage
Apr 2024
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action May 16, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

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

Actions timeline

Total actions
9
Key actions
4
Committee
2
May 16, 2024
Upper · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
upper
Apr 25, 2024
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Apr 4, 2024
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors