An Act establishing a designation of a state protection and advocacy system

This bill creates a state protection and advocacy system to investigate abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of people with disabilities in Massachusetts. It designates an independent nonprofit organization meeting federal standards to advocate for the civil rights of individuals with developmental, mental health, or other disabilities. The system gains specific powers, including investigating reported incidents, accessing facilities where people with disabilities receive services, reviewing records (with consent), and providing information on available support. State agencies must cooperate with this system and may request its services on behalf of people with disabilities.