By Representatives Finn of West Springfield and Garballey of Arlington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 232) of Michael J. Finn, Norman J. Orrall and others relative to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
Maddy summaryThis bill (H 4487) updates terminology across Massachusetts state law to replace outdated terms like "handicapped," "disabled," and "mentally retarded" with more respectful and current language such as "persons with disabilities" and "intellectual or developmental disability." It amends 33 sections of the General Laws, including provisions related to employment weeks, veteran benefits, healthcare, and community services, to consistently use inclusive terminology. The bill directly affects how state laws reference these communities but does not create new programs or change existing policies. It was reported favorably by the Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities committee.
By Representative McGonagle of Everett, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3739) of Joseph W. McGonagle, Jr., for legislation to authorize the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to accept partial payment of fines for suspension or revocation of licenses. Transportation.
By Representative Stanley of Waltham, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Thomas M. Stanley and Michael J. Barrett for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Alexandra Schwartz, an employee of the Massachusetts Department of State Police. Public Service.
By Representatives Domb of Amherst and Garballey of Arlington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3655) of Mindy Domb and Sean Garballey that the Registry of Motor Vehicles design certain envelopes to enhance effective communications and interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder. Transportation.
By Representative Garry of Dracut, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2842) of Colleen M. Garry and others for legislation to add certain POST-certified police officers under the heart law presumption. Public Service.
By Representative McGonagle of Everett, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2909) of Joseph W. McGonagle, Jr., and others relative to a post-traumatic stress disorder presumption for certain retirement benefits. Public Service.
By Representatives Garballey of Arlington and Cahill of Lynn, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2836) of Sean Garballey, Daniel Cahill and others relative to Parkinson's disease disability and death of certain firefighters and other public safety officers in the contributory retirement plan for public employees. Public Service.
By Representative Biele of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2753) of David Biele and others for legislation to expand the cancer presumption for firefighters. Public Service.
By Representative Gordon of Bedford, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2853) of Kenneth I. Gordon and others relative to PTSD and accidental disability. Public Service.
