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Bill

S 128

An act relating to eliminating certain exemptions from the minimum wage and overtime, including the tipped minimum wage; increasing the minimum wage; and requiring that inmates receive the minimum wage for work performed

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tanya Vyhovsky and 1 co-sponsor

Establishes a time-limited commission to review DDS regulations and practices and propose changes to improve licensing, placement, and services for high-need individuals.

Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs
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Bill Summary · S 128

Summary — S 128 (2025): Resolve to establish a commission to review Department of Developmental Services regulations and practices

Note on metadata: The bill text filed as Senate No. 128 (presented by Sen. Paul R. Feeney) is a resolve creating a special commission to review Department of Developmental Services (DDS) regulations and practices. Other metadata provided (title referencing victims’ rights and an extensive unrelated sponsors list) appears inconsistent with the bill text. This summary follows the actual bill text as filed.

Purpose

Create a time‑limited, multi‑stakeholder commission to investigate DDS regulations and practices that may reduce effective service delivery to people with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), and to recommend regulatory, policy, or legislative changes.

Key provisions

  • Establishes a special commission charged to investigate and study:
    • Removing barriers in current DDS regulations;
    • Achieving greater efficiencies in licensing processes;
    • Delivery of services to high‑need populations;
    • Transition planning for individuals with significant and unique medical needs;
    • Clinical regulations concerning use of emerging technologies and use of protective equipment;
    • Placement authority and related placement processes. (The bill text lists these items in sequence; numbering contains a typographical inconsistency.)
  • Commission composition (representative mix of legislators and stakeholders):
    • 3 members of the Senate appointed by the Senate President (one serving as Senate Chair);
    • 1 Senate member appointed by the Senate Minority Leader;
    • 3 members of the House appointed by the Speaker (one serving as House Chair);
    • 1 House member appointed by the House Minority Leader;
    • Representatives (or designees) from provider organizations and advocacy groups, including:
    • President & CEO, Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers;
    • President/CEO, Providers’ Council;
    • CEO, The Arc of Massachusetts;
    • Executive Director, Massachusetts Association of Approved Special Education Schools;
    • 1 member appointed by the Autism Commission (established by chapter 226 of the acts of 2014);
    • 1 member appointed by the Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities;
    • 1 member appointed by the Governor.
  • Deadlines and reporting:
    • All appointments due by December 31, 2025.
    • First meeting to be held no later than April 15, 2025.
    • Commission to report findings and recommendations, including any implementing legislation, to the clerks of the Senate and House by December 31, 2026.

Who is affected

  • Individuals with autism and I/DD, particularly those with high medical needs or requiring specialized placement or supports.
  • DDS and its regulatory/licensing processes.
  • Service providers (residential, clinical, educational) and advocacy organizations.
  • Families, guardians, and the broader provider network that supports people with I/DD.

Procedural status (selected)

  • Introduced in the Senate: January 16, 2025 (presented by Sen. Paul R. Feeney).
  • Referred to relevant committees (Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities; Rules; subsequent committee referrals noted).
  • Committee hearing scheduled for September 9, 2025 (per docket).
  • Report and final recommendations due to the Legislature by December 31, 2026.

Potential impact

If implemented, the commission could identify regulatory barriers and propose reforms to speed licensing, improve placement processes, clarify clinical guidance on emerging technologies and protective equipment, and strengthen transition planning for medically complex individuals. Recommendations could lead to administrative rule changes or new legislation affecting how DDS and providers deliver services to high‑need populations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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