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HD 395

An Act relative to an ADA paratransit program riders' bill of rights

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mindy Domb and 2 co-sponsors

Massachusetts establishes enforceable service rights and protections for ADA paratransit riders to improve accessibility standards across transit systems.

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Bill Summary · HD 395

Legislative bill overview

HD 395 establishes a formal "bill of rights" for riders using the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit program in Massachusetts. This bill codifies specific protections and service standards that paratransit users—individuals with disabilities who cannot use fixed-route public transportation—are entitled to receive from their transit providers.

Why is this important

Paratransit is a critical lifeline for people with disabilities, enabling access to employment, medical appointments, and community participation. Currently, these protections may exist in federal ADA regulations or provider policies but lack a unified, enforceable state framework, leaving riders with inconsistent standards and limited recourse for violations across different transit authorities.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding implications: Codifying service standards may impose new compliance costs on transit agencies already operating under budget constraints, potentially requiring increased state or federal funding
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill's specific rights provisions are not detailed in the title, creating uncertainty about whether requirements are achievable or overly burdensome for smaller transit systems
  • Enforcement mechanisms: Unclear whether the bill includes penalties, complaint procedures, or oversight authority, affecting the bill's practical enforceability and implementation capacity

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

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