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H 1068

An Act relative to Department of Conservation and Recreation Title IX compliance

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Tom Walsh

Requires DCR's annual budget to include a Title IX compliance plan with timelines and actions to ensure equal accommodations in DCR-owned facilities.

Read; and referred to the committee on Senate Rules
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Bill Summary · H 1068

Summary: H.1068 — An Act relative to Department of Conservation and Recreation Title IX compliance

Overview

H.1068, introduced February 27, 2025 by Representative Thomas P. Walsh (12th Essex), is a bill in the Massachusetts General Court titled “An Act relative to Department of Conservation and Recreation Title IX compliance.” The bill proposes a statutory addition to the budgeting process for the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to enhance transparency and planning around compliance with Title IX, specifically regarding equal accommodations for sexes in DCR-owned facilities.

What the bill does (Key provisions)

  • Amendment to law: Section 3C of Chapter 21 of the Massachusetts General Laws (as appearing in the 2022 edition) would be amended by adding a new subsection at the end.
  • New requirement (subsection b): The annual budget, as promulgated in Chapter 21 Section 3C, must include:
    • A work timeline, and
    • Related efforts the department has made and plans to make,
    • In guaranteeing compliance with Title IX (federal law prohibiting sex discrimination) to ensure equal accommodations for sexes in DCR-owned facilities.
  • Purpose of addition: Embed a formal, time-bound plan within the DCR’s budgeting process to advance Title IX compliance and document progress publicly within the department’s annual budget.

Who/what would be affected

  • Primary entity: Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
  • Broader impact: DCR facilities and services operated or owned by the department would be the focus of compliance efforts (e.g., access to facilities, accommodations, and related gender equity considerations).
  • The requirement affects how the DCR reports and plans its budget, potentially influencing capital projects, facility upgrades, and policy implementations tied to Title IX compliance.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Committee action: Referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources on February 27, 2025.
  • Legislative progress:
    • Hearing activity anticipated in 2025.
    • Reported favorably by the committee and referred for scheduling (early November 2025).
    • Subsequent actions in late November 2025 included committee reporting to the “Orders of the Day,” suspension of rules, and advancement from second to third reading.
  • Current status: Read second and ordered to a third reading (as of the latest actions provided).

Legislative context

  • A related measure from the prior session (House No. 923 of 2023-2024) is noted as similar matter, suggesting ongoing interest in Title IX-related accommodations within DCR oversight.
  • Sponsor: Rep. Thomas P. Walsh (primary).

Potential impact

  • The bill would institutionalize Title IX compliance planning within the DCR’s budgeting process, promoting transparency about timelines and actions to achieve equal accommodations in DCR facilities.
  • Could lead to more structured planning and reporting on gender equity in department facilities, potentially informing future capital improvements or policy changes to meet federal compliance standards.

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

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