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HD 1781

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

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

DCR's annual budget must include a work timeline and planned actions to ensure Title IX compliance for equal accommodations in DCR facilities.

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Bill Summary · HD 1781

Summary: HD 1781 — An Act relative to Department of Conservation and Recreation Title IX compliance

Purpose and intent

  • The bill aims to strengthen compliance with Title IX by requiring the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to demonstrate its efforts to ensure equal accommodations for sexes in DCR-owned facilities.
  • It seeks greater visibility and accountability in how the department plans and budgets for Title IX-related compliance.

Key provisions

  • Amends Section 3C of Chapter 21 of the Massachusetts General Laws (as appearing in the 2022 edition) by adding a new subsection.
  • New subsection (b):
    • Requires that the annual budget, as promulgated in Chapter 21, Section 3C, include a work timeline and related efforts the DCR has made and is scheduled to make to guarantee compliance with the federal Title IX standards (specifically relating to equal accommodations for sexes in DCR-owned facilities).
    • The timeline and efforts are to be disclosed as part of the department’s budgetary documentation.

Who/what would be affected

  • Primary: Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and its management/administrative staff responsible for Title IX compliance activities.
  • Users of DCR facilities (e.g., park visitors, participants in recreation programs) could be impacted indirectly through potential improvements or changes aimed at ensuring equal accommodations (e.g., restrooms, changing facilities, locker rooms) to meet Title IX expectations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill proposes a recurring requirement tied to the department’s annual budget process:
    • The budget submitted under Chapter 21 Section 3C must include a described work timeline and related compliance efforts.
    • This is an ongoing annual requirement, not a one-time mandate.
  • Status: The bill is presented as a proposed measure in the 2025-2026 General Court (introduced in the 2025 session). The specific status in the current session is not provided in the text provided. It notes a prior similar filing in a previous session (House No. 923 of 2023-2024).

Additional context

  • The bill cites Title IX compliance and references the federal framework for equal accommodations for sexes in DCR facilities.
  • It mirrors prior similar proposals, indicating ongoing legislative interest in aligning state agency facility accommodations with Title IX principles.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Increased transparency: Annual publication of a timeline and planned actions for Title IX compliance within the DCR budget.
  • Budgetary planning: The department would need to formalize and document its compliance activities and schedules, potentially informing capital planning, facility upgrades, signage, and accessibility improvements.
  • Implementation questions: How Title IX obligations are interpreted for state agency facilities outside education programs, and how interaction with federal guidance will be managed.

If enacted, the provision would be codified as a new subsection (b) appended to Section 3C of Chapter 21, integrating Title IX compliance planning directly into the department’s budgetary process.

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

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