WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 172

An Act relative to mandated reporters of disabled persons abuse

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Peter Durant and 1 co-sponsor

Expands mandatory abuse reporting requirements to professionals and caregivers of disabled persons, requiring suspected abuse reports to authorities for vulnerable adult protection.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 172

Legislative bill overview

S. 172 expands Massachusetts's mandatory reporter requirements to include individuals who work with or care for disabled persons. The bill requires these professionals and caregivers to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of people with disabilities to appropriate authorities. This extends protections beyond children to include vulnerable adults with disabilities.

Why is this important

Disabled adults represent a population at elevated risk for abuse but often lack the same legal protections as children. Mandatory reporting requirements create institutional accountability and ensure suspected abuse reaches authorities rather than remaining unreported. This can prevent ongoing harm and facilitate intervention in cases of institutional, caregiver, or community-based abuse.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition scope: Unclear which professionals and caregivers qualify as "mandated reporters" could create compliance confusion or leave gaps in coverage depending on final language
  • Reporting threshold: Determining what constitutes "suspected" abuse versus normal concerns requires clear standards to avoid both under-reporting and frivolous reports that strain resources
  • Confidentiality vs. protection: Mandatory reporting may conflict with disabled persons' autonomy and privacy rights, particularly when individuals refuse to report abuse themselves
  • Resource capacity: Agencies receiving reports must have sufficient staff and funding to investigate; underfunded systems could become backlogged without corresponding resource allocation

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

Sign in to ask a question.