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Bill

SD 159

An Act relative to mandated reporters of disabled persons abuse

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bruce Tarr

Expands Massachusetts mandated reporter requirements to require professionals to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of disabled persons to authorities.

House concurred
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SD 159

Legislative bill overview

Bill SD 159 expands Massachusetts's mandated reporter laws to require specific professionals to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of persons with disabilities. The bill clarifies reporting obligations and potentially adds new categories of professionals who must file reports with appropriate authorities when they have reasonable cause to suspect abuse of disabled individuals.

Why is this important

Persons with disabilities face elevated risks of abuse and exploitation but often lack effective safeguards because professionals may not clearly understand their reporting obligations. Strengthening mandated reporter requirements can improve detection and intervention in cases of disability-related abuse, though implementation effectiveness depends on clear definitions and adequate training.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition clarity: The bill may lack precise definitions of what constitutes abuse, neglect, or exploitation of disabled persons, creating ambiguity about reporting thresholds and potentially leading to over- or under-reporting.
  • Scope of mandated reporters: Expansion of who must report could burden additional professionals with legal liability and training requirements, raising questions about cost and administrative burden across multiple sectors.
  • Privacy and false reporting concerns: Broader reporting requirements may create tension between protecting disabled individuals' privacy and the risk of increased reports that prove unfounded, potentially affecting the disabled community's relationships with service providers.

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

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