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H 514

An Act to improve augmentative and alternative communication opportunities for children with disabilities

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Christine Barber and 23 co-sponsors

Requires teacher prep and professional development to include instruction on AAC and other assistive tech for nonverbal or limited-speech students.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 514

Summary of H.514 (An Act to improve augmentative and alternative communication opportunities for children with disabilities)

Overview

H.514 amends Massachusetts law to strengthen and formalize the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and other assistive technologies in education. The bill focuses on teacher preparation and professional development to ensure educators can support students who are nonverbal or have limited speech.

What the bill would do

  • Require the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to repromulgate 603 CMR 7.03(3) as necessary to establish a clear requirement that all approved teacher preparation programs include instruction on the appropriate use of AAC and other assistive technologies.
  • Authorize DESE to require that individual professional development plans (PD plans) mandated by section 38G of chapter 71 address the learning needs of students who are nonverbal or have limited speech and require AAC.

Key provisions (paraphrased)

  • Repromulgation: The 603 CMR 7.03(3) rule will be refreshed as needed to implement the AAC instruction requirement.
  • Teacher preparation programs: All approved programs for teachers must include instruction on the appropriate use of AAC and other assistive technologies.
  • Professional development: The board may require PD plans, under Ch. 71, Sec. 38G, to address the needs of students who rely on AAC due to nonverbal or limited speech capabilities.

Affected parties

  • State education agencies, particularly DESE.
  • Teacher preparation programs and higher education institutions that prepare teachers.
  • Current and prospective teachers receiving training in AAC.
  • Students who are nonverbal or have limited speech and rely on AAC, along with their families and support staff.

Implementation and timeline

  • The bill would take effect through repromulgation of the regulatory text (603 CMR 7.03(3)) as necessary; no specific start date is provided in the bill text itself.
  • Legislative timeline:
    • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
    • Referred to Committee on Education: February 27, 2025.
    • Hearings scheduled: October 14, 2025 (Gardner Auditorium) and December 2, 2025 (A-2).
    • Related actions include prior similar proposals (House Bill 433 of 2023-2024) and House Docket No. 627 (the current fiscal/administrative vehicle).

Legislative context

  • Related bills: House Bill 627/HD 627 (replaces) and prior similar matter in 2023-2024 (HD 433).
  • Status: Hearing scheduled for December 2, 2025; ongoing consideration by the Education committee.

Potential impact

  • Educational practice: Increased emphasis on AAC training for teachers could improve classroom support for students who rely on AAC.
  • Student outcomes: More consistent and informed use of AAC in schools may enhance communication access, participation, and learning for nonverbal or limited-speech students.
  • Administrative: DESE and teacher preparation programs may need to update curricula and PD requirements to align with the repromulgated rule and PD plan expectations.

Next steps

  • Monitor committee action and hearing outcomes.
  • If enacted, DESE would finalize repromulgation and guidance to implement the AAC-focused requirements in teacher preparation programs and PD plans.

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

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