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SD 347

An Act to increase the safety of individuals with disabilities relying on life-support equipment

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Brady and 6 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill enhances safety standards for disability-dependent individuals using life-support equipment to prevent deaths from equipment failure or emergency situations.

House concurred
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Bill Summary · SD 347

Legislative bill overview

SD 347 aims to enhance safety protections for individuals with disabilities who depend on life-support equipment, though the bill's specific mechanisms are not detailed in the available information. The measure was introduced with bipartisan support in the Massachusetts legislature and has been referred to the relevant committee for evaluation.

Why is this important

Individuals relying on life-support equipment face serious risks during power outages, equipment failures, or inadequate emergency planning. Strengthening safety protocols and requirements could prevent deaths and injuries among a vulnerable population with limited alternatives for care.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory burden and costs: Requirements for backup power systems, monitoring, or facility improvements could increase operational expenses for healthcare providers and group homes, potentially affecting service availability or costs for consumers
  • Definition and scope ambiguity: Without clearer language, disagreement may arise over which equipment qualifies as "life-support" and which individuals are covered, affecting implementation consistency
  • Enforcement and accountability: Questions remain about who monitors compliance, what penalties apply to violations, and how violations are investigated—particularly in private facilities versus state-run programs

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

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