Summary of Bill S 2714: Establishes the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Control Board

Bill Overview

• Bill Number: S 2714
• Title: Establishes the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Control Board
• Status: Referred to Transportation
• Introduced: October 23, 2025
• Presented By: Joan B. Lovely

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill S 2714 is to establish a special legislative commission aimed at studying discrimination in public accommodations for individuals with service animals. This initiative seeks to address and analyze the denial of rights and services to disabled persons, particularly focusing on their experiences in public spaces.

Key Provisions

1. Establishment of a Commission:

   • A special legislative commission will be formed to investigate cases of discrimination against individuals with disabilities who use service animals.
   • The commission will include:
     • Co-chairs from the joint committee on children, families, and persons with disabilities.
     • The executive director of the Massachusetts Office on Disability.
     • The attorney general or a designee.
     • Appointees from various disability advocacy organizations and representatives from the disability community.

2. Study Focus Areas:

   • The commission will examine:
     • The volume of disability rights denial cases reported to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination.
     • Cases submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice and their effects on the disability community.
     • The effectiveness of disability rights enforcement in Massachusetts over the past five years.
     • Educational efforts regarding disability rights awareness.

3. Reporting Requirements:

   • The commission is required to meet at least six times and hold a minimum of two public hearings.
   • A comprehensive report with findings and recommendations, including potential legislative or regulatory changes, must be submitted by August 1, 2027, to relevant legislative bodies.

Affected Parties

• Individuals with Disabilities: The bill directly impacts individuals with disabilities who rely on service animals, aiming to enhance their rights and access to public accommodations.
• Advocacy Organizations: Various disability advocacy groups will play a role in the commission, contributing to the study and recommendations.
• Legislators and Policymakers: The findings will inform future legislation and policies regarding disability rights in Massachusetts.

Procedural Timeline

• October 23, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the committee on Rules.
• October 30, 2025: Rules suspended; referred to the committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
• November 10, 2025: House concurred with the bill.
• November 12, 2025: Hearing scheduled for November 18, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Related Legislation

• SD 3312: This bill replaces SD 3312.
• A 7812: This is a companion bill related to the subject matter.

This summary provides a clear overview of Bill S 2714, outlining its purpose, key provisions, and the implications for individuals with disabilities and the broader community.