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SD 3256

Disabled Persons Protection Commission Abuser Registry FY25 Report

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Massachusetts directs the Disabled Persons Protection Commission to report on an abuser registry tracking substantiated perpetrators of abuse against disabled persons in fiscal year 2025.

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Bill Summary · SD 3256

Legislative bill overview

SD 3256 establishes a reporting requirement for the Disabled Persons Protection Commission to submit a fiscal year 2025 report on an abuser registry—a system to track individuals with substantiated findings of abuse or neglect against disabled persons. The bill mandates this report be filed with the legislature, presumably to inform policymakers about registry operations, effectiveness, and recommendations.

Why is this important

Abuse and neglect of disabled persons represent serious public safety concerns, and a tracking system can help prevent repeat perpetrators from accessing vulnerable populations. The FY25 report would provide the first concrete data on how such a registry functions in practice, including how many individuals are listed, recidivism rates, and whether safeguarding measures are effective—information essential for determining if the system warrants expansion or modification.

Potential points of contention

  • Due process concerns: Registry inclusion based on "substantiated findings" (rather than criminal conviction) raises questions about individuals' rights to challenge designations and access to legal remedies
  • Registry scope and access: Ambiguity about who can access the registry, how information is shared with employers/facilities, and whether listings carry collateral consequences beyond their intended purpose
  • Resource allocation: Implementation and maintenance costs for the commission to track, verify, and manage registry data may strain existing budgets without explicit appropriations

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

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