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HD 3142

Resolve establishing a special commission to review Department of Developmental Services regulations and practices

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dave Vieira

Establishes a temporary, bipartisan commission to review DDS regulations, remove service barriers, and boost licensing efficiency for autism/IDD; report findings by 2026.

Senate concurred
0
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Bill Summary · HD 3142

Summary: HD 3142 — Resolve establishing a special commission to review Department of Developmental Services regulations and practices

Overview

HD 3142 proposes a Resolve to establish a temporary, bipartisan, multi-stakeholder commission tasked with reviewing Department of Developmental Services (DDS) regulations and practices. The goal is to identify and address barriers that diminish effective service delivery to individuals with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD).

Purpose and scope

The commission will investigate and study:
- Removing barriers in current DDS regulations
- Achieving greater efficiencies in licensing processes
- Delivery of services to high-need populations
- Transition planning for individuals with significant and unique medical needs
- Clinical regulations concerning the use of emerging technologies and the use of protective equipment
- Placement authority

Note: The bill’s text lists items (i–v, viii), with a gap in numbering (vi, vii not shown), which may reflect drafting in progress or a typographical omission.

Commission composition

The commission would be composed of a broad group of appointees, including:
- 3 Senate members appointed by the Senate President (one to serve as Senate Chair); 1 additional member appointed by the Senate minority leader
- 3 House members appointed by the Speaker (one to serve as House Chair); 1 additional member appointed by the House minority leader
- Appointments from/representing specified public and private stakeholders, including:
- President & CEO (or designee) of the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers
- President/CEO (or designee) of the Providers’ Council
- CEO (or designee) of The Arc of Massachusetts
- 1 member appointed by the Autism Commission established by chapter 226 of the Acts of 2014
- 1 member appointed by the Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities (per section 74 of chapter 3 of the General Laws)
- Executive Director (or designee) of the Massachusetts Association of Approved Special Education Schools
- 1 member appointed by the Governor

Timeline and reporting

  • Appointments: All appointments must be made by December 31, 2025
  • First meeting: No later than April 15, 2025
  • Reporting: The commission must report its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the clerks of the Senate and House no later than December 31, 2026

Where this fits procedurally

  • Status: Senate concurred
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Legislative action: Referred to the Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities on February 27, 2025

Potential impact and who is affected

  • Aims to streamline and harmonize DDS regulations and licensing processes
  • Seeks to improve service delivery for individuals with autism and IDD, particularly high-need populations and those with complex medical needs
  • Could influence regulatory and clinical practices, including use of emerging technologies and protective equipment
  • May lead to proposed legislation to implement the commission’s recommendations

This bill creates a structured, time-bound review that could shape DDS regulatory policy and service delivery in Massachusetts if enacted.

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

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