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Bill

SD 2271

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

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Feeney

Establishes a bipartisan commission to review DDS regulations affecting autism/IDD, streamline licensing, improve services, and deliver legislative recommendations by end-2026.

House concurred
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Bill Summary · SD 2271

Summary: Senate Resolve 2271 — Commission to Review Department of Developmental Services Regulations and Practices

Quick overview

  • Bill number/title: SD 2271, Resolve to establish a commission to review Department of Developmental Services regulations and practices.
  • Status: House concurred.
  • Introduced: March 10, 2025.
  • Jurisdiction: Massachusetts General Court (194th Governor/General Court, 2025-2026 session).
  • Type: Resolve establishing a special commission (not an appropriation). The commission will study DDS regulations and practices affecting individuals with autism and intellectual developmental disabilities and report recommendations, including potential legislation, by end of 2026.

Purpose and intent

The bill creates a special commission to review and improve Department of Developmental Services (DDS) regulations and related practices that may impede effective service delivery for individuals with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities. Its aims include increasing regulatory efficiency, removing barriers, and ensuring high-need populations receive appropriate supports, with attention to clinical regulation, technology, safety, and placement authority.

Key provisions and topics the commission will study

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

Note: The list in the bill uses numbering that includes an entry labeled "(viii)" after "(v)"; the substantive topics are as listed above, with emphasis on regulatory barriers, licensing efficiency, service delivery for high-need individuals, transition planning, clinical regulations around emerging tech and protective equipment, and placement authority.

Commission composition and appointments

The commission will consist of both legislative and non-legislative members:
- Senate: 3 members appointed by the Senate President (one to serve as Senate Chair); 1 member appointed by the minority leader of the Senate.
- House: 3 members appointed by the Speaker (one to serve as House Chair); 1 member appointed by the minority leader of the House.
- Representatives from disability and service organizations (designees or leaders):
- President and CEO of the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers (or designee)
- President/CEO of the Providers’ Council (or designee)
- CEO of The Arc of Massachusetts (or designee)
- 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 (established by section 74 of chapter 3 of the General Laws)
- Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of Approved Special Education Schools (or designee)
- 1 member appointed by the Governor

  • All appointments must be finalized no later than December 31, 2025.

Timeline and reporting

  • First meeting: Not later than April 15, 2025.
  • Report due: Findings and recommendations (including any proposed legislation) to the clerks of the Senate and House not later than December 31, 2026.

Potential impact

  • Aims to streamline regulatory processes and licensing, improve service delivery for autistic and intellectually/developmentally disabled individuals, and address gaps in transition planning and high-need care.
  • May generate legislative recommendations or proposed bills to implement reforms identified by the commission.
  • Involves collaboration among legislative leadership, disability advocacy groups, service providers, and regulatory bodies.

Stakeholders affected

  • Individuals served by DDS and their families
  • DDS and related service providers
  • Advocacy organizations (e.g., The Arc of Massachusetts, Autism Commission, Providers’ Council)
  • State policymakers and regulatory offices

Next steps

  • With House concurrence, the bill advances toward final passage (if not already enacted as a resolve) and the commission will be appointed by year-end 2025, meet in spring 2025, and deliver a comprehensive report by the end of 2026.

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

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