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S 425

School meals for students in poverty

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Davis and 6 co-sponsors

Mandates that American Sign Language be taught in every Massachusetts public secondary school, expanding access for deaf, hard-of-hearing and autistic students.

Act No. 23
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Bill Summary · S 425

Summary — S.425 (American Sign Language Inclusion Act)

Note on record inconsistencies: the bill text provided is a Massachusetts state bill titled the “American Sign Language Inclusion Act.” Some accompanying metadata (title, sponsors, and related bills) appears to come from different jurisdictions and subjects. This summary is based on the actual bill text inserted into the 2025 Massachusetts Senate docket (Senate No. 425 / SD 499).

Main purpose

Require American Sign Language (ASL) to be offered and taught in public secondary schools across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and formally recognize ASL as an instructional option with a stated benefit for some students with autism.

Key provisions

  • Amends Section 2B of Chapter 71 of the Massachusetts General Laws (as in the 2020 Official Edition).
  • Replaces the phrase “may be taught” with “shall be taught in each of the Commonwealth’s secondary schools,” making ASL a mandated language offering at the secondary-school level.
  • Inserts a legislative finding that “many children with autism have been able to learn and communicate successfully via sign language because it is visually based, unaided, and provides a mode of quick communication.”
  • Replaces an additional occurrence of “may” with “shall” in the same statutory section, further strengthening mandatory language (specific line references in the text).

Who or what would be affected

  • Public secondary schools (middle/high schools) in Massachusetts — required to teach ASL.
  • Students, including deaf and hard-of-hearing students and students with autism or other communication needs — greater access to ASL instruction and potentially improved communication supports.
  • School districts and education agencies — will need to incorporate ASL into curricula, staffing plans, and scheduling.
  • Educators — potential increased demand for qualified ASL teachers, training, and certification pathways.
  • State education administration — likely responsible for guidance, implementation standards, and possibly oversight or funding adjustments.

Procedural status and timeline (from provided record)

  • Introduced in the Massachusetts Senate: 02/05/2025.
  • Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance (02/05/2025).
  • Also referred to the Committee on Education (02/27/2025) and listed as REFERRED TO CODES (records show duplication/conflict).
  • Hearing scheduled: 09/16/2025 (Gardner Auditorium, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM).
  • House concurred (02/27/2025) per the record — verify official docket for current status.

Potential implications and considerations

  • Implementation will require hiring or training ASL instructors, developing curricula, and possibly reallocating budget or seeking additional funds; the bill text does not specify funding.
  • May expand language access and inclusion for students with hearing loss and autistic students but will require operational planning at district and state levels.
  • Further regulatory guidance will be needed to define teacher qualifications, course credit toward graduation, and scheduling.

For accuracy on current status or legislative text, consult the official Massachusetts Legislature docket and the enrolled text of Section 2B, Chapter 71.

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

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