2025-2026 Legislative Advocacy
MHLAC’s legislative priorities and current bills we’re supporting:
Children, Families, and Court Involvement
An Act prohibiting discrimination against adults with disabilities in family and juvenile court proceedings (HD.1664/SD.1375)
Requires Courts to determine if a parent’s disability causes actual harm to a child based on evidence, and not assumptions, before making a negative custody or parenting time decision. Judges would be required to produce written findings as to the connection between a parent’s disability and actual harm to a child, and would also need to determine what supports, services or adaptive equipment or aides might alleviate that harm.
Sponsors: Rep. Livingstone, Sen. Lovely
An Act regarding families and children in need of assistance (HD.2453/SD.1693)
Proposes changes to the CRA system to ensure youth can receive the support they need to be present in school and obey rules without unnecessary court involvement.
Sponsors: Rep. Mendes, Sen. Kennedy
Education
An Act addressing school exclusion policies to remedy disparities in educational achievement (HD.1270/SD.1067)
Limits the use of police powers in school, collects more data on student/police interactions, requires public reporting of that data to have SROs, and creates a grant program for schools seeking to implement safety practices that do not rely on school-based policing.
Sponsors: Rep. Ultrino, Sen. Jehlen
An Act regarding families and children in need of assistance (HD.2453/SD.1693)
Proposes changes to the CRA system to ensure youth can receive the support they need to be present in school and obey rules without unnecessary court involvement.
Sponsors: Rep. Mendes, Sen. Kennedy
An Act relative to affirming and maintaining equal access to public education for all children (HD.2144/SD.1208)
Evaluation of children for IEPs in their primary language; Don’t force parents to choose between EL and SPED; Trained, bilingual interpreters; Prohibits discrimination on the basis of citizenship, immigration status or disability.
Sponsors: Rep. Moran & Rep. Peisch, Sen. Payano & Sen. Domenico
An Act relative to safer schools (HD.4297/SD.1699)
Limits the use of police powers in school, collects more data on student/police interactions, requires public reporting of that data to have SROs, and creates a grant program for schools seeking to implement safety practices that do not rely on school-based policing.
Sponsors: Rep. Sabadosa, Sen. Kennedy
An Act requiring accountability for inequalities in suspension and expulsion (RAISE Act) (HD.1982/SD.2506)
Incorporates discipline disparities into Massachusetts’ educational accountability system.
Sponsors: Rep. Ultrino, Sen. Jehlen
Mental Health Systems
An Act requiring mental health parity for disability policies (HD.4178/SD.1553)
Prevents disability insurance policies from limiting disability benefits for income replacement for those who are on leave from work due to a behavioral health diagnoses.
Sponsors: Rep. Decker, Sen. Lovely
An Act to establish peer respite centers throughout the Commonwealth (HD.539/SD.832)
Establishes a peer respite in each county of the Commonwealth, with two specific LGBTQIA+ focused respite centers, subject to DMH licensure.
Sponsors: Rep. Sabadosa & Rep. Davis, Sen. Comerford
Parole
An Act Establishing Presumptive Parole (HD.3933)
Establishes the presumption of a positive parole grant at an individual’s first parole eligibility hearing, expands requirements for evaluations for those with disabilities, and affirms the responsibility for establishing a suitable release lies with the Parole Board.
Sponsors: Rep. Rogers
An Act to Promote Equitable Access to Parole (HD.2398/SD.1544)
Of note, expands Parole Board composition requirements to include at least 4 members with background in behavioral health, mental health, and substance abuse, as well as at least one formerly incarcerated person. Establishes clearer guidelines on parole hearings and standards for consideration of release, including increased transparency throughout the process. Requires at least three evaluations regarding necessary accommodation for those with disabilities prior to their hearing date.
Sponsors: Rep. Sabadosa