All Roll Calls
Yes: 329 • No: 0
MassachusettsS 2563194th General Court (2025-2026)SenateWALLET
An Act amending certain laws relative to individuals with disabilities
Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable
Signed by Governor
House Steering, Policy and SchedulingHouse Ways and MeansBills in the Third Reading
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Clear standards for developmental and intellectual disability
The law sets modern, detailed definitions for developmental and intellectual disability. For ages 5 and up, a developmental disability must start before age 22, be long‑term, limit at least three major life areas, and require ongoing, individualized supports. Children under 5 with serious delays or high‑risk conditions are also covered. Intellectual disability means major limits in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior that begin before age 18, with attention to the person’s current functioning and support needs. These standards guide who can get related services and supports.
Stronger adult disability protections and caregiving rules
The law defines who counts as a person with a disability ages 18 to 59 for adult protective services. It also clarifies who is a “caretaker,” including parents, guardians, agencies, and others in any day or residential setting. The Executive Office of Elder Affairs must act as an advocate for adults with disabilities when their needs overlap with elder services. These changes help agencies coordinate care and decide who is covered.
New housing rules for low-income disabled renters
The law defines who counts as a “person with a disability of low income” for state housing. Your annual net income must be below the level the Housing Secretary sets as needed to keep decent, safe, and clean housing. You must also have a long‑term impairment that makes it hard to live on your own in regular housing, and better housing could help. A past alcohol or substance use history alone does not qualify, unless federal law requires it. Being protected by anti‑discrimination law does not, by itself, make you eligible under this housing rule. The Housing Secretary issues regulations to set the income level and apply these standards.
Justice system definition for disabilities
The law adds a clear definition of “person with a disability” in criminal procedure. It covers people with intellectual or developmental disabilities and those with other mental or physical disabilities who depend on others for daily needs. Courts and police use this definition to guide protections and procedures.
Modern disability definitions in benefits and work
The law updates several definitions that some programs and laws use. Chapter 6 now defines a person with a disability as someone with an intellectual, developmental, or physical disability who, because of it, depends on others for daily living. Chapter 188 uses federal SSI disability rules and requires a medically determinable, permanent condition. Chapter 152 uses the current DSM definition for intellectual disability for adults 18 and older. These updates can change who qualifies for certain protections or benefits, helping some people and excluding others.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
There is no primary sponsor on record.
Cosponsors
Bradley H. Jones Jr.
Republican • House
Bruce E. Tarr
Republican • Senate
James B. Eldridge
Democratic • Senate
James K. Hawkins
Democratic • House
Jason M. Lewis
Democratic • Senate
Joanne M. Comerford
Democratic • Senate
John F. Keenan
Democratic • Senate
Manny Cruz
Democratic • House
Mark C. Montigny
Democratic • Senate
Michael D. Brady
Democratic • Senate
Michael O. Moore
Democratic • Senate
Mike Connolly
Democratic • House
Patricia D. Jehlen
Democratic • Senate
Patrick M. O'Connor
Republican • Senate
Paul R. Feeney
Democratic • Senate
Rebecca L. Rausch
Democratic • Senate
Sal N. DiDomenico
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 6/4/2026
House concurred in the Senate further amendment with a still further amendment, see H5474
Yes: 150 • No: 0
House vote • 11/5/2025
Passed to be engrossed
Yes: 154 • No: 0
committee vote • 11/4/2025
Committee Favorable with Amendment: S.2563 “An Act amending certain laws relative to individuals with disabilities” as amended
Yes: 25 • No: 0 • Other: 1
Actions Timeline
Signed by the Governor, Chapter 102 of the Acts of 2026
6/12/2026Enacted and laid before the Governor
6/4/2026SenateEnacted
6/4/2026HouseEmergency preamble adopted
6/4/2026SenateEmergency preamble adopted
6/4/2026HouseSenate concurred in the still further House amendment
6/4/2026SenateRules suspended
6/4/2026SenateHouse concurred in the Senate further amendment with a still further amendment, see H5474 - 150 YEAS to 0 NAYS (See YEA and NAY No. 204)
6/4/2026HouseRules suspended
6/4/2026HouseReferred to the committee on Bills in the Third Reading
2/9/2026HouseSenate concurred in the House amendment with a further amendment, see S2954
2/5/2026SenateRules suspended
2/5/2026SenatePassed to be engrossed - 154 YEAS to 0 NAYS (See YEA and NAY No. 105)
11/5/2025HouseRead third
11/5/2025HouseRules suspended
11/5/2025HouseOrdered to a third reading
11/5/2025HouseAmendment adopted (as recommended by the committee on House Ways and Means)
11/5/2025HouseRules suspended
11/5/2025HouseCommittee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting with the amendment pending
11/5/2025HouseCommittee recommended ought to pass with an amendment, striking out all after the enacting clause and inserting the text of H4704, and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling
11/5/2025HouseReferred to the committee on House Ways and Means
10/27/2025HouseRead second
10/27/2025HousePlaced in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting (under the last sentence of Rule 7A) for a second reading
9/15/2025HouseCommittee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting
9/15/2025HouseRead; and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling
7/28/2025House
Bill Text
Chapter 102 of the Acts of 2026
6/12/2026
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