Legislative Focus FY 2012

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Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change supports the following new Bills filed in Legislation:

H4167 - The Real Lives Bill
An Act to encourage responsibility, cost effectiveness and meaningful lives for individuals with disabilities

The Real Lives Bill expands the ability of people to direct their own public funds. It requires no new funding. It requires that the administration implement certain new goals and strategies so as to allow public funds to be used as flexibly as possible by the individual or family even if it requires a new federal waiver or state plan amendment.

Sponsor: Rep. Tom Sannicandro & others
Real Lives Bill Fact Sheet
Real Lives Bill - Complete text of H4167

IMPORTANT - We're sending a message to our legislators about the important of this legislation. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN HELP.

HB985 Bridges to Success
An Act to Support the Transition to Adult Services for Persons with Disabilities

"Bridges to Success" expands transition (Turning 22) services and supports to students with disabilities "without adult service agency ties" (688 process). It also updates and expands the types of "habilitative services" that must be provided under the 688 process. It assigns to EOHHS the obligation to monitor and collect data on the extent to which needed 688 services are not being provided, because of shortfalls in appropriations.

Sponsor: Rep. Tom Sannicandro & others
Bridges to Success Bill

HB983
An Act for passage to independence

"Passage to Independence" focuses on adequate funding for Turning 22 during the transition from high school to adult life. It includes some monies for those on the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) wait list. It also includes a setaside for employment funding and includes some other positive components including two revenue sections. Turning 22 dollars are allocated for DDS and the Mass. Rehab. Commission (MRC).

Rep. James O'Day

HB77
An Act relative to the humane treatment of disabled persons

Bans aversive therapy in Massachusetts. Prohibits the use of corporeal punishment, including shocking and pinching, for the purpose of changing the behavior of persons with physical or mental disabilities by any program funded, operated, licensed or approved by the Commonwealth.

Rep. Tom Sannicandro

HB523
An Act to require national background checks

Requires national background checks for all individuals who apply for work with DDS or its vendor agencies. Currently, DDS and vendor agencies are required to conduct statewide CORI checks, but no national check, which means applicant's criminal record outside Massachusetts may not be identified.

Rep. Martin Walsh

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