Category: Uncategorized

Legislation would establish statewide standards for appraisals, mitigating risk for residents

(BOSTON–1/18/2024) Today, the Massachusetts Senate passed legislation to enhance consumer protections for residents receiving appraisals for their own real estate, or prospective real estate.

S.2550—An Act providing consumers with equal protection for all real estate appraisals—would require that all real estate appraisals in the state be conducted exclusively by certified or licensed appraisers. If passed into law, the bill would help build consumer trust in the appraisal process by ensuring appraisers are qualified and fall under appropriate regulatory oversight.

“As a Senate and a Commonwealth, we are investing monumentally in our state’s housing, with the goal of making buying a home more affordable for every resident,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This legislation ensures that when our residents reach the critical moment of receiving an appraisal, Massachusetts has their backs by ensuring the property is valued fairly and accurately. I am grateful to Majority Leader Creem for sponsoring this important legislation, and to Chair Rodrigues and Cronin for their support and leadership in the committee process.”

“People are surprised to learn that under current Massachusetts law, anyone can conduct a real estate appraisal, even if they don’t have the appropriate education and experience,” said Senate Majority Leader Cindy Creem (D-Newton). “By mandating that real estate appraisals be conducted by certified and licensed professionals, we are protecting Massachusetts consumers from sham or inaccurate appraisals that can have serious financial consequences.”

“I’m delighted the Senate has approved this consumer protection legislation that will greatly benefit and protect Massachusetts homeowners from bad actors in the industry. Homeowners in the Commonwealth who are exploring a potential sale of their property should not have to worry about unnecessary appraisals or unlicensed operators who do not act in good faith,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

“Purchasing or selling real estate is one of the most impactful decisions people make,” Senator John J. Cronin (D-Fitchburg), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. “This legislation ensures the appraisal process is fair, accurate, and supports property owners’ long-term security.”

Under current law, Massachusetts allows any person, without having to meet any standards such as education and experience, to perform valuation services for estate settlements, divorces, business dissolutions or litigation, among other things. This exposes consumers to unreasonable risk, as an individual who is not licensed or certified may prepare unsupportable valuations while operating outside of regulatory oversight and accountability. Unlicensed appraisers also mean that there is no recourse by state’s Division of Occupational Licensure when a consumer is harmed.

According to the Appraisal Subcommittee of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council, forty-two other states ensure consumers are protected by requiring the use of certified or licensed appraisers for all real estate appraisals. By contrast, with licensing required only for federally related transactions such as some mortgages, Massachusetts fails to fully protect consumers. This laxity permits unlicensed individuals to conduct real estate valuation services for any other purpose.

Under the legislation, to attain and retain state certification or licensing for appraisals an individual would be required to meet national and state standards, which include:

· Completing 200 to 300 hours of classroom appraisal education and passing exams.

· Participating in 15 hours of classroom instruction on the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.

· Accumulating 1,000 to 3,000 hours of supervised appraisal experience.

· Passing a 4- to 6-hour national licensing examination.

· Completing 28 hours of continuing education every two years, including 7 hours focused on the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.

The effort to increase appraisal licensure has robust support from real estate appraisal professionals.

“Today’s action by the Senate brings the Commonwealth closer to providing all consumers with assurance that their real estate appraisal is performed by a qualified, licensed professional,” stated Howard Dono, MRA, President of the Massachusetts Board of Real Estate Appraisers. “The MBREA appreciates the leadership of the bill’s sponsor, Senator Cynthia Creem, and Senate President Spilka for their commitment to consumer protection.”

Having been passed by the Senate, the legislation now moves to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for consideration.

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Bill would strike discriminatory laws, establish a permanent commission to recommend outdated legislation for repeal

(BOSTON–1/18/2024) Today, the Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed legislation to modernize the Commonwealth’s laws and strike outdated and non-inclusive statutes that are discriminatory against LGBTQ+ individuals in the state.

S.2551—An Act relative to archaic laws—would remove archaic laws that intrude on an individual’s privacy regarding sexual activity. The bill would remove existing statutes that criminalize sodomy and so-called ‘unnatural’ acts between consenting adults and make Massachusetts laws more inclusive of individuals who are LGBTQIA+. Terms struck include terminology such as sodomy, “unnatural or lascivious” sex acts, and “common nightwalkers”. In some cases, the language that this bill would strike from the General Laws dates back into the 1800s.

Additionally, the bill would establish a permanent law revision commission to examine common law, statutes and judicial decisions to identify anachronisms in the law and recommend needed reforms; receive and consider proposed changes; recommend changes in the law to align with modern conditions; and make recommendations to improve the openness and accessibility of state laws.

“Fewer things give me greater pride than leading a Senate that has spent years at the forefront of LGBTQ+ rights, and living in a Commonwealth where we proudly embrace every individual for who they are,” Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “But while our values have changed for the better, sometimes the letter of the law has not. I am tremendously grateful for Senator Brownsberger’s diligent and painstaking work to ensure that our laws reflect the inclusive values of Massachusetts as we live them today, and creating a mechanism for removing laws that are no longer acceptable or relevant. I extend my sincere thanks to Chair Rodrigues and Chair Eldridge for their support through the committee process.

“This bill sends a message that Massachusetts is a place that cares about the freedom of individuals,” said Senator Willian N. Brownsberger (D-Belmont), President Pro Tempore of the Senate. “I look forward to working with my House colleagues to get this on the Governor’s desk.”

“It’s highly important to have our existing laws and language contained therein reflect the current times we live in. The creation of a permanent law review commission will go a long way towards abolishing archaic laws from the Massachusetts General Laws,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport) Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

“The commission created by this bill is essential as we continue to make progress on key policy areas and see the law change over time here in Massachusetts,” said Senator James B. Eldridge, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. “This bill will repeal laws that are outdated and negatively affect the LGBTQ+ community, and I look forward to the proposals that will come from this committee as they ensure our laws are clear of contradictions, are constitutional, and ensure all of our rights are upheld.”

“Repealing homophobic and transphobic language in state law helps to build a safer and more inclusive Commonwealth,” said Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro). “In Massachusetts, we take pride in being a welcoming state, and our laws must reflect our values. The archaic and discriminatory language found in Chapter 272 of the General Laws dates back to 1887 and historically was deployed to criminalize LGBTQ+ people. By removing harmful, homophobic, and transphobic language from our statutes, we ensure the letter of the law promotes equity and justice for all.”

Many of the laws addressed have not been enforced for many years due to superseding state and national law, court rulings, and Massachusetts’ decades-long transformation into a Commonwealth that welcomes all individuals regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill’s passage comes nearly a year and a half after the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson, in which Associate Justice Clarence Thomas suggested, in a concurring opinion, that the Court could revisit case law banning the criminal prosecution of sodomy.

The bill won praise from LGBTQ+ advocates around the Commonwealth.

“We are relieved and excited to see this legislation pass,” said Tanya V. Neslusan, Executive Director of MassEquality. “The Commonwealth prides itself on being a progressive, inclusive state and in that spirit, having the outdated legislation outlawing sodomy and referring to adult sexual activities as ‘unnatural acts’ stricken from our books makes Massachusetts a safer, more inclusive place for all of our residents and visitors, especially those who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community.”

During the debate, the Senate adopted an amendment from Senator Becca Rausch (D-Needham) striking a law banning blasphemy. Today’s passage marks the second consecutive session in which the Senate has acted to modernize the Commonwealth’s laws to make them more inclusive.

Having been passed by the Senate, the legislation now moves to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for consideration.

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Legislation leverages Stabilization Fund interest to compete for federal funds for transportation, housing, climate and economic development projects

BOSTON (01/11/2024) – Today, the Massachusetts Senate passed S.2548, An Act to provide for competitiveness and infrastructure investment in Massachusetts, an economic development bill that takes advantage of the interest accrued from the Commonwealth’s Stabilization Fund and leverages that interest to ensure the state receives the maximum possible share of federal funds. The Commonwealth’s Stabilization fund currently has a historic balance of $8.2 billion.

It is estimated Massachusetts currently has the opportunity to receive up to $17.5 billion through historic, once-in-a-generation federal funding opportunities.

“Remaining competitive, equitable, and affordable entails thinking creatively about our Commonwealth’s finances and funding, and that is what we accomplished today in the Senate,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “We have been fiscally prudent in building up the largest rainy-day fund in Massachusetts history, and today we are doubling down on our fiscal responsibility by using the interest on that fund to compete for federal dollars that will save our Commonwealth even more in the long run. I am grateful to the Governor and the Administration for filing this legislation, to Chair Rodrigues for his leadership and to the Senate’s members for their efforts and support.”

“The legislation that the Senate approved today provides us with a smart accounting measure that we can utilize to effectively stretch and maximize our taxpayer dollars to place the Commonwealth in the very best position to compete for these lucrative federal funds, while also ensuring we continue to protect our rainy day reserves and adhere to sound fiscal discipline,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, (D-Westport) Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Government is all about partnership, and I thank the Senate President, and the Administration for this cost saving initiative as we work to capitalize on these historic federal funding opportunities to support projects throughout all corners of our state.”

This smart financial accounting initiative will require the Comptroller to transfer interest from the stabilization fund to the Commonwealth Federal Matching and Debt Reduction Fund on a quarterly basis if the stabilization balance is of a healthy amount. The Secretary of Administration and Finance would then pursue federal funding opportunities available thanks to the historic availability of federal funds for infrastructure, resiliency and economic development projects.

Over the coming years, this bill is expected to unlock more than $800 million in funds that will be used to fund the state or municipal match requirement for federal competitive grant opportunities, as well as planning work that will help municipalities with the process of preparing applications for federal grants. Once federal grant opportunities expire, money in this fund will go toward reducing the Commonwealth’s long-term liabilities.

Through three pieces of federal legislation: the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors Act (CHIPS), over $2 trillion in spending is being made available to states through competitive grant programs and formula allocations. With this bill the Commonwealth will be maximizing its position to capitalize on these substantial federal funding opportunities. 

The Senate’s actions have garnered support from organizations around the state.

“This is a big deal and we are grateful for the Senate’s leadership on this important bill. It will help ensure Massachusetts can take advantage of federal infrastructure grants that can improve our transportation system, address climate challenges, and improve our economy,” said Tom Ryan, Senior Advisor on Policy, Government and Community Affairs for A Better City. “Having state matching funds available to both the Commonwealth and municipalities shows that Massachusetts is ready to partner with the Biden-Harris Administration on infrastructure projects that will benefit the region.”

“ELM applauds the Senate for passing S.2548, which will give the Commonwealth new tools to secure competitive federal funding,” said David Melly, Legislative Director for the Environmental League of Massachusetts. “With the opportunities this legislation will help unlock, cities and towns can make critical investments to both modernize our infrastructure and meet our climate and emissions goals.”   

Key components of the legislation include:

• At its current level, the Stabilization Fund is anticipated to accumulate approximately $250M in interest annually. Currently, that interest is deposited directly back into the Fund.
• This bill proposes redirecting future Stabilization Fund interest when the Fund is at healthy levels, which is defined as when:
• Amounts in the Fund exceed 10% of budgeted revenues of the previous fiscal year; AND
• The balance of the Fund has not decreased in the previous year.
• When a diversion does occur, the interest will be used for two key purposes:
  • (i) Matching funds for federal grants, as long as those funds are available; and
  • (ii) Long-term debt management strategies.
• By creating a dedicated pool of funds, the Commonwealth can leverage this money to unlock some of the $17.5 billion available in once-in-a-generation federal funding for investments in transportation, housing, climate, economic development, and technology.
• Maintaining a primary pool of funds will signal to the federal government the Commonwealth’s willingness and desire to partner on these projects.

The bill was originally filed by Governor Healey on October 19, 2023. It now heads to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for consideration. 

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Commonsense harm reduction strategy proven to encourage safer consumption behavior, save lives

BOSTON (1/4/2024)—Today, the Massachusetts Senate debated and unanimously passed An Act relative to fentanyl test strips—S.2543—legislation to help prevent overdoses and save lives by making legal the sale, possession, and distribution of fentanyl test strips, and other testing equipment used to identify fentanyl, in the Commonwealth.

If passed into law, the bill would add a potent tool to support drug users in knowing whether they are consuming fentanyl. Fentanyl test strips are a proven harm reduction strategy that have been shown to help drug users engage in less risky behavior, including by discarding drugs, reducing doses, using drugs more slowly, using drugs with someone else around, or keeping naloxone nearby.

“We know two things in Massachusetts as facts: opioids take far too many lives in our state, and fentanyl test strips save them,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “By voting to legalize fentanyl test strips, the Senate is taking a commonsense action step to save lives in our state—and we know it works. I’m grateful to Majority Leader Creem for taking the lead on this legislation, and to Chair Rodrigues and Chair Eldridge for their support in the committee process.”

“Legalizing the sale and distribution of fentanyl test strips is a commonsense harm reduction strategy that will save lives in Massachusetts,” said Senate Majority Leader Cynthia Stone Creem (D-Newton), lead sponsor of the bill. “As the fentanyl crisis has worsened across the country, a majority of states have already moved to legalize this lifesaving and cost-effective measure. It’s time for the Commonwealth to do the same. By passing this bill, we will empower police departments and community organizations to distribute fentanyl test strips and help prevent overdoses.”

“I’m pleased the Senate acted swiftly to pass this commonsense bill regarding fentanyl testing strips. It’s highly important to distinguish this testing equipment from the scourge of fentanyl drug abuse, and it will serve as another tool we have to combat this insidious epidemic,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, (D-Westport) Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

“I am proud to report out this bill from the Judiciary Committee. It represents a commonsense criminal justice reform that will better address substance use challenges,” said Senator James B. Eldridge (D-Acton), Senate Chair of the Judiciary Committee.

“At the most basic level, this bill expands access to a lifesaving tool at a time when our drug supply today is more contaminated than ever, We all know the old adage ‘you can’t treat someone who is dead.” said Senator John C. Velis, (D-Westfield) Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery.

Fentanyl-related overdoses are far too frequent in Massachusetts. 2,323 people suffered from overdoses in Massachusetts between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023, and in the first three months of 2023, fentanyl was present in 93% of fatal overdoses. According to the most recent data from the Department of Public Health, opioid-related deaths rose 2.5% in 2022, with Black residents accounting for the largest increase.

In 2020, the Department of Public Health had success with a pilot program in which they collaborated with six police departments across the state to distribute fentanyl test strips. Though outcomes were positive, there was significant confusion over the legal status of fentanyl test strips and whether they could be classified as drug paraphernalia, which would make possession punishable by statute.

If passed into law, S.2543 would remove such a barrier to harm reduction by addressing any lingering concerns about criminal or civil liability by including a Good Samaritan provision that exempts from liability “any person who, in good faith provides, administers or utilizes fentanyl test strips or any testing equipment or devices solely used, intended for use, or designed to be used to determine whether a substance contains fentanyl or its analogues.”

The legislation brings Massachusetts into line with 36 states, plus the District of Columbia, that have legalized fentanyl test strips.

Having passed the Senate, the bill now heads to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for consideration.

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Legislation would help facilitate better interactions between people with autism and law enforcement officers

BOSTON (1/4/2024)—Today, the Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder—also known as the “Blue Envelope” bill—to improve communication during traffic stops involving a person with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The bill would create a voluntary program that would make available blue envelopes that people with autism could carry with them while driving and hand over to a police officer in the event that they are pulled over. A driver could place their license, registration, and insurance cards inside the envelope, and the outside of the envelope would note that the driver has Autism Spectrum Disorder and provide guidance on best practices on how to interact with the individual.

The envelope’s guidance—which would be created by a coalition of advocates, Chiefs of Police, and the RMV—would help law enforcement officers to better understand the actions of individuals with autism, who are more likely to have increased sensitivities and communication challenges in stressful situations.

“In Massachusetts, we stand firmly in our belief that every person is entitled to equal treatment in their lives, regardless of their background or life experience. For our neuro-diverse friends and neighbors with Autism Spectrum Disorder, that means empowering each other to reach our full potential,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Today’s action in the Senate would make a common-sense, meaningful, and positive change to how people with Autism Spectrum Disorder interact with members of our law enforcement community, bringing us closer to the ideals we strive for. I am grateful to Senator Comerford for bringing this bill to the floor, as well as Chair Rodrigues and Chair Crighton for their support in the committee process.”

“This legislation goes a long way towards increasing the communication, positive interaction, and trust between people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and our local police forces. It is also appropriate and consistent messaging to utilize the easily identifiable blue color for the envelope that contains the individual’s license, registration, and insurance information,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, (D-Westport) Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

“During our Joint Committee on Transportation hearing last summer, we heard an overwhelming amount of support for the blue envelope bill,” said Senator Brendan P. Crighton (D-Lynn), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. “Law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and parents of children with autism all agree that this simple change will lead to better communications and safer police interactions, for both officers and drivers. Thank you to Senator Comerford for her commitment to this issue and to Senate President Spilka for making it an early priority in the new year.”

“I am deeply grateful to Senate President Karen Spilka, Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues, Transportation Chair Brendan Crighton and my colleagues for passing this important legislation,” said Senator Joanne M. Comerford (D-Northampton). “The Blue Envelope bill will make our Commonwealth a safer place for people who are neuro-diverse. It moves us closer to equal opportunity and access for people of all abilities.”

Many people with autism display no physical markers to alert others to their disability. Without adequate training, it is possible that law enforcement could misread the actions of an individual with autism. Every year, numerous people with Autism Spectrum Disorder suffer psychological trauma and physical injury as a result of such misunderstandings. Use of force can be significantly more psychologically harmful when directed at individuals with autism.

The bill has wide support from Autism Spectrum Disorder advocates and law enforcement organizations around the state.

“The Arc of Massachusetts and Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM) are grateful to Senator Comerford, Senate President Spilka and Chairman Rodrigues for passing the Blue Envelope bill, a priority bill for our advocacy organizations,” said Maura Sullivan, Director of Government Affairs for The Arc of Massachusetts. “This bill will ease interactions between police and autistic drivers. We know these situations can escalate and become traumatic or even dangerous. The Arc and AFAM applaud the Senate for taking action to be inclusive of the needs of the drivers with autism in Massachusetts.”

“The Blue Envelope Bill would be a game changer for our family and for so many Massachusetts residents. Like many people with autism, my 25-year-old son Sam does not have any physical characteristics that indicate he has autism,” said Ilyse Levine-Kanji, an Executive Committee member of Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM). “In a stressful situation, where split second decisions must be made, I’m relieved that a police officer could see a blue envelope in Sam’s car and immediately understand that any unusual behavior or speech pattern is a result of autism. Thus, this bill could dramatically decrease the possibility of a tragic misunderstanding. Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts is extremely grateful for Senator Comerford’s leadership in introducing and championing this common-sense initiative, and to the Senate for moving so quickly to pass the bill.”

During the bill’s hearing before the Transportation Committee, the Massachusetts State Police Association and a representative of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association testified in favor of the bill.

“Massachusetts police officers conduct thousands of traffic stops each year. While most of these interactions are relatively ‘routine,’ officers do not know who they are interacting with before the traffic stop, so they proceed with caution,” said Tyrone Parham, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Chief of Police at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. “There are many potential communication conflicts with police officers during traffic stops and perspectives offered by those on the autism spectrum. The introduction of the blue envelope under stressful interactions will provide immediate information and context to the officer as they begin to communicate. Traffic stops are some of the most dangerous citizen interactions by police and this additional information gleaned by the Blue Envelope will be extremely helpful. I am extremely enthusiastic and grateful for the passing of this imperative legislation. Our Commonwealth drivers on the autism spectrum

will be able to quickly and confidently present the blue envelope the next time they are pulled over during a routine traffic stop. This will be instrumental to help bridge the communication gap for both motorists and police officers.”

Similar legislation has been adopted in other states, including Connecticut, and has been shown to reduce stress, facilitate better communication, and improve safety.

Having been passed by the Senate, the legislation now moves to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for consideration.

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Bill extends wheelchair warranties, requires faster repairs and replacements, bringing Massachusetts in line with neighboring states

BOSTON (1/4/2024)—Today, the Massachusetts Senate voted unanimously to strengthen consumer protections for wheelchair users.

An Act expanding wheelchair warranty protections for consumers with disabilities—S.2541—requires all wheelchairs to come with warranties, extends the minimum warranty period to two years, sets standards for wheelchair repairs and replacements, and eliminates the cumbersome prior authorization process for all wheelchair repairs under $1,000.

“Today the Senate took action to give individuals who use wheelchairs the protections they deserve,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “If a wheelchair breaks down, a user should be able to get it fixed and get back to their daily life as soon as possible, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts should have every user’s back. I’m profoundly grateful to Senator Cronin for sponsoring this legislation, and to Chair Rodrigues for his support.”

“I’m delighted the Senate took the lead on this highly empowering legislation. Not only does this bill provide uniformity with neighboring states on wheelchair warranties, but it effectively expedites repair time and mandates a solid reimbursement safety net. It’s a big win for wheelchair users across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, (D-Westport) Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

“Wheelchair users in Massachusetts with broken chairs can wait weeks or months for repairs because the law today provides inadequate consumer protections in a consolidated, uncompetitive market,” said Senator John J. Cronin (D-Fitchburg), the legislation’s primary sponsor and Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. “This bill allows wheelchair users to regain their mobility, their independence, and their dignity by requiring timely repair service.”

The legislation requires all wheelchairs sold or leased in the Commonwealth to come with express warranties—a change from the current law, which only requires customized wheelchairs to come with express warranties. The legislation also extends express warranties for wheelchairs from one year to two years, bringing Massachusetts in line with states like Rhode Island and Connecticut. To alleviate wait times for repairs, the bill mandates that wheelchair service providers diagnose repair issues remotely within three business days following notice from a consumer and provide an in-person assessment no more than four business days after that.

If a wheelchair user cannot operate their in-warranty chair during the repair process, the bill mandates that manufacturers or dealers reimburse them for or provide a loaner wheelchair within four business days for most wheelchairs, or within eight business days for highly customized wheelchairs.

The bill also requires manufacturers and dealers to cover any collateral costs incurred during the repair process for in-warranty wheelchairs. For out-of-warranty wheelchairs, the legislation prohibits insurers for requiring consumers to go through a cumbersome prior authorization process for any repairs totaling less than $1,000. Finally, the bill allows the Attorney General’s office to take legal action against service providers who violate these provisions with unfair or deceptive business practices.

The legislation has received strong support from disability advocates across Massachusetts.

“S.2541 reflects an understanding of the challenges faced by wheelchair users and sets a new standard for consumer protection that will improve the quality of life for wheelchair users across the Commonwealth,” said Barbara L’Italien, Executive Director of the Disability Law Center. “We are grateful to Senate President Spilka, Senator Cronin, and the Massachusetts Senate for recognizing the profound impact this legislation will have on individuals with disabilities who utilize wheelchairs.”

“When a wheelchair, providing mobility so people can integrate into the community, too often breaks down, with waits as long as a year for repairs—we can fix cars and bikes in a day! —we have a serious problem,” Kay Schoucair, Senior Organizer, Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL). “The time is overdue for manufacturers to simply stand behind their products. BCIL applauds the senate for pushing this much needed bill forward.”

A similar version of the legislation was passed by the Senate in 2022, however that legislation did not further advance in the Legislature.

Having been passed by the Senate, the legislation now heads to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for consideration.

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