MA H4912

Establishes the Accessibility in the Creative Economy (ACE) grant program administered by the Office on Disability to fund capital improvements and projects removing barriers for persons with disabilities at for-profit, non-profit, and public arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences organizations

Creates a dedicated fund that can accept donations, legislative appropriations, and federal matching funds, with unexpended balances rolling over to subsequent fiscal years rather than reverting to the general fund

Establishes a pilot program specifically targeting gateway cities and rural communities seeking to improve access to arts and cultural economy

Creates the ACE Commission with 13 members (majority must be individuals with disabilities or disability advocates), including appointees from the Governor, legislative leaders, Office on Disability, Open Door Arts, Disability Law Center, and Mass Cultural Council, to be established by December 1, 2026

Eligible grant uses include accessibility training, disability-led consulting services, capital improvements (ramps, elevators, assistive listening systems, adult changing tables, signage), and ADA transition planning, with competitive awards prioritizing racial, geographic, and programmatic diversity