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MA H558

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/27/2025

Primary Sponsor

Carol Doherty

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

194th General Court

AI Summary

  • Requires American Sign Language (ASL) to be taught in all Massachusetts secondary schools, changing current law from permissive ("may be taught") to mandatory ("shall be taught")
  • Adds legislative finding that children with autism can successfully learn and communicate via sign language because it is visually based, unaided, and provides quick communication
  • Amends Section 2B of Chapter 71 of the General Laws
  • Filed on January 17, 2025 by Representative Carol A. Doherty (3rd Bristol) with 18 co-sponsors from both parties

Legislative Description

To promote the inclusion of American Sign Language in the Commonwealth’s public schools, AKA The American Sign Language Inclusion Act

Last Action

Hearing scheduled for 09/16/2025 from 11:00 AM-5:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium

9/2/2025

Committee Referrals

Education2/27/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available