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MA S425
Bill
Status
2/27/2025
Primary Sponsor
Jacob Oliveira
Click for details
AI Summary
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Mandates that American Sign Language (ASL) shall be taught in all Massachusetts secondary schools, changing current law from permissive ("may be taught") to mandatory ("shall be taught")
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Adds statutory language recognizing ASL's benefits for children with autism, citing its visual basis, unaided nature, and effectiveness as a quick communication mode
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Amends Section 2B of Chapter 71 of the General Laws to require rather than permit ASL instruction to satisfy foreign language requirements
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Filed by Senator Jacob R. Oliveira (Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester) with co-sponsors from 5th Barnstable and 13th Bristol districts
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Similar legislation was previously filed in the 2023-2024 session as Senate No. 338
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
Accompanied a new draft, see S2866
12/29/2025