H 218 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to autism education reform

This bill aims to improve education and safety for students and individuals on the autism spectrum in Massachusetts. It requires law enforcement and correction officers to receive specialized training on how to interact appropriately with autistic people, focusing on de-escalation and understanding sensory processing differences. Additionally, the bill mandates that special education teachers and paraprofessionals obtain specific certifications by completing coursework and field experience to better support autistic students in classrooms. These changes are designed to ensure that educators and first responders have the necessary skills to meet the unique needs of individuals with autism.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Sep 5, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
lower
1 primary · 6 co-sponsors

Sponsors