Amendment #302 to H4707

Commission on Accessible Housing for Persons with Disabilities

Mr. Consalvo of Boston moves to amend the bill by adding the following section:

SECTION XXXX: Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, there shall be a special commission to study and make recommendations on expanding definitions of accessibility in housing for persons with disabilities, including seniors, in order to increase the ability of people to live in a safe, dignified, and healthy manner in their residences, recognizing that longstanding accessibility standards, which have had significant positive impact, are nonetheless limited in scope in consideration of the significant breadth of disability.

The commission shall consist of the Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities or a designee, who shall serve as chair; the executive director of the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board; the chairpersons of the Joint Committee on Housing or their designees; the executive director of the Massachusetts Office on Disabilities; a representative appointed by the statewide Independent Living Council; a representative of the Institute for Human Centered Design; a representative of NAIOP Massachusetts; a representative of the Disability Law Center; a representative of Arc Massachusetts; and a representative of the Massachusetts Association Mental Health.

The commission shall examine accessibility features in housing that may benefit persons with disabilities that may be added to state building codes and requirements, considering, though not exclusively, those with physical, sensory, intellectual, mental health, and neurodivergent disabilities. The commission shall also estimate the costs and potential impact of programs and consider the impact of climate change as well on housing for people with disabilities.

Not later than June 30, 2025, the commission shall file a report with the clerks of the senate and house of representatives and the Senate and House chairs of the joint Committee on Housing.

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #302 to H4707

Commission on Accessible Housing for Persons with Disabilities