The Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities convened on June 10, 2025, to discuss the expansion of Nicky's Law, a critical piece of legislation aimed at enhancing protections for individuals with disabilities. The meeting highlighted the urgent need to broaden the scope of the law to include day habilitation settings, ensuring that vulnerable individuals are safeguarded from abuse around the clock.

Advocates, including Paul Joyce, stepdad of a disabled son, emphasized the importance of expanding protections beyond the current limitations, which only cover Department of Developmental Services (DDS) funded and operated settings. Joyce passionately recounted the harrowing experiences of families affected by abuse, urging lawmakers to consider the human rights of individuals like his son and others who rely on these services. He stated, “They have the right to live without fear... This is a human right, not a civil right.”

The meeting also addressed the success of the abuser registry, which has been operational since 2020. Joyce noted that the registry currently lists 148 individuals, preventing them from working with vulnerable populations. He reported over 112,000 searches conducted by agencies managing group homes, underscoring the registry's effectiveness in protecting children and adults with disabilities. However, he stressed that the current protections are insufficient, as day programs are not required to check the registry before hiring staff.

Joyce called for immediate action, urging the committee to advance the bill for a vote. He highlighted the readiness of the Disability Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) to take on additional responsibilities to ensure the safety of individuals in day programs. “The families are ready. The commonwealth needs to be ready as well,” he stated, reinforcing the need for legislative support to protect the most vulnerable members of society.

The committee's discussions reflect a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive protections for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing that the expansion of Nicky's Law is not just a legislative formality but a moral imperative. The next steps will involve moving the bill out of committee and towards a vote, with advocates hopeful for swift action to enhance the safety and rights of those in day habilitation settings.