The bill, known as "An Act Amending Certain Laws Relative to Persons with Disabilities" or Katies Law, introduces significant updates to the Commission for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities (CPPD) to enhance its mission of safeguarding adults with disabilities from abuse. It replaces outdated terminology with person-first language, rebranding the CPPD from its previous name, the Disabled Persons Protection Commission. The CPPD's focus remains on protecting adults aged 18-59 through investigations, oversight, and public awareness initiatives. In Fiscal Year 2026, the CPPD received over 18,000 hotline calls and 17,537 abuse reports, resulting in nearly 3,000 investigations, while also expanding its public awareness campaigns and maintaining an Abuser Registry to prevent individuals with substantiated abuse findings from working with vulnerable populations.

The bill further outlines the responsibilities of the CPPD Oversight Unit, which monitors abuse and neglect cases involving individuals with disabilities, collaborating with agencies like the State Police Detective Unit and the Sexual Assault Response (SAR) team. The Oversight Unit is responsible for assessing risks, reviewing case histories, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Additionally, the CPPD Legal Unit is established to provide legal guidance for investigations, manage record requests, and secure judicial protective orders. The bill emphasizes the CPPD's commitment to preventing abuse and improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities through education, training, and collaboration with various stakeholders.