Soon, I will be introducing a resolution that will direct the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study on the feasibility of establishing a combined registry or improving and instituting  new registries for those who abuse our most vulnerable populations; our seniors, children, and those with disabilities.

Our office has been approached by advocates who are seeking to have their loved ones protected from future abuse through the protections that an abuse registry provides.

The Commonwealth currently maintains a registry that includes individuals named as a perpetrator of a substantiated report of child abuse or neglect. However, this registry continues to be challenged in its ability to manage and balance safeguarding child safety with adequate and timely due process for individuals placed on the registry, leading to several lawsuits. At the same time, there are no regulations that have been adopted to create a protective system for adults with disabilities, as stakeholders debate the pros and cons of different models of accountability.

The state can and should do more to protect vulnerable individuals, but we need an informed approach that will set up an effective protective system with integrity.

A JSGC study would examine the way in which combined or individual registries could pass constitutional limitations, the structure of the investigation process, how information on the registry would be restricted so that it is only accessed, as appropriate and required, by employers and other entities, and the approach taken by other states and the costs while bringing together the various stakeholders.

Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation that would seek to provide a needed safeguard in order to keep vulnerable populations safe.