The bill amends Chapter 42-28.2 of the General Laws, specifically focusing on the training of police officers and detectives in handling situations involving individuals with cognitive or communication-related disabilities. It introduces new sections that mandate the commission on standards and training to establish training standards and guidelines for police officers. These standards are to include instruction on identifying, responding to, handling, investigating, and reporting incidents involving individuals with such disabilities. The training will cover recognizing signs and symptoms of cognitive and communication-related disabilities, de-escalating crises, and making timely referrals to community resources. The training is required for both new recruits and in-service trainees at all police academies certified by the commission.

The bill specifies that training presenters should include practitioners with expertise in services for individuals with cognitive and communication-related disabilities, as well as individuals who have these disabilities themselves. The municipal police training committee will develop the course of instruction, learning and performance objectives, and training standards in consultation with relevant practitioners and advocates. Definitions for "police detective" and the terms "cognitive disabilities" and "communication-related disabilities" are provided, with the latter encompassing severe, chronic disabilities resulting in substantial functional limitations in language. The act will take effect upon passage, thereby ensuring that law enforcement personnel are better equipped to interact with and serve individuals with cognitive or communication-related disabilities.