For several years, The Arc has been working to support the families of those who lived in state institutions to access their records. The Arc helped to establish the Special Commission on State Institutions, which led a lengthy and emotional process to bring clarity and justice to these families.
That Commission released their recommendations several weeks ago and Governor Healey recently filed a supplemental budget proposal, which includes language that aligns with the Special Commission’s recommendations. Notably, this includes a proposal to make state institution records that are over 75 years old public. This makes records easier to access for families and historians, while also respecting privacy concerns.
As this supplemental budget bill moves through the legislature, we look forward to advocating for these important provisions to finally become law. Thank you to Governor Healey and to the Special Commission on State Institutions for your tireless work to help right the historical wrongs of our past.
