By Bob Katzen

The Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities held a hearing on a bill that would prohibit any state or local facilities from using electric shock therapy, hitting, pinching or any procedure which causes obvious signs of physical pain on individuals with a physical, intellectual or developmental disability. The measure also bans any procedure which denies these individuals reasonable sleep, food, shelter, bedding, bathroom facilities and any other aspect expected of a humane existence.