Fall River Disability Commission seeks legal opinion on scholarship program's future

The Fall River Commission on Disability has taken a significant step towards ensuring the future of its scholarship program, which supports students with disabilities. During a meeting on June 11, 2025, the commission voted unanimously to seek a legal opinion from the city’s corporation counsel regarding the program's compliance with municipal regulations.

The discussion centered around concerns that the current interpretation of state law might classify the scholarship program as an improper use of funds. The commission members expressed a strong desire to clarify these legal interpretations before making any decisions that could jeopardize the program, which has been in place for five years and has provided substantial financial assistance to local students.

Vice Chair Debbie Pacheco emphasized the importance of the scholarship program as an outreach initiative, noting that it benefits students through institutions rather than directly providing funds to individuals. This model has been successful, with other municipalities looking to adopt Fall River's approach. However, the commission acknowledged that the city’s corporation counsel had raised concerns about the legality of the program under current interpretations of state law.

Commissioner Michael Rodrigues highlighted the need for further consultation with state legislators and legal counsel if the corporation counsel's opinion suggests eliminating the program. He argued that the scholarship program has been one of the commission's most successful initiatives and should not be dismissed without thorough examination and discussion.

The commission agreed to first obtain the legal opinion before involving state representatives, aiming to address the issue methodically. This decision reflects a commitment to ensuring that the scholarship program continues to serve its purpose while adhering to legal standards.

As the commission awaits the corporation counsel's opinion, the future of the scholarship program remains uncertain, but the proactive steps taken signal a dedication to supporting students with disabilities in Fall River. The next meeting will revisit this topic, ensuring that all stakeholders are informed and involved in the decision-making process.