An Act relative to debt-free public higher education
This bill establishes a policy to guarantee free public higher education for all residents of Massachusetts. It creates a grant program that covers tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students, who are defined as those who attended and graduated from a Massachusetts high school or meet specific residency requirements. The program is designed to supplement existing financial aid, such as Federal Pell Grants, and also provides additional funding for living expenses like room, board, and books for students who qualify based on income. Public colleges and universities across the state must participate, and the Board of Higher Education is tasked with managing the program and notifying eligible students of their benefits.
Bill status
passed
3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
House Passage
Mar 2024
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023
Last action Sep 5, 2024
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the House. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
8
Key actions
3
Committee
1
Amendments
1
Mar 4, 2024
Lower · Passed
House concurred in the Senate amendment
lower
Feb 29, 2024
Upper · Passed
Amendment adopted
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Higher Education
upper
1 primary · 10 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Jamie Eldridge
DDemocratic
Co
Carmine Gentile
DDemocratic
Co
Jack Lewis
DDemocratic
Co
Jake Oliveira
DDemocratic
Co
Jo Comerford
DDemocratic
Co
Liz Miranda
DDemocratic
Co
Manny Cruz
DDemocratic
Co
Pat Duffy
DDemocratic
Co
Pat Jehlen
DDemocratic
Co
Sal DiDomenico
DDemocratic
Co
Vanna Howard
DDemocratic
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