S 823 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

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