An Act to require disclosure of conflicts of interests in academic institutions

This bill requires Massachusetts colleges and universities to create written policies that help prevent financial conflicts of interest for faculty and staff. Under the new rules, employees who receive money or ownership stakes from outside companies must publicly disclose these relationships on an online platform. The state Board of Higher Education will work with the state ethics commission to develop guidelines for these policies and must issue them within 270 days of the law passing. The law applies to all public and independent higher education institutions in the state, aiming to increase transparency regarding financial ties between academics and external entities.