H 1458 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relative to admissions requirements to institutions of higher education

This bill (HD 151) directs Massachusetts' Department of Higher Education to review whether public colleges should require standardized tests like the SAT or ACT for undergraduate admission. The review must examine testing trends in Massachusetts and other states, the tests' accuracy in measuring college readiness, evidence of bias, and impacts on student diversity (including race, income, and first-generation status). The department must consult with educators, students, experts, and advocacy groups, then publish findings and submit a report to key legislative committees within one year. The bill does not change current admission policies but mandates a study to inform future decisions.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Aug 2025
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Aug 28, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Aug 28, 2025
Lower · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on Higher Education
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Adam Scanlon
Adam Scanlon
DDemocratic
MA
14th Bristol