This bill (H 4456) modifies Massachusetts licensure requirements for mental health counselors to directly benefit school counselors. It allows school counselors (already licensed as specialized instructional support personnel) to apply their existing graduate coursework and supervised clinical experience toward mental health counselor licensure, including credits from programs under 60 credits. Applicants must still complete two additional years of supervised clinical experience (with specific supervision requirements) and evidence-based suicide prevention training. The bill explicitly permits school counselors to take the mental health counselor licensure exam, streamlining their path to expanded practice.
Senate, September 2, 2025 -- The committee on Higher Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 924) of Julian Cyr and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation relative to tuition waivers for children raised by a grandparent or other relative, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No.2592).
H 4460 amends the governance structure of a state agency focused on business development by restructuring its board of directors. The bill requires the governor to appoint 16 board members with specific expertise, including a microbusiness owner, a representative from diverse business communities, a small business financing specialist, and others representing key sectors like real estate, banking, and community development. This change directly affects how the agency is governed and ensures diverse business perspectives inform its decisions. The bill takes effect 30 days after enactment, with new appointments needed within that timeframe.
H 4418 amends Massachusetts law to strengthen the Massachusetts Food Policy Council. It increases the council's membership from 18 to 20 members, adds specific positions (like the marine fisheries director and UMass food policy director), and creates a new full-time Food System Coordinator role. The coordinator will inventory state food programs, facilitate interagency collaboration, track progress on food system goals, and report to legislative committees and agencies. The bill also establishes rules for compensating council members while requiring compliance with ethics laws. This directly affects the council, state agencies involved in food policy, and the coordination of food system programs across Massachusetts.
H 4420 creates the Agriculture and Fishery Vulnerability Preparedness Grant Fund to help Massachusetts farms and fisheries prepare for climate change impacts. The fund, managed by state agricultural and fishery departments, provides grants for climate resilience projects like energy-efficient farming, climate-resilient infrastructure, and data collection. It also supports technical assistance to help applicants plan and secure funding for these initiatives. Grants are awarded based on sector and regional needs, with quarterly reports tracking applicants, recipients, funding amounts, and administrative costs to state legislative committees. The fund permanently retains unspent money, ensuring ongoing support without annual re-appropriation.
This bill prohibits commercial farming (aquaculture) of octopus for human food in Massachusetts. It directly affects businesses that raise octopus in controlled environments, banning their sale, possession, or transport for consumption. The law exempts wild-caught octopus (harvested from natural waters) and allows its sale and transport, with penalties including up to $1,000 per day for violations. Key provisions clarify definitions, establish civil penalties, and ensure wild-caught octopus remains regulated under existing food safety rules. The bill does not impact wild harvesting or research activities involving octopus.
By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of John J. Cronin for legislation relative to Chapter 23N sensitive information and privacy. The Judiciary.
By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of John J. Cronin for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Richard Curley, an employee of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office. Public Service.
By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Liz Miranda for legislation to ensure non-discrimination by improving algorithmic system. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.
By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of John J. Cronin relative to access to certain schools for vulnerable students. Education.
By Mr. Cronin (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Wayne Queeney for legislation to establish distinctive license plates. Transportation.
H 4448 requires construction employers (with OSHA oversight) to provide 10 hours of OSHA training to employees and verify independent contractors have completed approved training. Employers without required training face escalating fines ($1,500 to $5,000 per violation) and $25,000 fines if a death results from non-compliance after an investigation. The law mandates public reporting of violations and requires the board to list approved training providers and establish renewal rules. It exempts routine homeowner home maintenance and small projects under $25,000.
