Education

By Representative Kushmerek of Fitchburg and Senator Cronin, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michael P. Kushmerek relative to Hispanic-serving institutions in higher education. Higher Education.

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 356) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to ensure ensuring student representation, Aidan's Law. Education.

This bill allocates $3.05 billion in state funds for capital improvements at Massachusetts public higher education institutions. It directly affects state colleges, community colleges, and the University of Massachusetts system by funding specific projects like deferred maintenance, modernization, decarbonization efforts, laboratory upgrades, and campus master planning. Key provisions include $1.25 billion for campus facility repairs and modernization at state/community colleges, $80 million for decarbonization projects, $120 million for labs and student support facilities, and $30 million for planning. The funds must align with approved campus master plans and be tracked through the state's capital asset management system, with no new policies created - only financial support for existing infrastructure needs.

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 938) of Jason M. Lewis for legislation to require disclosure of conflicts of interests in academic institutions. Higher Education.

This bill strengthens pesticide restrictions around Massachusetts schools and childcare facilities. It requires schools, childcare centers, and related properties (including sports fields for youth teams) to use only EPA-exempt pesticides or those listed on the National Organic Program's approved ingredients, with hardship waivers possible at the department's discretion. The law expands coverage to include all properties within 150 feet of these locations and applies to any entity hiring pesticide services, whether public or private. These changes directly affect schools, childcare providers, and pesticide applicators operating near these facilities.

Senate, November 6, 2025 -- Text of the Senate Bill to enhance access, inclusion, support and equity for military connected families (Senate, No. 2709) (bing the text of Senate Bill, No. 2676, printed as amended)

Senate, November 13, 2025 -- The committee on Higher Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 945) of Michael O. Moore and James B. Eldridge for legislation to assist low-income students success through work-study, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2704).

This bill requires all licensed child care programs and public schools in Massachusetts to undergo regular radon testing. The Department of Public Health must create public regulations within one year covering testing schedules, acceptable radon levels, documentation, and mitigation plans for unsafe levels. These regulations will apply to all facilities under the Department of Early Education and Care's licensing. The bill does not specify funding but requires the department to develop the rules using existing appropriations.

By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 444) of Rebecca L. Rausch and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation relative to celebrate and teach Native American culture and history. Education.

Senate, November 17, 2025 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 326) of John J. Cronin and John F. Keenan for legislation to expand student opportunities in career technical education; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 329) of John J. Cronin for legislation to construct vocational education annexes in gateway cities; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 330) of John J. Cronin and Vanna Howard for legislation to ensure that all students have an equal chance of being admitted to vocational programs; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 332) of John J. Cronin for legislation to expand student access to a vocational-technical education; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 358) of Paul R. Feeney, Steven George Xiarhos, James B. Eldridge, Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation to improve access, opportunity, and capacity in Massachusetts vocational-technical education; and (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 384) of Edward J. Kennedy that provisions be made for an investigation and study by a special commission (including members of the General Court) to establish a commission to examine expanding vocational and technical high school access, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2690).