Education

in committee · Massachusetts · House Aug 28, 2025

H 4406: An Act banning legacy and donor preferences in higher education

This bill prohibits Massachusetts public and private degree-granting colleges and universities from considering applicants' family ties to alumni or donors during admissions decisions. It also bans institutions from disclosing relatives' educational history or donation records in application materials. The bill requires the state department of higher education to study how binding early decision policies impact student diversity - including economic status, racial/ethnic representation, and first-generation students - and report findings within one year. These changes will take effect for admissions leading to the 2026-2027 school year.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBans legacy/donor preferences in admissions to promote equitable access and diversity in higher education, directly advancing educational access95% confidence

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in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Sep 4, 2025

SD 2611: An Act relative to increasing access for vulnerable students

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly aims to increase school access for vulnerable students, directly supporting educational access as defined in the topic.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Sep 4, 2025

H 713: An Act relative to supporting student participation in 4-H programs

This bill ensures Massachusetts public schools treat student participation in 4-H programs as excused absences, counting up to 5 days per year the same as field trips. Schools must provide make-up work and prevent grades from being negatively affected due to 4-H participation. It does not apply during standardized testing periods or if a student is suspended/expelled. The policy takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly supports student participation in 4-H educational programs, enhancing extracurricular learning access per topic description.85% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 17, 2026

H 1436: An Act relative to debt-free public higher education

This bill declares free public higher education a right for Massachusetts residents. It creates a state grant program covering tuition and mandatory fees at public colleges, universities, and vocational programs for eligible students. Eligibility requires graduating from a Massachusetts high school (or equivalent) after three years of attendance, or qualifying for in-state tuition under federal rules. The grants supplement, but do not replace, existing federal aid like Pell Grants and state scholarships, with no restrictions on academic programs.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates grant program covering tuition/fees at public colleges, directly increasing access and reducing financial barriers for students.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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passed · Massachusetts · House Sep 15, 2025

H 621: An Act relative to state engagement in the education of gifted and talented students

This bill requires the state education board to establish policies ensuring appropriate education for gifted and talented students in all K-12 grades. It mandates annual surveys of schools to track identification and service rates for these students, disaggregated by race/ethnicity and income level, and compiles this data into an annual public report. Districts must base programming on established best practices in gifted education, ensuring students receive appropriate academic challenges throughout the school day. The law directly affects all public K-12 schools and districts in the state by requiring standardized reporting and evidence-based programming for advanced learners.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly focuses on state engagement for gifted K-12 students, advancing specialized educational programs within the topic area.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 23, 2026

S 2068: An Act addressing hostile learning environments at higher education institutions

By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2068) of Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation relative to hostile learning environments at higher education institutes and tax exemptions. Revenue.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill targets hostile learning environments at higher education institutions, aiming to improve safety and inclusivity, which supports educational quality and access.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 16, 2026

H 3228: An Act relative to tuition tax credit

This bill creates a state tax credit for higher education expenses. It allows taxpayers to claim a credit equal to 20% of qualified tuition and fees paid for higher education, up to a maximum of $5,000 per tax year. Any unused portion of the credit can be carried forward and applied to taxes for the next seven years. The credit directly affects individuals or families paying for college tuition and fees, reducing their state tax liability based on actual education costs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tuition tax credit, offering tax relief for education expenses, aligning with support indicators for middle-income families.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationTax credit for higher education tuition directly increases affordability and access to postsecondary education, aligning with support indicators for educational access and funding.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 15, 2025

S 433: An Act relative to substance use education in public schools

By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 433) of Pavel M. Payano for legislation relative to substance use education in public schools. Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAdds substance use education curriculum to public schools, enhancing student health education programs within K-12 framework.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 23, 2026

H 547: An Act relative to providing health education in schools

By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 547) of Marjorie C. Decker relative to health education in schools. Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates health education in schools, enhancing curriculum and student programs within educational policy framework.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates health education in schools, a preventive public health initiative that promotes health literacy and wellness programs, aligning with healthcare support indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Sep 22, 2025

S 316: An Act to promote social-emotional learning

By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 316) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation to promote social-emotional learning. Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly promotes social-emotional learning in education, aligning with strengthening student development and school programs per support indicators.95% confidence

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