Education

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 17, 2026

S 313: An Act strengthening transitional planning and increasing accountability for persons with disabilities and their families

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 313) of Joanne M. Comerford, Hannah Kane, James K. Hawkins, Sal N. DiDomenico and other members of the General Court for legislation to strengthen transitional planning for persons with disabilities after high school graduation or the age of twenty-two. Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill strengthens transitional planning for students with disabilities post-high school, directly enhancing educational access and support within the education system.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 8, 2026

H 691: An Act relative to the long-term fiscal health and sustainability of special education in the Commonwealth

By Representatives Scanlon of North Attleborough and Kushmerek of Fitchburg, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 691) of Adam J. Scanlon, Michael P. Kushmerek and others relative to the special education reimbursement program and for an investigation by a special commission (including members of the General Court) relative to the long-term fiscal health and sustainability of special education funding. Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill investigates special education funding sustainability to ensure long-term fiscal health, directly advancing education funding stability for special needs students.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 5, 2026

H 4217: An Act to ensure fair due process in special education disputes

The bill HD 3771 (title: "An Act to ensure fair due process in special education disputes") appears to be a draft currently being worked on by House Counsel, with no substantive text or specific provisions provided in the available context. As a draft, the exact mechanisms, affected parties, or concrete policy changes cannot be summarized from the given information. Without finalized language or details on how due process procedures would be altered, a factual summary of its provisions is not possible. The context indicates this is an ongoing legislative effort, not a finalized bill.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEnsures fair due process in special education disputes, protecting student rights and strengthening educational protections within K-12 systems.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jan 15, 2026

H 580: An Act relative to wages for substitute teacher

This bill sets a minimum daily pay rate for substitute teachers in Massachusetts public schools. It requires that substitute teachers earn at least 85% of 1/185th of the statewide average salary for beginning teachers with bachelor's degrees, or the hourly wage in Chapter 151, whichever is higher. The calculation uses the latest available data on beginning teacher salaries from the previous school year. The law does not apply to substitute teachers represented by unions in their school district.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill addresses substitute teacher wages under Education, directly supporting educator compensation and retention in K-12 schools.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

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passed · Massachusetts · House Dec 31, 2025

H 521: An Act relative to transparency and accountability in charter school finance

HD 488 changes how Massachusetts charter schools are funded by requiring districts to pay charter schools based on each district's actual per-pupil spending, adjusted for how much above their foundation budget they spend. Instead of a flat rate, districts calculate payments using their foundation budget (excluding special education tuition-outs) and an adjusted percentage reflecting their actual spending above that budget. This directly affects sending districts (which pay the funding) and charter schools (which receive it), ensuring payments better reflect the cost of educating students in each district. The bill also excludes certain costs like special education tuition-outs from the calculation and specifies how the state treasurer handles payments and deductions.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates transparency in charter school finances, ensuring proper use of public funds to protect educational integrity and prevent misuse.85% confidence

Sub-Topics School Choice

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in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 22, 2025

SD 3404: An Act relative to including inflammatory breast cancer awareness in nursing education, Marnie's Law

SD 3404, also known as "Marnie's Law," requires nursing education programs in the state to include specific training on inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) awareness. The bill directly affects nursing schools and future nurses by mandating curriculum additions about IBC, a rare but aggressive form of breast cancer often mistaken for infections. Key provisions include teaching IBC symptoms, diagnosis challenges, and the importance of early detection to prevent misdiagnosis. This Public Health legislation aims to improve patient outcomes by ensuring nurses are equipped to recognize IBC promptly.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates curriculum addition in nursing education programs, enhancing student training on IBC awareness, directly strengthening higher education curriculum requirements.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates nursing education on inflammatory breast cancer awareness to prevent misdiagnosis and improve early detection, directly enhancing healthcare quality and patient outcomes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 12, 2026

H 670: An Act relative to special education finance

By Representative Peisch of Wellesley, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 670) of Alice Hanlon Peisch relative to special education finance. Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill addresses special education finance, indicating funding support for educational services within K-12 system.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 15, 2025

S 430: An Act relative to the long-term fiscal health and sustainability of special education in the Commonwealth

By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 430) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Joanne M. Comerford, Vanna Howard, Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation for a special commission to review and valuate the commonwealth’s current special education financing structure. Education.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes commission to review special education financing structure for fiscal sustainability, supporting proper funding allocation for essential public services.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates commission to review special education financing structure for fiscal sustainability, directly addressing funding health and long-term viability per education topic indicators.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 19, 2025

S 283: An Act expanding licensure opportunity for school counselors

By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 283) of Pavel M. Payano, Joan B. Lovely, Jason M. Lewis, Brendan P. Crighton and other members of the Senate for legislation to expand licensure opportunity for school counselors. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands licensure for school counselors, increasing qualified staff availability in schools, directly supporting educational access and student support services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 18, 2025

H 654: An Act relative to special education reimbursement

By Representative Muradian of Grafton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 654) of David K. Muradian, Jr., relative to special education reimbursement. Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates reimbursement for special education costs, ensuring funding stability for schools serving students with disabilities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education

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