Education

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1258: An Act relative to the endowment match program

This bill mandates $20 million in state funding to continue matching private donations for endowments and capital projects at Massachusetts public colleges and universities. It specifically allocates $10 million to the University of Massachusetts, $5 million to state universities, and $5 million to community colleges. Unused funds for community colleges roll over to state universities, and unused state university funds roll over to the University of Massachusetts. The program requires institutions to secure private donations that the state will match using these dedicated funds.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates $20M state funding to match private donations for public college endowments/capital projects, directly increasing funding for higher education institutions as specified in the topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1549: An Act relative to teacher’s retirement buyback for former parochial school teachers

HD 1549 allows former parochial school teachers in Massachusetts to purchase retirement service credit for up to 10 years of prior teaching. To qualify, teachers must have taught in an approved school with a valid teaching certificate, pay contributions based on the average teacher salary for those years (plus capped interest), and have their last 10 years of service as a state employee. The bill requires a single payment or annual payments to the retirement system to receive credit for the purchased service time. This directly affects teachers who worked in parochial schools before joining the state teaching system.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill enhances retirement benefits for teachers by allowing buyback of service credit, directly supporting educator welfare and retention in education sector.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands retirement benefits for teachers by allowing purchase of service credit, strengthening employment-related worker benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers Public Employees

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 809: An Act expanding licensure opportunity for school counselors

By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 283) of Pavel M. Payano for legislation to expand licensure opportunity for school counselors. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands school counselor licensure, increasing access to mental health and academic support services in schools, directly advancing student support systems.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1277: An Act requiring instruction in CPR and the use of defibrillators for high school graduation

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 456) of Bruce E. Tarr and Madeline Elizabeth Jackman, relative to requiring instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of defibrillators for high school graduation. Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates CPR/defibrillator training as graduation requirement, enhancing health education curriculum within K-12 standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 27, 2025

HD 2947: An Act expanding reasons for excused absences from school to include mental or behavioral health

By Representative Doherty of Taunton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 557) of Carol A. Doherty and James K. Hawkins relative to excused absences from school. Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands excused absences for mental health, improving student access to care and reducing attendance barriers in K-12 schools, directly supporting educational access.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly expands excused absences for mental health, enabling student access to care without academic penalties, aligning with mental health service support indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2208: An Act relative to teacher retirement election

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1884) of Liz Miranda, Sal N. DiDomenico, Michael F. Rush, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to teacher retirement election. Public Service.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill addresses teacher retirement election, implying support for teacher benefits and workforce stability within education policy.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 351: An Act enabling trained school personnel to administer life saving epinephrine treatment

By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1595) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to enable trained school personnel to administer life saving epinephrine treatment. Public Health.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEnables school personnel to administer life-saving epinephrine, enhancing student safety and health protocols within K-12 schools, directly supporting educational environment stability.92% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables school personnel to administer life-saving epinephrine for allergic reactions, improving emergency access to critical healthcare in public health context.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Public Health

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1543: An Act to support college students in recovery

This bill requires public colleges and universities to create alcohol- and drug-free housing programs for students recovering from substance use. These programs must offer on-site counseling, mentoring, and peer support services. Additionally, all public institutions must provide overdose prevention training and make naloxone available to students, faculty, and staff. The law directly affects public higher education institutions and students seeking recovery support.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates recovery support services in public colleges, enhancing student program access and safety within higher education.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates mental health services (counseling, peer support) and naloxone access in colleges, directly advancing substance use recovery healthcare programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2223: An Act to establish the Whole Child Grant Program

HD 2223 establishes the Whole Child Grant Program to fund public school districts in Massachusetts for student and educator wellbeing. The bill creates a dedicated fund administered by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, providing $150 per pupil for districts with 20%+ low-income students, $100 for 10-20%, and $50 for under 10%. Funds must be used for specific, allowable purposes including hiring school nurses, counselors, social workers, and psychologists (following state and national staffing recommendations), implementing mental health programs, and developing policies on student safety and technology use. School districts must submit plans detailing fund allocation, agree to supplement existing funding (not replace it), and report annually on expenditures and progress. The program directly affects all public school districts, with increased support targeted to those serving higher concentrations of low-income students.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationFunds K-12 wellbeing programs via grants for staff (nurses, counselors) in high-need districts, directly advancing student/educator support through targeted funding.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill allocates funds specifically for school nurses, counselors, and psychologists - directly supporting mental health services and healthcare access in schools per allowable uses.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Teachers

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 27, 2025

HD 3751: An Act relative to improved special needs transportation and student safety, "John's Law"

By Representative DuBois of Brockton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 564) of Michelle M. DuBois relative to transportation of special needs students. Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationImproves special needs student transportation access, enhancing educational access and safety under Education subject.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Transportation

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