Education (Higher Education)

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Sep 8, 2025

S 2591: An Act relative to college in high school

Senate, September 2, 2025 -- The committee on Higher Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 923) of Brendan P. Crighton and Manny Cruz for legislation relative to college credits while attending high school, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No.2591).

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill enables high school students to earn college credits, expanding educational access and pathways to higher education without restrictions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 24, 2025

S 953: An Act expanding the community college training incentive program

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 953) of John C. Velis and Adam J. Scanlon for legislation to expand the community college training incentive program. Higher Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands community college training incentive program, directly advancing higher education access and funding through program growth.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 5, 2026

H 1422: Resolve providing for the study and investigation relative to expanding the in-state higher education tuition and fee waiver program

By Representative Arena-DeRosa of Holliston, a petition (accompanied by resolve, House, No. 1422) of James C. Arena-DeRosa for an investigation by a special commission relative to expanding the in-state higher education tuition and fee waiver program. Higher Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill seeks to study expanding in-state tuition waiver program, directly increasing higher education access and affordability for students.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2172: An Act to support college students in recovery

By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 951) of Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to support college students in recovery. Higher Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly supports college students in recovery through higher education initiatives, enhancing student access and support programs within the education topic area.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jun 23, 2025

S 939: An Act establishing the hunger-free campus initiative

By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 939) of Joan B. Lovely, Joanne M. Comerford, Michael D. Brady, James B. Eldridge and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish the hunger-free campus initiative that would provide grants to institutions of public higher education to address student food insecurity and hunger. Higher Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides grants to public higher education institutions to address student food insecurity, directly enhancing educational access and student welfare in higher education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1567: An Act establishing the hunger-free campus initiative

This bill establishes a state grant program to address student food insecurity at public colleges and universities. It creates a Hunger-Free Campus Trust Fund to provide funding for institutions meeting specific requirements, such as having campus staff for food assistance access, accepting federal nutrition benefits at on-campus vendors, and implementing meal credit sharing programs. Institutions must meet income-based criteria for grant levels and report on program activities annually. The program director will develop guidelines, and participating institutions must report on student engagement and outcomes to state officials.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates state grants to address student food insecurity at public colleges, enhancing educational access and student support through funding and program requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Jun 23, 2025

S 2535: An Act establishing the hunger-free campus initiative

Senate, June 23, 2025 -- The committee on Higher Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 939) of Joan B. Lovely, Joanne M. Comerford, Michael D. Brady, James B. Eldridge and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish the hunger-free campus initiative that would provide grants to institutions of public higher education to address student food insecurity and hunger, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2535).

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill provides grants to public higher education institutions to address student food insecurity, directly enhancing educational access and student well-being through targeted funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1705: An Act relative to increasing 529 deductions

By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2066) of Jacob R. Oliveira relative to increasing college savings plan deductions. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases tax deductions for 529 college savings plans, providing tax relief for education savings. Directly advances tax policy supporting families.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill increases tax deductions for 529 college savings plans, enhancing higher education affordability and access through tax incentives.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1426: An Act relative to higher education tuition and fee waivers for seniors

This bill creates a one-year pilot program (July 2025-June 2026) offering tuition and fee waivers at Massachusetts public colleges and universities for seniors aged 60 and older. It directly affects qualifying seniors enrolled in undergraduate programs, summer sessions, evening classes, or specific courses, with a limit of four courses per academic year and availability-based enrollment. Institutions must report lost tuition revenue to the state by August 2026, after which the Comptroller reimburses them from the General Fund. The total reimbursement amount established during the pilot will set the annual funding level for future senior tuition waivers in the state budget starting fiscal year 2027. The program applies to all state universities, community colleges, and University of Massachusetts campuses.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funds to cover tuition waivers for seniors, increasing public education spending through budgeted appropriations.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands educational access for seniors by waiving tuition/fees at public colleges, directly advancing higher education access for a specific demographic.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability Higher Education

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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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