Education

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 15, 2025

S 442: Resolve establishing a special commission on special education funding

By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 442) of Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to establish a special commission on special education funding. Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes commission to study special education funding, indicating intent to address and improve funding mechanisms for education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jan 15, 2026

H 743: An Act establishing a grant program to increase the presence of mental health counselors in schools

By Representative Vaughn of Wrentham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 743) of Marcus S. Vaughn relative to establishing a grant program to increase the presence of mental health counselors in schools. Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes grant program to fund mental health counselors in schools, directly increasing educational support services for students.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates grant program to fund mental health counselors in schools, directly supporting mental health services under healthcare policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Mental Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 12, 2026

H 736: An Act to establish de-escalation training in student transportation

By Representative Vargas of Haverhill, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 736) of Andres X. Vargas relative to providing for de-escalation tactics and techniques approved by the Commissioner of Education for school bus operators. Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates de-escalation training for school bus operators (approved by Commissioner of Education) to improve safety during student transportation, supporting educational access and safety.80% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationEstablishes de-escalation training for school bus operators, enhancing safety in student transportation - a key transportation safety measure.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Transportation Public Transit

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 24, 2025

S 435: An Act to establish de-escalation training in student transportation

By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 435) of Pavel M. Payano relative to providing for de-escalation tactics and techniques approved by the Commissioner of Education for school bus operators. Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates de-escalation training for school bus operators approved by Commissioner of Education, enhancing student safety during transportation - a critical component of K-12 educational access.80% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationEstablishes de-escalation training for school bus operators, directly enhancing transportation safety protocols for student transportation vehicles.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Transportation Public Transit

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 2683: An Act eliminating predatory transportation pricing of school districts

By Mr. Fernandes, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2683) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation to eliminate predatory transportation pricing of school districts. Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEliminates predatory transportation costs for school districts, reducing financial burden and freeing resources for educational purposes within K-12 infrastructure.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationEliminates predatory transportation pricing for school districts, protecting fair access to transportation services90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Transportation

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 8, 2025

S 64: An Act relative to improving pesticide protections for Massachusetts schoolchildren

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 64) of Jason M. Lewis, James K. Hawkins, Sal N. DiDomenico, James B. Eldridge and others for legislation to improve pesticide protections for Massachusetts schoolchildren. Agriculture.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill improves school safety by restricting pesticide use near schools, directly protecting students in educational settings as part of K-12 environment.95% confidence

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 25, 2026

H 516: An Act establishing employee screening requirements in schools to prevent child sexual abuse

By Representative Blais of Deerfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 516) of Natalie M. Blais for legislation to establish employee screening requirements in schools to prevent child sexual abuse. Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes mandatory employee screening in schools to prevent child abuse, directly protecting student safety within educational settings.95% confidence

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 19: An Act relative to educator license accountability

This bill (SD 19) requires school districts to submit specific supporting documents with educator license applications or renewals, including professional development plans and a supervisor's digital signature verifying that activities align with the educator's Individual Professional Development Plan. It directly affects educators seeking or renewing licenses, school districts, and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Key provisions include a 90-day submission window for these documents, a prohibition on non-licensed educators accruing service time during non-licensure, and the Department's authority to audit districts for licensure compliance. The bill aims to strengthen accountability for educator licensing through clearer documentation and verification processes.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires professional development plans and supervisor verification for educator licenses, strengthening accountability and supporting teacher growth within education system.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 89: An Act relative to educator training to create educational equity for gifted and beyond grade-level children

HD 89 requires Massachusetts educators and administrators who work with students who are gifted, working above grade level, or have the potential to excel to complete 15 hours of specialized training every five years for license renewal. School districts must provide annual reports to the state on this training, including how many educators received it and how it addresses the needs of these students. The training covers identifying student strengths, addressing biases that affect opportunities based on race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, and using evidence-based strategies for gifted education. This applies to all educators in schools with students who meet these criteria, as defined by federal law.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates 15 hours of specialized training for educators serving gifted students to address equity gaps, directly supporting teacher development and student access in K-12 education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 94: An Act relative to educational equity for gifted and beyond grade-level children

This bill establishes Chapter 71C in Massachusetts education law to ensure equitable educational opportunities for gifted and beyond-grade-level students. It requires schools to provide a "free appropriate public education" (FAPE) tailored to their unique needs, including specialized programs and services, and prohibits denying these services based on standardized test results. The law defines key terms like "beyond grade-level" (students performing above grade-level curriculum), "twice-exceptional" (gifted students with disabilities), and mandates the Board of Education to create regulations for implementing these services. It directly affects public schools, districts, and students identified as gifted or beyond grade-level, aiming to support their academic, social, and emotional development.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates tailored educational services for gifted students, prohibits denial based on test scores, ensuring equitable access to specialized programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Special Education Testing & Assessment

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