This bill requires Massachusetts state agencies to conduct a comprehensive assessment of postsecondary education programs in correctional facilities. It mandates evaluating current program access (including Pell Grant use), unmet demand among incarcerated people, facility infrastructure needs, and policy barriers like classification rules or transfer practices. The assessment will gather input from incarcerated students, higher education providers, and relevant state agencies to identify improvements needed for expanding high-quality, workforce-aligned education. The findings must be reported to the legislature by January 1, 2026, to guide future program expansion and coordination.
This bill (HD 2479) requires school leaders (principals, superintendents) to first try alternative approaches like mediation or restorative justice before suspending or expelling a student. It mandates documenting why these alternatives weren't used for specific incidents, unless the student poses an immediate threat of serious harm to others. The law also requires schools to implement broader, school-wide programs focused on re-engaging students, such as trauma-sensitive learning models. Exceptions allowing immediate suspension remain only for documented safety risks or severe disruptions to learning.
This bill establishes a state program to promote solar panel installations at Massachusetts K-12 public schools. It directly affects school districts by offering financial incentives (like grants, tax breaks, or loans), technical assistance, and streamlined permitting to cover installation costs and maximize energy savings. Key provisions include requiring roof evaluations before installation, expanding solar-powered EV charging infrastructure at schools, and creating an advisory group with input from energy experts, labor, solar industry, and utilities. The program also mandates reviewing other states' models and federal funding opportunities like the Inflation Reduction Act. The Department of Energy Resources will design and implement the program through regulations and public hearings.
This bill (HD 2628) allows trained school staff to administer glucagon to students experiencing severe low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when a nurse is unavailable, directly affecting students with diabetes and their school staff. It requires written parental permission and mandates that schools train non-nurse staff to provide this emergency treatment without them facing liability for good-faith actions (except gross negligence). The bill also clarifies that such staff are not practicing nursing when administering glucagon. The Department of Public Health must issue these regulations within 180 days of the bill's enactment.
HD 2649 requires every public high school in Massachusetts to offer at least one foundational computer science course that includes rigorous math or science concepts, ensuring all students can access such a course within their four-year high school plan. The bill creates a new micro-credentialing process for educators, allowing them to demonstrate competency in computer science teaching without full certification (valid for up to 5 years), with this credential counting toward full certification later. It directly affects all public high schools and their students, as well as educators seeking to teach computer science. The law takes effect for the 2026-2027 school year.
This bill requires all public Massachusetts colleges to accept Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores of 3, 4, or 5 for college credit toward degree requirements. It directly affects public colleges and students who take AP exams, ensuring they can earn credit without colleges arbitrarily demanding higher scores (like 4 or 5). Colleges must justify requiring scores above 3 with evidence, post clear credit policies online, and report practices annually to the state higher education department. The law aims to standardize credit acceptance and improve transparency for students transferring credits between institutions.
This bill requires all public secondary schools in Massachusetts to teach American Sign Language (ASL), changing the law from optional ("may be taught") to mandatory ("shall be taught"). It directly affects public secondary schools and their curriculum requirements. The bill adds a provision noting that sign language is "visually based, unaided, and provides a mode of quick communication," specifically highlighting its effectiveness for children with autism. These changes make ASL a required part of the secondary school curriculum without adding new funding or administrative requirements.
This bill (HD 3614) prevents Massachusetts public colleges and universities from being forced to disclose certain student records. It specifically protects records classified as "education records" under federal privacy law (FERPA), including information schools designate as "directory information" (like names, addresses, or academic details). The law ensures these institutions cannot be compelled to share such student data, aligning with existing federal privacy standards. It directly affects public higher education institutions in Massachusetts and the privacy of their students' personal information.
HD 1979 amends Massachusetts law to allow public schools to use alternative assessments for the State Seal of Biliteracy, beyond the current system. It directly affects students in Massachusetts public schools seeking recognition for language proficiency. The bill inserts language permitting the education board to establish new qualifying tests or equivalent alternatives. This expands access by providing additional pathways for students to earn the seal through approved methods.
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.
