Rep. Alice Peisch

By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1653) of Cynthia Stone Creem, Jason M. Lewis, David Paul Linsky, Christopher Richard Flanagan and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to firearm industry accountability and gun violence victims’ access to justice. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 3332) is a resolution introduced by Senators Creem and Peisch to formally rescind all previous applications by Massachusetts for an Article V constitutional convention. It directly affects the state's legislative record by removing prior requests to convene a convention for amending the U.S. Constitution. The key provision is a simple legislative action to withdraw these historical applications, without creating new policy or altering constitutional processes. As a procedural resolution, it does not change state law or impact current voters.

By Representative Peisch of Wellesley and Senator Creem, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Alice Hanlon Peisch and Cynthia Stone Creem for the adoption of resolutions to rescind all prior Article V Constitutional Convention applications. Veterans and Federal Affairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public schools and districts to adopt policies restricting personal electronic device use during school hours and school activities to reduce distractions and support learning. The state education department must provide a model policy including secure device storage options, methods for parents to contact students during the day (including emergencies), and enforcement rules that prevent unfair discipline. Schools must file their adopted policies annually by September 1, with exceptions for students with disabilities, health accommodations, or emergencies. The policy must not lead to student expulsion or suspension solely for device use violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public schools to create and implement two specific policies. First, schools must establish a device policy prohibiting student access to personal electronic devices (like phones or tablets) during the school day, except for special education plans, emergencies, or administrator approval. Second, schools must develop a social media education policy teaching students about the risks of social media use, including emotional and physical impacts. Schools must notify parents about both policies and file them with the state education department, which will provide public guidance to help schools create effective policies. The bill directly affects public school students, parents, and school districts across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 3746) requires Massachusetts public school districts to maintain established school schedules and structured learning time during teacher strikes. It directly affects school districts and teachers by mandating that districts cannot reduce instructional hours or eliminate required learning time under state education regulations (603 CMR 27.03 and 27.04) when public school employees strike. The key provision adds a specific requirement to labor law, ensuring schools continue operating under their standard academic calendar during strikes. This policy change focuses on maintaining educational continuity for students during labor disputes.

Maddy summaryH 4642 requires Massachusetts teacher preparation programs to align with evidence-based literacy instruction, including the five research-based reading areas (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension). School districts must screen all K-3 students twice yearly using approved tools, provide evidence-based interventions within 30 days for students significantly below benchmarks, and inform parents of results. The bill mandates that elementary literacy curricula must cover these research-based areas and use scientifically validated methods, prohibiting approaches like "three-cueing" (MSV). It also requires annual public reporting of program quality, screening tool usage, and graduate employment data by the education commissioner.

By Representative Peisch of Wellesley and Senator Creem, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4140) of Alice Hanlon Peisch (by vote of the town) that the town of Wellesley be authorized to increase the 15-mile residency limit to certain non-civil service public safety personnel. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

Maddy summaryH 4672 requires Massachusetts school districts to use evidence-based literacy instruction for kindergarten through grade 3, banning methods like "three-cueing" (guessing from pictures or context) and mandating curricula aligned with five research-backed reading skills: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Districts must select "high-quality" curricula approved by the education department, though they can apply for waivers or pilot programs with specific reporting requirements. The bill also mandates annual data reporting on literacy implementation and creates resources for teacher training on evidence-based methods. It directly affects K-3 teachers, school districts, and curriculum developers by changing how reading programs are selected and evaluated.

Maddy summaryHD 3834 requires Massachusetts teacher preparation programs to focus on evidence-based reading instruction (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension) and undergo annual evaluation by the Commissioner of Education based on candidate outcomes. It mandates that all K-3 students be screened twice yearly using approved literacy tools, with schools required to address results below benchmarks within 30 days and report to parents. The bill also creates a two-year paid teacher apprenticeship pilot in high-needs districts (serving high percentages of low-income students and English learners), covering costs like childcare and transportation. Additionally, it requires annual public reporting on program quality, screening tools used by districts, and apprenticeship outcomes. These changes directly affect teacher training programs, public schools, and educators in Massachusetts.