Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal framework for training, assessing, and assigning qualified interpreters to support students and families with limited English proficiency in Massachusetts schools. It creates specific definitions for different types of meetings, such as standard conferences and specialized sessions involving legal or disciplinary matters, and sets criteria for when an interpreter's language skills must be formally evaluated. The legislation also introduces a tiered system for interpreters, distinguishing between those who require formal assessment and those whose proficiency is deemed sufficient without it. Ultimately, the act aims to ensure that all educational interactions involving non-English speakers are conducted by interpreters who possess the necessary language skills, subject matter knowledge, and ethical understanding.
Rep. Frank Moran
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the state education board to update science, technology, and engineering curriculum standards to include interdisciplinary climate justice education for elementary and secondary students. The legislation requires these updated standards to cover topics such as the carbon and water cycles, the health impacts of various energy sources, and how climate change disproportionately affects communities based on race, class, and geography. Additionally, the bill mandates new history, social studies, and civics standards that explain climate policy and define environmental justice communities using specific legal and historical criteria. By integrating these concepts into core subjects, the law aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of equitable climate solutions and the role of different societal entities in addressing climate challenges.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new funding program within the Massachusetts School Building Authority specifically for vocational-technical education and regional vocational-technical schools. The legislation aims to improve access and capacity by directing capital investments toward infrastructure that supports industry-relevant workforce training and economic development. By establishing this dedicated tool, the bill seeks to ensure equitable access to public education and modern facilities for students pursuing technical careers.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes establishing a universal school meal program in Massachusetts to provide free breakfast and lunch to all public school students. It would require the state to allocate funding for these meals and mandate that every school district participate in the program. The legislation aims to ensure that every child attending a public school in the Commonwealth receives nutritious food at no cost to their families.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a petition to establish a new committee or task force focused on lifting children out of deep poverty in Massachusetts. It does not contain specific policy provisions, funding allocations, or operational mechanisms, as it serves only as a formal request to the legislature to consider the issue. The document lists numerous legislators who have signed the petition but does not outline any concrete legislative changes. Consequently, the bill functions as a procedural item to raise awareness rather than a standalone law.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Nicky's Law to broaden the legal definition of "employer" for entities providing MassHealth day habilitation services to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. By expanding the criteria to include organizations operating under specific department contracts, funding, or licenses, the legislation ensures these service providers are covered under existing employment protections. The change directly affects the organizations delivering these day programs and the staff who work within them, aiming to clarify their status under current state laws.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to include financial literacy as a required subject in correctional facilities. The change ensures that inmates receive education on managing money and understanding financial concepts while incarcerated. By adding this topic to the existing curriculum, the legislation aims to provide prisoners with practical skills for their future. The measure directly affects the state's Department of Correction and the inmates within its system.