Rep. Todd Smola

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Massachusetts Executive branch agencies to post every Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR) on their official websites, with updates due by June 30 each year. It directly affects state agencies by mandating online public access to all their regulations, replacing previous methods of distribution. The key provision is the annual update requirement, ensuring regulations remain current and publicly available without relying on physical copies or other channels. The law takes effect on July 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Massachusetts schools to maintain a stock supply of non-patient-specific epinephrine auto-injectors for immediate use during severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). It mandates schools to store the medication in accessible locations, determine appropriate quantities based on student population, train authorized staff, and regularly check expiration dates. The law also provides legal immunity for school staff who administer epinephrine in good faith during emergencies, protecting them and their school districts from civil liability. Additionally, the health and education departments must seek federal funding or free epinephrine from pharmaceutical companies to support implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts' civil defense law to explicitly address cyber threats. It adds definitions for "Critical Infrastructure" (including election systems, transportation, utilities, and water/gas/electric systems), "Cybersecurity Attack" (disrupting or stealing data), and "Cyber System" (networked hardware/software). These definitions clarify that the state's civil defense framework now covers cyberattacks targeting government systems or critical infrastructure deemed at risk by the governor. The law directly affects state agencies and the operators of essential infrastructure sectors by establishing a legal basis for response planning.

Maddy summaryThis 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.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Section 94 of Chapter 32 of the General Laws to clarify which police forces are covered under existing provisions. It adds "or of the police force of the Office of Environmental Law Enforcement" to the list of entities already included (such as public works building police). The change directly affects the Office of Environmental Law Enforcement's police force by explicitly including it under the same legal framework. This is a technical clarification with no new policy or program, simply updating the scope of an existing law.

Maddy summaryHD 4025 amends a state law to extend disability benefits for POST-certified police officers disabled by cardiac disease to additional police forces. The bill adds the University of Massachusetts police, Massachusetts Port Authority police, state university and community college police, environmental law enforcement, and Department of Mental Health campus police to the list of covered entities. Previously, officers in these forces were excluded from the same benefit provision that applied to entities like the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. This change directly affects POST-certified officers in these newly included forces by making them eligible for the same cardiac disability benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures Massachusetts public schools treat student participation in 4-H programs as excused absences, counting up to 5 days per year the same as field trips. Schools must provide make-up work and prevent grades from being negatively affected due to 4-H participation. It does not apply during standardized testing periods or if a student is suspended/expelled. The policy takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.

By Representative Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 613) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others relative to the curriculum frameworks. Education.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education to create regulations guaranteeing college credit at all state colleges and universities for students who earn a score of 3 or higher on Advanced Placement (AP) exams. It directly affects high school students taking AP courses and state institutions of higher education. The key provision mandates that state schools must accept these AP scores for credit, establishing a standardized process through new department regulations. This policy change ensures consistent credit recognition for qualifying AP exam results across all public higher education institutions in Massachusetts.

Maddy summaryH 4407 requires Massachusetts public colleges and universities to establish clear, written policies for granting college credit to high school students who earn qualifying scores on Advanced Placement exams, complete International Baccalaureate programs, or take dual enrollment courses. These policies must specify minimum score requirements, how credit applies toward degree requirements (e.g., general education or major courses), and how credits transfer between institutions, with all policies posted online for transparency. The state Department of Higher Education will review these policies every three years and report findings to the legislature. The bill also creates an Office of Early College to oversee statewide early college programs, which are partnerships between high schools and colleges allowing students to earn college credit while still in high school.