Rep. Todd Smola

By Representative Smola of Warren, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2664) of Todd M. Smola for legislation to provide the next of kin of state police officers killed in the line of duty with a flag during memorial services. Public Service.

By Representative Smola of Warren, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2666) of Todd M. Smola that police officers of the Office of Environmental Law Enforcement be included under the “heart law”, so-called. Public Service.

By Representative Smola of Warren, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3425) of Todd M. Smola for legislation to appropriate a certain sum of money to the Highway Department for the repair and preservation of historic markers. Transportation.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new fund within the Board of Higher Education in Massachusetts to support educational opportunities for caregivers of adults with disabilities. The fund will be financed through state appropriations, interest on those funds, and public or private donations, with all money held in trust for the program's use. Money from the fund can be spent without needing additional legislative approval each year and will cover both educational activities and the necessary costs to run the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows married spouses to work as paid caregivers for their partners under the MassHealth program, which provides home-based care and services. By amending state law, the legislation removes the current restriction that prevents spouses from receiving payment for this role, provided it does not violate federal regulations. The state's health and human services office is required to submit the necessary paperwork to federal authorities within six months to make these changes official. This policy change directly affects families in Massachusetts who rely on MassHealth for assistance with daily living activities.

By Representative Saunders of Belchertown and Senator Oliveira, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Aaron L. Saunders, Jacob R. Oliveira and Todd M. Smola for legislation to designate a certain bridge on state Route 9 between the towns of Belchertown and Ware as the Kenneth J. Iwasinski memorial bridge. Transportation.

By Representative Smola of Warren, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2665) of Todd M. Smola and others for legislation to include certain certified emergency telecommunicators in Group 2 of the contributory retirement system for public employees. Public Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill defines rural school districts in Massachusetts as those with low student density and below-average income to ensure they receive targeted support. It requires a state center to annually review these districts' health insurance plans and provide cost-saving recommendations, such as joining purchasing groups, while offering assistance to implement those changes. Additionally, the bill creates a new office of shared services to help rural districts form regional unions and manage shared resources, and it gives special education paraprofessionals priority for certain licensure grants.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school administrators in Massachusetts to prioritize re-engaging students in the learning process before suspending or expelling them. It mandates that officials try alternative remedies such as mediation, conflict resolution, restorative justice, and collaborative problem solving for specific incidents, unless there is documented evidence that these methods would be unsafe or ineffective. Additionally, the legislation directs schools to implement district-wide models focused on positive behavioral interventions and trauma-sensitive learning to improve the overall school environment. These changes directly affect school leaders and decision-makers who must document their attempts at alternative solutions before resorting to exclusionary discipline.