Maddy summaryThis bill protects access to library materials in Massachusetts public and school libraries by setting clear standards for selection and challenge processes. It requires schools to adopt written policies (based on American Library Association standards) for selecting materials and handling complaints, ensuring challenged items remain available during review. Librarians are shielded from discipline or loss of licensure for selections made in good faith under these policies. The law directly affects school libraries, librarians, and school committees, prohibiting removal of materials based on personal, political, or doctrinal views. It mandates that material removals require a school committee vote after public hearings, with evidence showing materials lack educational value or are inappropriate for students.
Rep. Margaret Scarsdale
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHD 2703 establishes a special commission to study and recommend policies promoting equity in Massachusetts agriculture for historically excluded groups, including African Americans, Cape Verdeans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, Caribbean Islanders, Native Americans, and Alaskan Natives. The commission, with members appointed from diverse agricultural organizations, caucuses, and commissions, will investigate data collection, grant access, program equity, and regulatory processes, holding at least three public hearings (including one rural and one urban). It must file a report with legislative leaders by December 31, 2027, including recommendations for policy changes, with the findings publicly available online. This bill creates a study body - not direct policy changes - to address systemic barriers in agricultural resources and opportunities.
By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1836) of James B. Eldridge for legislation to determine the cost percentage of non-Commonwealth entities within the state employees' retirement system. Public Service.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Green and Healthy Public College and University Building Planning Commission to assess and improve energy efficiency, indoor air quality, accessibility, and safety in all public higher education buildings across Massachusetts. The commission, including representatives from universities, labor groups, health and environmental organizations, must develop standards by 2028 and create a plan to ensure all public college/university buildings meet these standards by 2037. It requires public reporting through an online dashboard tracking building assessments and prioritizes renovations for facilities serving underserved communities or with the greatest health/safety needs. The bill also establishes a dedicated fund to finance these upgrades using state appropriations, grants, and other sources, with cost-benefit analyses comparing long-term savings to upfront investments.
By Representative Fluker-Reid of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 577) of Brandy Fluker-Reid and others relative to charter school tuition reimbursement. Education.
Maddy summaryHD 239 authorizes a task force to study how middle and high school start times affect students. The task force, including education officials, school associations, sleep experts, and parents, must examine scientific research on adolescent sleep needs, review districts that have shifted start times, and assess academic impacts. It will report findings and recommendations - including potential legislation - by July 1, 2026, to inform future decisions about school schedules. This bill does not change current start times but directs a study to evaluate whether later schedules could benefit student health and learning.
Maddy summaryHD 1791 requires all public schools in the Commonwealth to stop using athletic team names, logos, or mascots that reference, represent, or are associated with Native Americans, including specific tribes or cultural elements. Within three months, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must create a list of affected schools, which the Commission on Indian Affairs will review and publish. Schools on this list must develop a plan to phase out these mascots within three years through a formal agreement with the Department, consulting with tribal representatives. The bill also prohibits schools from adopting new mascots that reference Native American cultures and denies state education grants to schools that fail to comply.
By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 394) of Jason M. Lewis, Joanne M. Comerford and Leigh Davis for legislation to increase the Commonwealth's share of the education foundation budget. Education.
By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 388) of Robyn K. Kennedy, Vanna Howard, Jacob R. Oliveira, Mike Connolly and other members of the General Court for legislation to fix the chapter 70 inflation adjustment. Education.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state education board to establish policies ensuring appropriate education for gifted and talented students in all K-12 grades. It mandates annual surveys of schools to track identification and service rates for these students, disaggregated by race/ethnicity and income level, and compiles this data into an annual public report. Districts must base programming on established best practices in gifted education, ensuring students receive appropriate academic challenges throughout the school day. The law directly affects all public K-12 schools and districts in the state by requiring standardized reporting and evidence-based programming for advanced learners.