By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1549) of Patricia D. Jehlen, John F. Keenan, Michael J. Barrett, Patrick M. O'Connor and other members of the Senate for legislation to increase access to disposable menstrual products. Public Health.
By Mr. Keenan, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 139) of John F. Keenan, Michael J. Barrett, Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida, Jacob R. Oliveira and other members of the General Court for legislation to update terminology and investigative practices related to the protection of persons with disabilities. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
By Representative Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 155) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others for an investigation by a special commission relative to the practice of lab shopping in the cannabis industry. Cannabis Policy.
By Representatives Soter of Bellingham and Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 173) of Michael J. Soter and Bradley H. Jones, Jr., relative to the regulation of Delta-9 THC. Cannabis Policy.
By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 197) of Cynthia Stone Creem, Rebecca L. Rausch, Michael O. Moore, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation to protect reproductive health access, LGBTQ lives, religious liberty, and freedom of movement by banning the sale of cell phone location information. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 45) of Michael O. Moore, Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch, James B. Eldridge and others for legislation to establish the Massachusetts Data Privacy Protection Act. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.
Maddy summaryHD 1428 permanently establishes a Foundation Budget Review Commission to evaluate Massachusetts' school funding formula every five years. The commission, composed of education leaders, legislative leaders, and school district representatives, will review how foundation budgets are calculated, recommend changes to better align with educational goals and student assessment needs (like MCAS), and suggest efficient resource allocation. It must hold at least four public hearings statewide before issuing recommendations, with the first report due by November 1, 2025. This bill directly affects public school funding decisions across Massachusetts by creating a permanent process for reviewing and updating the state's school finance system.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the composition of the Advisory Board to the Massachusetts School Building Authority by increasing its size from 17 to 19 members. It specifically adds two new organizations to the board: the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators, Inc. and the Alliance for Vocational Technical Education Coalition. The change directly affects vocational education stakeholders who will now have representation on the board. This adjustment aims to enhance the board's advisory role in school building decisions by including additional vocational education perspectives. The bill focuses on structural changes to the board's membership, not substantive policy.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Workforce Preparation Robotics grant program to fund robotics and STEM activities in public and charter schools. It provides specific grant amounts based on school level (elementary/middle/high), whether a school has an existing robotics program, and the competition type (e.g., FIRST, VEX, Science Olympiad), with higher funding for schools without established programs. Schools in Cape Cod and Western Massachusetts receive priority, and applicants must commit to registering with approved robotics organizations. Grants are awarded annually based on available funding, with applications due by June 1st for the following academic year.
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Bruce E. Tarr and Bradley H. Jones, Jr. for legislation relative to meeting and charge of the Foundation Budget Review Commission. Education.
