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.
Rep. Brad Jones
Sponsored bills
By Representative Jones of North Reading and Senator Tarr, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr. and Bruce E. Tarr (by vote of the town) relative to accidental disability retirement benefits for Thomas Romeo, a retired police officer of the town of North Reading. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to produce a report on whether non-public school and home-schooled students can voluntarily take the MCAS exam. The report must analyze the feasibility and costs of allowing these students to participate and be distributed to key state officials and legislative committees within six months. This legislation does not immediately grant access to the exam but instead requires an official study to determine if such access is practical and affordable.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the composition of the Advisory Board to the Massachusetts School Building Authority by adding two new organizations to its membership. Specifically, it requires the inclusion of the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators, Inc., and the Alliance for Vocational Technical Education Coalition alongside the existing Massachusetts Association of School Committees, Inc. The change aims to broaden the board's representation to include voices from vocational and technical education sectors. By updating the list of required members in state law, the legislation ensures these groups have a formal role in advising on school building projects.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts medical marijuana laws to allow businesses to operate vertically, meaning a single company can grow, manufacture, and sell medical cannabis products. It achieves this by replacing the term "medical marijuana treatment center" with "medical marijuana establishment" across several state statutes to broaden the scope of licensed operations. The legislation also introduces new definitions for key terms, such as "fully integrated medical marijuana treatment center," which specifically describes a business capable of cultivating, processing, and selling medical marijuana. These changes directly affect existing and future medical marijuana license holders by permitting them to control more stages of the production and distribution process under one license.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Massachusetts governor to issue an annual proclamation designating March 21 as Massachusetts Child Nutrition Day. It also mandates that food service companies serving public schools ensure at least 50% of their weekly lunch entrées are healthy options containing whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and fiber-rich proteins. Additionally, the law prohibits schools from serving more than 20% of their lunch entrées as ultra-processed foods or items with excessive cholesterol and saturated fat. To enforce these rules, providers must publicly share monthly nutrition data, and they will have a three-year phase-in period to meet the new requirements.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a minimum reimbursement rate that insurance companies must pay to claimants for labor on first- or third-party auto insurance claims in Massachusetts. The new rate is calculated by adjusting the 1988 Insurance Reform Act rate for inflation and will be implemented gradually over two years before being updated annually based on the Consumer Price Index. While the law sets a floor for payments, it allows for higher reimbursements if specific criteria regarding vehicle type, labor expertise, and training are met.