The committee on Higher Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 930) of James B. Eldridge for legislation to establish compensation and employment standards for contingent faculty in public higher education; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 934) of Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation to establish the public higher education faculty advancement pilot program; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 937) of Edward J. Kennedy for legislation to invest in public higher education; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 940) of Paul W. Mark, Vanna Howard, Michael D. Brady, Jacob R. Oliveira and other members of the General Court for legislation to improve the working conditions and benefits of part-time and adjunct faculty at public institutions of higher education Commonwealth., report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2880).
Rep. Jim Hawkins
Sponsored bills
Senate, November 26, 2025 -- The committee on Higher Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 929) of James B. Eldridge, Vanna Howard, Jacob R. Oliveira, Mike Connolly and other members of the General Court for legislation to guarantee debt-free public higher education, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2755).
Maddy summarySD 300 guarantees free public higher education as a right for eligible Massachusetts residents. It creates a state grant program covering tuition, mandatory fees, and additional costs (like room, board, and books) for students who graduated from a Massachusetts high school or earned a GED in MA, or currently qualify for in-state tuition. The grant supplements existing aid (such as Pell Grants, state grants, or institutional aid) and does not replace it. Eligibility is determined by the Board of Higher Education, which must notify students and maintain a database of eligible applicants. This bill directly affects Massachusetts residents attending public colleges, universities, or vocational programs.
By Mr. Mark, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 940) of Paul W. Mark, Vanna Howard, Michael D. Brady, Jacob R. Oliveira and other members of the General Court for legislation to improve the working conditions and benefits of part-time and adjunct faculty at public institutions of higher education Commonwealth. Higher Education.
By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2122) of Brendan P. Crighton, Paul W. Mark, Patrick Joseph Kearney, Vanna Howard and other members of the General Court for legislation to increase transparency in public construction. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
By Representative Chan of Quincy, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 74) of Tackey Chan and others relative to the contracting of digital replicas. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new regulations for employers using artificial intelligence in employment decisions within Massachusetts. It defines key terms like "Automated Decision System" (ADS) as any AI tool making hiring, promotion, or workplace decisions, and restricts how employers can collect or use sensitive employee data - including biometrics, health information, and productivity tracking. Employers must disclose ADS use and obtain consent for certain data collection, while prohibiting the use of AI tools for decisions affecting wages, benefits, or job access without transparency. The law directly affects all Massachusetts employers and workers whose data is processed by such systems.
Maddy summaryH 4806 creates a new Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board within the Division of Occupational Licensure. The board will consist of seven members: four appointed by the governor (two from auto body repair, two from insurance), two appointed by the Attorney General (one from the AG's office, one from the industry), and one neutral chair appointed by the licensing commissioner. This board will oversee the licensing and regulation of auto damage appraisers in Massachusetts. The bill establishes specific appointment rules, including term limits and a requirement for balanced industry representation.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires state-aided public housing for the elderly to allow pet ownership under specific, non-discriminatory rules. It prohibits outright bans on dogs (including breed-based restrictions), declawing, or evictions solely for having a pet, while permitting reasonable requirements like pet deposits (max $160 or one month’s rent), spaying/neutering, and emergency care plans. Housing authorities must develop written policies for different housing types (apartments, single-family homes, etc.) and establish pet committees for grievance handling. An advisory group will help update regulations and create guidance for implementing these policies, with violations subject to penalties under existing law.
Senate, December 22, 2025 -- The committee on Revenue to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1973) of James B. Eldridge, James K. Hawkins and Jason M. Lewis for legislation relative to the imposition of an excise tax to provide for climate change adaptation infrastructure and affordable housing investments in the Commonwealth, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2751)