Rep. Jim Hawkins

Maddy summaryThis bill allows students participating in Massachusetts school choice programs to attend virtual schools run by their local school districts. By amending existing education laws, the legislation removes previous restrictions that limited these students to traditional brick-and-mortar schools. The change directly affects families who use school choice options and the districts that operate virtual learning environments for them.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires MassHealth, Massachusetts' state health insurance program, to provide funding for graduate medical education in primary care, behavioral health, and other shortage specialties. The financial support is intended for community health centers and hospitals licensed in the state that train residents in these fields. By mandating these payments, the legislation aims to ensure a steady flow of resources for residency programs addressing critical healthcare workforce needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Massachusetts public high schools to include hands-only CPR and automated external defibrillator training in their health or physical education curricula for grades 9 through 12. The law mandates that every student participate in this instruction as a graduation requirement, though students with a physician's note or a parent's written objection may be exempted. School districts must choose a free training program modeled after guidelines from a nationally recognized CPR organization and ensure it includes hands-on practice for each student. The new requirements are scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2025.

By Representatives Doherty of Taunton and Xiarhos of Barnstable, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2501) of Carol A. Doherty, Steven George Xiarhos and others relative to providing for Group 4 retirement benefits for police officers working on public higher education campuses. Public Service.

By Representative Elliott of Lowell, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2512) of Rodney M. Elliott and others relative to retirement for certain nuclear energy related employees of University of Massachusetts Lowell. Public Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state law to include police officers working at Massachusetts public colleges, universities, and the University of Massachusetts in the Group 4 retirement benefit system. By adding these campus officers to the existing list of covered employees, the legislation ensures they receive the same retirement benefits as other state and special authority police officers. The change directly affects law enforcement personnel employed on public higher education campuses who currently fall outside this specific retirement category.

Senate, June 27, 2024 -- The committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development, to whom were referred ; the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2447) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Aaron L. Saunders, Jessica Ann Giannino, Sal N. DiDomenico and other members of the General Court for legislation to protect against attempts to ban, remove, or restrict library access to materials; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2528) of Julian Cyr, Natalie M. Higgins, John Francis Moran, Rebecca L. Rausch and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to free expression;(accompanied by bill, House, No. 4005) of James K. Hawkins and others for legislation to encourage the improvement of free libraries and library systems; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4229) of John Francis Moran and others relative to the right of students to freedom of expression in public schools; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4235) of Aaron L. Saunders and others for legislation to further regulate access to certain library materials; report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2839).

By Representatives Barber of Somerville and Meschino of Hull, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3139) of Christine P. Barber, Joan Meschino and others relative to setting deadlines to electrify school buses and public fleets and establishing programs to encourage private fleet electrification. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

By Representative Armini of Marblehead, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3136) of Jennifer Balinsky Armini and others for legislation to promote solar panel installations on school property. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

By Representatives Higgins of Leominster and Kushmerek of Fitchburg, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3171) of Natalie M. Higgins, Michael P. Kushmerek and others relative to establishing the gateway cities renewable, efficient, and electrified neighborhoods initiative. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.