Rep. Susannah Whipps

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts the positions of police chief and fire chief in the city of Greenfield from the state's civil service law. It allows the city to hire and manage these top leadership roles without following the standard civil service rules that apply to other employees. The law ensures that any current chiefs holding these jobs will not lose their civil service status because of the change. Once passed, the new rules will take effect immediately.

By Representative Whipps of Athol, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3475) of Susannah M. Whipps and others relative to increasing the penalties for passing stopped school buses. Transportation.

By Representative Whipps of Athol, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3476) of Susannah M. Whipps and Vanna Howard relative to providing for a red shield/blue shield license plate to survivors of firefighters and police officers who died in the line of duty. Transportation.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new fund within the Board of Higher Education in Massachusetts to support educational opportunities for caregivers of adults with disabilities. The fund will be financed through state appropriations, interest on those funds, and public or private donations, with all money held in trust for the program's use. Money from the fund can be spent without needing additional legislative approval each year and will cover both educational activities and the necessary costs to run the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public colleges in Massachusetts to create housing programs specifically designed for students recovering from substance use disorders. These programs must offer an alcohol and drug-free environment along with services such as trauma-informed counseling, mentoring, and peer support. Additionally, the legislation mandates that all students, faculty, and staff receive overdose training and ensures that naloxone is available on campus to treat overdoses. The law directly impacts public higher education institutions and aims to provide a safer, supportive living situation for students in recovery.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state fund called the Caregivers to Adults with Disabilities Fund to support the education of family members caring for adults with disabilities. The Massachusetts Board of Higher Education will manage the fund, which will be financed through state appropriations, interest, and donations, and will automatically carry over any unused money to future years. The primary goal is to help these caregivers by paying for their tuition and fees at eligible community colleges. The bill also requires the board to report annually on how the money is used and directs the state comptroller to transfer an initial $4.125 million from the General Fund to start the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program to help Master of Social Work students in Massachusetts cover the costs of their field placements. The Department of Education would administer these funds, which are intended to recruit and retain students from historically marginalized and low-income communities. To qualify, students must commit to working in the state for at least two years after graduation, and the program prioritizes first-generation college students while requiring at least half of the recipients to identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color. The financial assistance ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 per month depending on the student's year of study, with applications accepted annually between January and March.

April 1, 2024 -- The committee on Higher Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 160) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Manny Cruz, Susannah M. Whipps, Jack Patrick Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to Social Work Uplifting Practices and Exam Removal (“The SUPER Act”), report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2673).

April 1, 2024 -- The committee on Higher Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 847) of Rebecca L. Rausch, Russell E. Holmes, David F. DeCoste, Michael O. Moore and other members of the General Court for legislation to support college students in recovery; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 849) of John C. Velis for legislation relative to opioid overdose prevention in college housing, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2680).

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special Protein Innovation Commission to study the potential of alternative proteins, such as plant-based, fermented, and cultivated meats, within Massachusetts. The commission will investigate how these innovations could boost the economy, create jobs, improve public health, and reduce environmental impacts like greenhouse gas emissions. A 13-member panel, including legislators, government officials, and industry experts, will be appointed to conduct this review and develop a master plan of recommendations for supporting the sector. The commission is required to hold multiple meetings, including at least one public hearing, and must submit its findings within a specified timeframe.