Rep. Tackey Chan

By Representatives Gentile of Sudbury and Vieira of Falmouth, a petition (accompanied by resolutions, House, No. 3502) of Carmine Lawrence Gentile, David T. Vieira and others for the adoption of resolutions memorializing the Congress of the United States to call for a convention to propose amendments in order to address concerns about the integrity of our elections and the ability of the people to participate in effective self-government. Veterans and Federal Affairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to protect renters by limiting how far in advance landlords can require a new lease agreement. Specifically, it prohibits landlords or their agents from asking tenants to sign a lease more than three months before the current lease is set to end. The measure directly affects residential property owners and prospective tenants by preventing early lease commitments. This change aims to give tenants more flexibility and control over their housing arrangements without speculating on broader market impacts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to create rules banning public schools from using Native American names, logos, or mascots for their athletic teams. It mandates that schools currently using such imagery must select new alternatives by a specific deadline set by the state board. The legislation allows schools to keep existing uniforms and materials that feature the prohibited names only if they have already chosen a replacement and stop buying new items with the old imagery. Additionally, any new signs or fixtures displaying the banned names must be removed, while those on existing facilities can remain until the next scheduled maintenance or replacement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires funeral directors and establishments handling human remains in Massachusetts to participate in a specific program as a condition for keeping their licenses. The key provision mandates that all licensed funeral homes join the initiative outlined in section 9 of chapter 177A to maintain their legal authorization to operate. Effective December 31, 2023, compliance with this new requirement becomes mandatory for continued licensure under existing state laws.

By Representative Hogan of Stow and Senator Cyr, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2197) of Kate Hogan, Julian Cyr and others for legislation to protect public health from PFAS. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires every school district in Massachusetts to create and submit an annual literacy strategic plan that aligns with state goals and focuses on evidence-based reading instruction. The plans must detail how districts will provide professional development, select core curricula, and offer interventions for students who struggle with reading, particularly in grades K-3. Additionally, the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will develop a list of approved training programs and free online modules to help teachers and administrators implement science-based literacy practices. A stakeholder panel will also be formed to recommend improvements for teacher training and licensure related to early literacy by the end of 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor to issue an annual proclamation designating the first Monday in March as COVID-19 Remembrance Day. The legislation is sponsored by multiple state representatives and aims to honor the lives lost and the challenges faced during the pandemic. By establishing this specific date, the bill creates a formal opportunity for the state to acknowledge the impact of the virus on Massachusetts communities. The measure does not change laws or require new funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to remember those affected by the pandemic.

Senate, March 14, 2024 -- Text of the Senate Bill ensuring affordability, readiness and learning for our youth and driving economic development (Senate, No. 2707) (being the text of Senate, No. 2697, printed as amended)

Senate, March 21, 2024 -- The committee on Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 263) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Paul W. Mark, John C. Velis, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. and other members of the General Court for legislation to promote high-quality comprehensive literacy instruction in all Massachusetts schools, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2653).