March , 2024 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 256) of John J. Cronin, Manny Cruz and John Barrett, III for legislation to create and expand student pathways to success; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 274) of Paul R. Feeney, Jacob R. Oliveira, Adam Scanlon, Susan Williams Gifford and other members of the General Court for legislation to improve access, opportunity, and capacity in Massachusetts vocational-technical education; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 297) of Edward J. Kennedy and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to expand dual enrollment for high school students in Gateway Cities; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 306) of Jason M. Lewis, Michael O. Moore, Kate Lipper-Garabedian and Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation relative increase student access to career technical education schools and programs which are aligned with regional labor market needs; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 334) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Jeffrey N. Roy and Michael J. Barrett for legislation to expand high school student access to earn industry recognized credentials; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 361) of John C. Velis for legislation to expand high school student access to earn industry recognized credentials; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 362) of John C. Velis and Kelly W. Pease for legislation to expand dual enrollment for high school students in Gateway Cities, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2664).
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a task force to investigate how sex offenders use the internet and whether their online activities can be tracked. The group will examine current laws, compare them with other states, and evaluate the feasibility of registering offenders' internet addresses while considering privacy concerns. The task force includes members from legislative committees, state police, legal experts, and telecommunications specialists, who must submit a report with recommendations within 12 months.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Massachusetts General Laws to update terminology and clarify staffing rules for councils on aging. It changes the phrase "problems of the aging" to "needs of older adults" and replaces the term "clerks" with "staff" when describing who these councils can employ. Additionally, the legislation allows advisory councils to hire employees as needed, provided this aligns with the municipality's specific requirements. These changes directly affect local aging councils and the state's Elder Affairs department by modernizing their legal descriptions and operational flexibility.
Maddy summaryThis bill aims to address shortages in Massachusetts' direct care and dementia workforce by creating new training and career advancement opportunities. It establishes a pilot program to provide free Certified Nursing Assistant training and testing to up to 1,000 individuals in areas with high workforce needs, offering a $1,000 bonus to graduates who remain employed for at least one year. Additionally, the legislation creates a career pathway that allows home health aides to advance to Certified Nursing Assistant and Licensed Practical Nurse roles within the state. The bill also expands the list of medical fields considered for certain health services to include geriatrics, geriatric psychiatry, neurology, and neuropsychology.
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.
By Representative LaNatra of Kingston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3362) of Kathleen R. LaNatra and others relative to boater safety. Transportation.
By Representative Soter of Bellingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2953) of Michael J. Soter and others relative to a taxpayer exemption for adopted children. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to grant voting rights to student representatives on local school committees. It requires each city, town, and regional school district to elect two student representatives from their secondary schools who can vote on all committee matters. The legislation also establishes a student advisory committee to support these representatives and help students access resources. While student representatives retain the right to attend executive sessions only if the specific committee grants it, they must follow all existing school committee rules and serve without pay.
By Representative Cutler of Pembroke, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3296) of Josh S. Cutler and others relative to registering applicants for licenses to operate motor vehicles with the Selective Service System. Transportation.
By Representative Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2845) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others relative to Department of Revenue interest rate parity. Revenue.