Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new requirement for the state's data advisory commission to study and recommend how the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education should publish detailed special education data. The proposed data would include student-specific information on services received, such as assistive technology and behavioral plans, broken down by factors like race, gender, income status, and disability category while ensuring no personally identifiable information is revealed. Additionally, the legislation mandates that private special education schools receiving state funding submit annual financial reports and audits to the department and state auditor, with specific details on compensation and program costs. A separate provision directs the secretary of education to study best practices for overseeing these private schools to ensure appropriate educational programming and services are provided.
Rep. Steve Ultrino
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill ensures that incarcerated youth in Massachusetts have access to education by allowing them to enroll in public colleges and universities. It mandates that public secondary schools grant credit for coursework completed while students are in correctional facilities and include this work on their official transcripts. The legislation also requires correctional facilities to identify students needing special education services and provides for a minimum of six hours of classroom instruction per weekday throughout the year for those under 22. Additionally, the bill mandates that interpretation and translation services be available for English Language Learner students to ensure they can fully participate in special education processes.
By Representative Khan of Newton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2215) of Kay Khan and others relative to protecting children from harmful diet pills and muscle-building supplements. Public Health.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Office of the State Climatologist within the University of Massachusetts system to provide independent climate data and research for the Commonwealth. The office will be led by a state climatologist appointed by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, who serves a five-year term and is responsible for gathering climate data, conducting research, and advising state and local governments on climate implications. It also mandates coordination with federal agencies like NOAA and the USDA, while requiring the office to educate the public and maintain connections with academic and scientific institutions. Funding for the new office will come from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
By Representative Hawkins of Attleboro, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2339) of James K. Hawkins and others relative to the reduction of certain toxic chemicals in firefighter personal protective equipment. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Representative Ultrino of Malden, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3455) of Steven Ultrino and Vanna Howard relative to license reinstatement fees for drivers without a conviction. Transportation.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a monthly payment plan option for drivers in Massachusetts who owe $250 or more in tolls, fines, or fees related to the Pay By Plate or E-ZPass MA systems. Under the new rules, eligible individuals can pay a minimum of $25 per month using credit, debit, check, or money order, and they will not face additional late fees once they start the plan. The legislation also allows the Department of Transportation to prevent the suspension of a driver's license or vehicle registration if the person is actively making payments in good standing. If a driver misses a payment by more than 30 days or commits another violation, their license or registration will be revoked again until the debt is fully resolved.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a monthly payment plan option for drivers in Massachusetts who owe $250 or more in unpaid tolls, fines, or fees under the Pay By Plate or E-ZPass MA systems. Under the new rules, eligible drivers can make automatic monthly payments of at least $25 without incurring additional late fees on their existing debt. The legislation also allows the Department of Transportation to stop reporting unpaid tolls to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, which would otherwise block license renewals, provided the driver is actively participating in the payment plan and has made at least one payment.
By Representative Doherty of Taunton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2317) of Carol A. Doherty and others relative to the establishment of the PFAS research and development public safety fund to be administered by the Secretary of Public Safety and Security. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends state laws to update the names of various health and insurance agencies, such as changing the "commissioner of insurance" to the "commissioner of health insurance." It also reorganizes certain divisions within the Department of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation to better reflect their specific roles in health and insurance oversight. Additionally, the legislation introduces new definitions for terms like "health equity," "private equity company," and "significant equity investor" to clarify how these concepts apply to healthcare providers. By adding these definitions and updating agency titles, the bill aims to improve the clarity and accuracy of the state's market review and regulatory framework.