Maddy summaryThis bill requires all four-year colleges and universities in Massachusetts to report annually on their admissions policies regarding legacy applicants, early decision, and early action programs. Specifically, institutions must disclose whether they offer preferences to students related to donors or alumni and provide detailed statistics on how many applicants from these groups are admitted. The law also mandates that these reports break down data by race and financial need, including information on Pell Grant recipients, to increase transparency in the admissions process. By collecting this information, the bill aims to give the public and state officials a clearer view of how different applicant categories are treated during college enrollment.
Rep. Dan Sena
Sponsored bills
By Representative Hamilton of Methuen, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Ryan M. Hamilton, Carmine Lawrence Gentile and Sally P. Kerans relative to personal financial literacy in schools. Education.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows farmer breweries and pub brewers in Massachusetts to sell their malt beverages at certified agricultural events like farmers' markets and fairs. Under the new rules, these producers can obtain a special license to sell their drinks in sealed containers for customers to take away, provided the event is officially approved by the Department of Agricultural Resources. The legislation also permits brewers to offer small, free samples of their products at these events, with specific limits on the size and number of samples given to each person. To qualify, the brewery must submit a detailed plan outlining the event details and demonstrate that the gathering focuses on local agricultural products.
April 1, 2024 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 478) of James B. Eldridge, Adam Scanlon, Michael J. Barrett, Paul W. Mark and other members of the General Court for legislation to expand the sale of products by farmer breweries; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 387) of Adam Scanlon and others relative to the sale of products by farmer distilleries and wineries, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2629).
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to allow farmer distilleries and wineries to sell their products at certified agricultural events. Under the new rules, these businesses can sell wine, malt beverages, and distilled spirits in sealed containers for off-premises consumption at indoor or outdoor events like farmers' markets and agricultural fairs. To qualify, the event must be certified by the Department of Agricultural Resources based on criteria such as vendor numbers, operational guidelines, and the presence of an on-site manager. The legislation also sets specific limits on the size of free samples that can be served to customers and requires applicants to submit a detailed plan for the event before receiving a special license.
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.
By Representatives O'Day of West Boylston and Philips of Sharon, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2246) of James J. O'Day, Edward R. Philips and others for legislation to authorize attending physicians to prescribe medical aid in dying medication that will end the life of patients in a peaceful manner. Public Health.
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.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Municipal Reforestation Program within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to help towns and cities plant trees. It establishes an Urban Forest Advisory Council made up of experts from various sectors, including local governments, utility companies, environmental groups, and educational institutions, to guide the program. This council will provide technical advice and oversight to ensure that municipalities and organizations plant the right types of trees in the right places using scientific guidelines. The legislation aims to improve urban tree canopy coverage and address climate resilience through a structured, collaborative approach to reforestation.