Rep. Steven Howitt

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 creates a new funding tool within the Massachusetts School Building Authority to invest in vocational-technical education programs and regional schools. It allocates $3 billion to replace or renovate school infrastructure and purchase critical training equipment to better prepare students for industry-relevant careers. The legislation also adjusts reimbursement rates for these projects, allowing the state to cover between 75% and 90% of eligible construction costs, with higher rates available for schools that align with regional workforce needs.

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).

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the state to reimburse the George L. Darey Inland Fisheries and Game Fund for any lost revenue resulting from discounted or free fishing and hunting licenses. By amending existing state law, it ensures that the fund receives annual payments from the general fund to cover these specific financial shortfalls. The measure directly impacts the state's budget for wildlife conservation and affects the funding available for inland fisheries and game management programs.

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 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 Howitt of Seekonk, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2836) of Steven S. Howitt, James K. Hawkins and Susan Williams Gifford relative to a sewage line tax credit. Revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts education law to require school officials to prioritize re-engaging students in learning before resorting to suspensions or expulsions. It mandates that administrators first try alternative remedies such as mediation, restorative justice, and collaborative problem-solving for specific incidents, unless there is a documented risk of serious harm or significant disruption. Additionally, the legislation directs schools to implement broader district-wide models focused on positive behavioral interventions and trauma-sensitive learning to improve the overall school environment. The law applies to principals, superintendents, and other decision-makers who handle student disciplinary matters.

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.

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).