March 21, 2024 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 266) of Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation to enhance the educational outcomes of expectant and parenting students; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 282) of Anne M. Gobi and Steven S. Howitt for legislation to promote a healthy culture and climate within schools; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 285) of Adam Gomez and Michael J. Barrett for legislation relative to dropout prevention and recovery; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 290) of Adam Gomez, Lydia Edwards, James B. Eldridge and Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation to reduce exclusionary discipline for grooming and dress code violations; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 294) of Patricia D. Jehlen, Sal N. DiDomenico, James B. Eldridge and Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to promote the education success of court involved children; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 300) of Robyn K. Kennedy for legislation relative to safer schools; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 305) of Jason M. Lewis for legislation to promote safe firearm storage education and increase the well-being of students; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 341) of Pavel M. Payano for legislation relative to dropout prevention and student recovery; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 348) of Michael F. Rush and Paul McMurtry for legislation relative to parental notification in public schools, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2663).
Rep. Steven Howitt
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts tax laws to explicitly include trucks, tractors, and trailers used by common carriers for interstate commerce under the definition of "rolling stock." By adding this category to specific tax chapters, the legislation ensures that the sale, storage, use, or consumption of these vehicles is subject to existing sales and use tax rules. The changes directly affect businesses that operate commercial fleets, clarifying that their heavy-duty vehicles are taxable assets rather than exempt equipment.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts tax laws to explicitly include trucks, tractors, and trailers used for interstate commerce under the definition of "rolling stock." By adding this category to existing tax chapters, the legislation ensures that sales, storage, and use of these vehicles are subject to the same state tax rules as other retail items. The changes directly affect businesses and individuals who purchase or operate heavy-duty transport equipment within the state.
By Representative Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2841) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others relative to the taxation of the sale of rolling stock. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a student loan repayment program designed to support human services workers in Massachusetts. It directly affects employees of community-based organizations that receive funding from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. The legislation creates a new section in state law to define eligible providers and set up the framework for offering loan repayments to encourage individuals to enter and remain in the human services field. By providing financial assistance for student loans, the bill aims to address workforce stability and recruitment challenges within these essential community programs.
By Representative Soter of Bellingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2667) of Michael J. Soter and others for legislation to provide public safety telecommunicators with the same internal benefits as first responders. Public Service.
By Representative Garry of Dracut, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2531) of Colleen M. Garry and others that the State Retirement Board be authorized to retire Richard D'Auria, a University of Massachusetts police officer disabled by cardiac disease, under the provisions of the heart law, so-called. Public Service.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates "Nicky's Law" to broaden the definition of an employer for MassHealth day habilitation programs. It directly affects entities that provide services or treatment to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities under specific contracts, funding, or licenses with the state. By expanding who qualifies as an employer, the law aims to ensure these service providers adhere to existing protections for people with disabilities. The change clarifies that any organization operating under these state agreements is subject to the same employment standards as traditional employers.
By Representative Garlick of Needham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2178) of Denise C. Garlick and others for legislation to strengthen the public health infrastructure to address Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia. Public Health.