Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Special Commission on Teacher Diversification in Massachusetts to address the lack of diversity in the state's teaching workforce, where teachers of color currently make up only about 10% of the staff despite students of color comprising over 40% of the K-12 population. The commission will study existing recruitment programs, identify best practices, and develop a long-term plan to increase the number of minority teachers, with a specific focus on gateway cities. The 21-member commission includes state officials, university representatives, and leaders from various education and teacher organizations to evaluate barriers and recommend strategies for enrolling more minority candidates in teacher preparation programs.
Rep. Natalie Higgins
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special citizens commission to investigate how Massachusetts can transition away from nuclear weapons production toward green technologies that address climate change. The commission will examine the state's current dependence on nuclear weapons-related jobs and investments, then propose financial and legal strategies to shift those resources to climate-focused industries while identifying necessary federal assistance. The eleven-member panel will be appointed by state officials and a coalition of peace and environmental groups, with strict rules ensuring no current employees of nuclear facilities serve on the group.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts public schools to include the history of Asian Pacific Islander Desi Americans in their curriculum starting with the 2023-2024 school year. It mandates that the state update its history and social science frameworks to cover the political, economic, and cultural contributions of this diverse group while also addressing historical racism and prejudice. To support these changes, the legislation establishes a dedicated trust fund financed by donations and fines from hate crimes to assist schools and provide teacher training. The law also directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to help districts access quality educational materials and ensures that instruction promotes diverse perspectives and anti-racist practices.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts law to allow school districts and other educational agencies to receive direct reimbursement from MassHealth for medically necessary services provided to students. The legislation changes the terminology used in state statutes to specifically refer to "local educational authorities" rather than general government entities when discussing these payments. It mandates that any funds received must be used exclusively to support school-based health services and related administrative tasks without replacing existing school health budgets. Additionally, the bill defines key terms such as school-based services and school personnel to clarify which staff members and activities qualify for reimbursement.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to create a five-year pilot program that offers an alternative path to teacher certification. Instead of requiring all candidates to pass standard state exams, the program would allow individuals to earn preliminary certification based on their teaching experience and student growth scores over four years. The alternative process could also waive one of the two required tests for candidates who have already been certified in another state, shown significant impact on student growth while working outside Massachusetts, or completed a satisfactory portfolio of work. This initiative directly affects aspiring educators by providing a more flexible route to licensure that relies on demonstrated proficiency rather than solely on standardized testing.
By Representative Puppolo of Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2639) of Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., and Brian M. Ashe relative to retirement credit for private or parochial school teaching. Public Service.
By Representative Consalvo of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2481) of Rob Consalvo and others relative to the Group Insurance Commission Trust Fund. Public Service.
By Representative LeBoeuf of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2582) of David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf and others relative to health insurance benefits for certain state employees. Public Service.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts laws to phase out the sale of specific mercury-containing fluorescent light bulbs. It defines compact and linear fluorescent lamps by their technical characteristics and sets a ban on selling screw or bayonet base compact fluorescent lamps starting January 1, 2024. The restrictions expand on January 1, 2025, to include pin-base compact fluorescent lamps and all linear fluorescent lamps. The law includes an exemption for lamps used exclusively for image capture, printing, lithography, and film or video projection.