By Representative Khan of Newton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3360) of Kay Khan and others that the Registrar of Motor Vehicles provide identification to youth and adults experiencing homelessness. Transportation.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program to help Master of Social Work students in Massachusetts cover the costs of their field placements. The Department of Education would administer these funds, which are intended to recruit and retain students from historically marginalized and low-income communities. To qualify, students must commit to working in the state for at least two years after graduation, and the program prioritizes first-generation college students while requiring at least half of the recipients to identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color. The financial assistance ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 per month depending on the student's year of study, with applications accepted annually between January and March.
April 1, 2024 -- The committee on Higher Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 160) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Manny Cruz, Susannah M. Whipps, Jack Patrick Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to Social Work Uplifting Practices and Exam Removal (“The SUPER Act”), report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2673).
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.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies state laws to allow school districts under receivership to receive more than 80 percent of the eligible costs for school construction projects. It directly impacts school districts that have been placed under state supervision due to financial or operational issues. The key provision removes a previous restriction that limited these districts to a lower funding percentage, ensuring they can access higher incentive funding for building improvements. By adjusting the funding calculation in the relevant state chapter, the legislation aims to provide greater financial support for infrastructure needs in these specific districts.
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.
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.
By Representative Blais of Deerfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2714) of Natalie M. Blais and others relative to payments in lieu of taxes for state-owned land. Revenue.
By Representative Blais of Deerfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2715) of Natalie M. Blais and others for legislation to provide additional funding for the Massachusetts Tourism Trust Fund. Revenue.
