By Representatives John Francis Moran of Boston and Scanlon of North Attleborough, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3594) of John Francis Moran, Adam J. Scanlon and others relative to the right of students to freedom of expression in public schools. Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development.
By Representative Saunders of Belchertown, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3598) of Aaron L. Saunders for legislation to further regulate access to certain library materials. Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development.
By Representative Fluker-Reid of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 575) of Brandy Fluker-Reid and others for legislation to prohibit the use of Native American mascots by public schools. Education.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Massachusetts schools (public, private, charter, and religious) to adopt formal abuse prevention policies and implement specific safety measures. It mandates biennial training for school staff on recognizing, preventing, and reporting abuse or sexual misconduct, and requires age-appropriate student education on boundaries, healthy relationships, and reporting concerns. Schools must also conduct thorough background checks on applicants for positions involving direct student contact, including verifying employment history and any past investigations into misconduct allegations. The bill directly affects educators, school staff, and students by establishing standardized safety protocols and reporting procedures across all school settings.
By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 165) of Michael O. Moore, Hannah Kane, David Paul Linsky, Colleen M. Garry and others for legislation to protect individuals with disabilities in MassHealth day habilitation programs. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
By Representatives Finn of West Springfield and Garballey of Arlington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 232) of Michael J. Finn, Norman J. Orrall and others relative to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
Maddy summaryThis bill (H 4487) updates terminology across Massachusetts state law to replace outdated terms like "handicapped," "disabled," and "mentally retarded" with more respectful and current language such as "persons with disabilities" and "intellectual or developmental disability." It amends 33 sections of the General Laws, including provisions related to employment weeks, veteran benefits, healthcare, and community services, to consistently use inclusive terminology. The bill directly affects how state laws reference these communities but does not create new programs or change existing policies. It was reported favorably by the Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities committee.
By Representative McGonagle of Everett, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3739) of Joseph W. McGonagle, Jr., for legislation to authorize the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to accept partial payment of fines for suspension or revocation of licenses. Transportation.
By Representative Linsky of Natick, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2897) of David Paul Linsky for legislation to include public works employees for killed-in-the-line-of-duty benefits. Public Service.
By Representatives Domb of Amherst and Garballey of Arlington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3655) of Mindy Domb and Sean Garballey that the Registry of Motor Vehicles design certain envelopes to enhance effective communications and interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder. Transportation.
