Rep. David DeCoste

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 358) of Paul R. Feeney, Steven George Xiarhos, James B. Eldridge, Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation to improve access, opportunity, and capacity in Massachusetts vocational-technical education. Education.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public schools and districts to adopt policies restricting personal electronic device use during school hours and school activities to reduce distractions and support learning. The state education department must provide a model policy including secure device storage options, methods for parents to contact students during the day (including emergencies), and enforcement rules that prevent unfair discipline. Schools must file their adopted policies annually by September 1, with exceptions for students with disabilities, health accommodations, or emergencies. The policy must not lead to student expulsion or suspension solely for device use violations.

Senate, November 17, 2025 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 326) of John J. Cronin and John F. Keenan for legislation to expand student opportunities in career technical education; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 329) of John J. Cronin for legislation to construct vocational education annexes in gateway cities; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 330) of John J. Cronin and Vanna Howard for legislation to ensure that all students have an equal chance of being admitted to vocational programs; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 332) of John J. Cronin for legislation to expand student access to a vocational-technical education; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 358) of Paul R. Feeney, Steven George Xiarhos, James B. Eldridge, Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation to improve access, opportunity, and capacity in Massachusetts vocational-technical education; and (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 384) of Edward J. Kennedy that provisions be made for an investigation and study by a special commission (including members of the General Court) to establish a commission to examine expanding vocational and technical high school access, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2690).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public elementary, secondary, and vocational schools to prohibit student use of smartphones and tablets during instructional hours, mandating that devices be stored in designated areas or lockers. Exceptions include authorized school staff using devices for official purposes, students with documented medical needs (approved by administration), and basic cell phones without internet access for parent communication. Schools must clearly communicate the policy to students and parents, including consequences for violations. The rules take effect at the start of the next academic year following passage.

By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1455) of Joan B. Lovely, Joanne M. Comerford and Steven S. Howitt for legislation relative the management of specific pieces of land or structures typically found at a fairground, often referring to regulations, permissions, or restrictions regarding their operation within a particular area. Municipalities and Regional Government.

By Mr. Keenan, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2573) of John F. Keenan (by vote of the town) to amend the charter of the town of Rockland. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the classroom training required for renewing hoisting licenses in Massachusetts. It prohibits the Commissioner of Public Safety from creating rules requiring more than two hours of classroom credit every four years for license renewal. The change directly affects individuals and businesses holding hoisting licenses, such as crane operators or equipment handlers. The key provision is a strict cap on mandatory training hours, replacing any previous or future requirements exceeding this limit. This is a regulatory change to license renewal rules, not a broader policy shift.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special commission to review Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency's (MHFA) performance on affordable and low-income housing in gateway cities. The commission, consisting of three members appointed by the Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker, will assess MHFA's work over the past five years and recommend improvements. The commission must begin its review within 30 days of the bill's effective date and submit a report with recommendations to both legislative chambers within one year. The bill does not change housing programs but establishes a formal process for evaluating MHFA's effectiveness in targeted communities.

By Representative Biele of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 326) of David Biele and others relative to pipefitting licensure. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows movable tiny houses (under 400 sq ft, excluding certain features) to be used as permanent primary residences or accessory dwelling units on single-family lots. It requires local towns to establish a registration system through the Registry of Motor Vehicles ($100 fee), with standards for safety, zoning (like septic systems), and building code compliance (with relaxed insulation requirements). After 180 days of residency, tiny houses must have a permanent address, utilities, and pass an inspection for a certificate of occupancy. Local governments can set stricter rules but cannot ban tiny houses outright, and may offer tax incentives for hosting them.