Rep. David DeCoste

Maddy summaryThis bill requires every public high school in Massachusetts to offer at least one foundational computer science course. The law ensures that all students have the opportunity to take this class within their four-year high school experience. The course must include rigorous mathematical or scientific concepts and follow standards set by the state's education board. These requirements will begin to apply to the school year starting after July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires schools in Massachusetts to obtain written parental consent before presenting human sexuality education that covers specific topics like abortion, birth control, or minors' reproductive health laws. Under the new rules, schools must notify parents at least 21 days in advance and explicitly list these sensitive subjects in the notification, along with contact information for agencies providing reproductive health services. The legislation mandates that no student be penalized if their parent or guardian refuses to give permission for their child to attend such presentations. Additionally, school districts must update their websites to clearly state the objectives related to these topics within health and wellness curricula. Finally, the bill establishes a financial penalty requiring districts to pay $2,500 to each affected parent or guardian for every violation of these consent requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires schools in Massachusetts to obtain written parental consent before presenting human sexuality education to students. It mandates that schools notify parents at least 21 days in advance, explicitly listing topics such as abortion and birth control if they are part of the curriculum. The legislation also directs school districts to include information about reproductive health services on their websites and establishes a $2,500 penalty for each student affected by a violation of these consent requirements.

By Representative Cutler of Pembroke, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2492) of Josh S. Cutler and others relative to the retirement classification of certain officers employed by the Bureau of Investigation of the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department. Public Service.

By Representative Cusack of Braintree and Senator Timilty, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Mark J. Cusack, Walter F. Timilty and others relative to the retirement benefits of Brian Murphy, a uniformed member of the Department of State Police. Public Service.

By Representative McMurtry of Dedham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3190) of Paul McMurtry and David F. DeCoste relative to large-scale solar energy installations on agricultural or recreational land of the Commonwealth. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

By Representative Cutler of Pembroke, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2493) of Josh S. Cutler and others for legislation to further regulate the retirement rights of certain employees of Plymouth County. Public Service.

By Representative Chan of Quincy, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3152) of Tackey Chan and others relative to the use of double utility poles of distribution or telephone companies. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

By Representative Ferguson of Holden, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2159) of Kimberly N. Ferguson and others that the Department of Public Health be directed to implement a food labeling program for commercially caught, landed and sold saltwater fish. Public Health.

By Representative Ferguson of Holden, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2160) of Kimberly N. Ferguson and others that the board of registration of psychologists be authorized to promulgate regulations relative to the reciprocity of psychologists. Public Health.