Rep. Russell Holmes

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education to actively reach out to incarcerated individuals and those recently released from state prisons to help them enroll in college. It requires financial aid staff at public universities to contact correctional facilities twice a year to identify eligible students and provide them with expedited enrollment assistance and financial support within thirty days of release. The legislation also mandates that correction officials share contact information for these individuals with universities and requires the Board of Higher Education to submit an annual report on the program's progress to state committees.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public colleges in Massachusetts to create housing programs specifically designed for students recovering from substance use disorders. These programs must offer an alcohol and drug-free environment along with services such as trauma-informed counseling, mentoring, and peer support. Additionally, the legislation mandates that all students, faculty, and staff receive overdose training and ensures that naloxone is available on campus to treat overdoses. The law directly impacts public higher education institutions and aims to provide a safer, supportive living situation for students in recovery.

By Representatives Gentile of Sudbury and Vieira of Falmouth, a petition (accompanied by resolutions, House, No. 3502) of Carmine Lawrence Gentile, David T. Vieira and others for the adoption of resolutions memorializing the Congress of the United States to call for a convention to propose amendments in order to address concerns about the integrity of our elections and the ability of the people to participate in effective self-government. Veterans and Federal Affairs.

April 1, 2024 -- The committee on Higher Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 822) of Lydia Edwards, Sal N. DiDomenico and Russell E. Holmes for legislation to instruct the board of higher education to engage house of corrections and state prisons, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2675).

April 1, 2024 -- The committee on Higher Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 847) of Rebecca L. Rausch, Russell E. Holmes, David F. DeCoste, Michael O. Moore and other members of the General Court for legislation to support college students in recovery; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 849) of John C. Velis for legislation relative to opioid overdose prevention in college housing, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2680).

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 aims to increase housing availability by requiring local zoning laws to allow multifamily apartment buildings by right in at least 1.5% of a town's developable land. It establishes a minimum density of 20 units per acre for these developments and removes certain restrictions on open space residential projects, making them easier to approve. Additionally, the legislation mandates that accessory dwelling units, such as in-law apartments, be permitted by right in all single-family residential zones with minimal regulation on their design. The bill also introduces a new site plan review process that allows municipalities to evaluate the layout and infrastructure of developments without requiring special permits or variances.

By Representative González of Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2813) of Carlos González and others for legislation to establish voluntary contribution check-off boxes on state tax returns to provide financial assistance to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. Revenue.

By Representatives Carey of Easthampton and Fernandes of Falmouth, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2727) of Daniel R. Carey and Dylan A. Fernandes relative to the establishment of first-time homebuyer savings accounts and providing for an income tax deduction for certain amounts contributed to such accounts. Revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts tax law to create a formal process for taxpayers to negotiate settlements with the state regarding unpaid taxes. It allows the tax commissioner to agree on reduced payments when there is a dispute over the tax amount, uncertainty about whether the tax can be collected, or special circumstances that make full collection unfair. To qualify for these deals, taxpayers must first file all required tax returns, and the state will use specific guidelines to ensure the settlement leaves individuals with enough money for basic living expenses. The law also sets rules for how payments must be made, requiring an upfront deposit for lump-sum offers and allowing a three-year period for full compliance after the agreement is signed.