Rep. Jack Lewis

April 1, 2024 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 239) of Michael D. Brady, James K. Hawkins, Patrick M. O'Connor and Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation to establish a special commission on creating a more diversified teaching workforce in the Commonwealth; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 252) of Brendan P. Crighton for legislation to promote racially integrated schools; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 254) of Brendan P. Crighton for legislation to promote racially and culturally inclusive K-12 curriculum; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 259) of Julian Cyr, Jack Patrick Lewis, Vanna Howard and Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation relative to LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 286) of Adam Gomez and Vanna Howard for legislation to ensure diversity in public education; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 288) of Adam Gomez, Tram T. Nguyen, Steven Ultrino, Jack Patrick Lewis and others for legislation to promote racially inclusive curriculum in schools; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 299) of Robyn K. Kennedy, Steven Owens and Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to address racial and cultural bias training in educator professional development; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 311) of Jason M. Lewis, Manny Cruz, Joanne M. Comerford, Jack Patrick Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to educator diversity; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 318) of Liz Miranda, Joanne M. Comerford, Lydia Edwards, Jack Patrick Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish a permanent commission on American Indian and Alaska Native education; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 340) of Pavel M. Payano for legislation to enable all students to thrive: protecting a high quality, diverse educator workforce; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 344) of Rebecca L. Rausch, Jack Patrick Lewis, Joanne M. Comerford, Vanna Howard and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to celebrate and teach Native American culture and history, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2709).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires schools, child care centers, and universities in Massachusetts to use only specific types of pesticides on their outdoor grounds. Under the new rules, these facilities can only apply products classified by the EPA as exempt materials or those containing ingredients approved for organic farming. The legislation allows for a hardship waiver if a school needs to use a different pesticide, giving the state department the discretion to approve exceptions.

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 establishes a special Protein Innovation Commission to study the potential of alternative proteins, such as plant-based, fermented, and cultivated meats, within Massachusetts. The commission will investigate how these innovations could boost the economy, create jobs, improve public health, and reduce environmental impacts like greenhouse gas emissions. A 13-member panel, including legislators, government officials, and industry experts, will be appointed to conduct this review and develop a master plan of recommendations for supporting the sector. The commission is required to hold multiple meetings, including at least one public hearing, and must submit its findings within a specified timeframe.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to create rules banning public schools from using athletic team names, logos, or mascots that reference Native Americans or denigrate any racial, ethnic, gender, or religious group. The legislation requires schools currently using such imagery to select new alternatives by a specific deadline set by the board. While the ban applies to new team identities, schools are permitted to keep existing uniforms and materials if they stop purchasing new items with the prohibited names and remove the imagery from facilities during future maintenance. The law explicitly allows Native American tribes to use their own names for their sports teams and permits a public school to use a tribal name only if that specific tribe gives explicit consent.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Massachusetts' existing Bottle Bill to include more types of drinkable liquids and larger containers, aiming to increase recycling rates. It defines "beverage" to cover most liquids for human consumption while excluding items like milk, infant formula, and small-scale fruit juices, and it raises the size limit for eligible containers to 2.5 liters for non-carbonated drinks and 3 liters for carbonated ones. The legislation also updates the refund value for returned containers to $2.75 for smaller items and $3.75 for larger ones, while exempting dealers with businesses under 2,000 square feet from certain immediate payment rules. Additionally, it requires the state secretary to review handling fees and refund values every three years to ensure they meet specific recycling targets, such as recycling 65% of containers by 2025 and 95% by 2031.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts environmental laws to streamline the approval process for publicly beneficial climate resiliency projects, such as those designed to prevent flooding or storm damage. It establishes a mechanism for conservation commissions, town selectmen, and mayors to designate these projects, which would then qualify for a general license from the state department, bypassing the need for individual case-by-case reviews. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that these specific projects do not require the same resource loss mitigation rules applied to other developments, provided they are officially designated as beneficial for climate protection. By updating language in existing statutes, the bill aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and accelerate the implementation of infrastructure intended to help communities adapt to climate change.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a temporary halt on approving new or expanded gas infrastructure projects across Massachusetts until at least 2026. The measure specifically targets facilities that process, store, transmit, or distribute combustible fuels like natural gas, renewable natural gas, and hydrogen. Under the new rules, regulators cannot grant permits for these projects unless they are strictly necessary for public safety. Additionally, the legislation prevents towns without existing gas service from digging up streets to build new fuel systems.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows 17-year-olds in Massachusetts to vote in early primary and special elections if they are already pre-registered to vote. It updates state election laws to clarify that pre-registered youth can participate in these specific elections before turning 18, provided they will be eligible to vote in the next general election. The legislation aims to increase youth participation by enabling younger voters to cast ballots in primaries and special elections without waiting until their 18th birthday.