March , 2024 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 256) of John J. Cronin, Manny Cruz and John Barrett, III for legislation to create and expand student pathways to success; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 274) of Paul R. Feeney, Jacob R. Oliveira, Adam Scanlon, Susan Williams Gifford and other members of the General Court for legislation to improve access, opportunity, and capacity in Massachusetts vocational-technical education; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 297) of Edward J. Kennedy and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to expand dual enrollment for high school students in Gateway Cities; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 306) of Jason M. Lewis, Michael O. Moore, Kate Lipper-Garabedian and Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation relative increase student access to career technical education schools and programs which are aligned with regional labor market needs; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 334) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Jeffrey N. Roy and Michael J. Barrett for legislation to expand high school student access to earn industry recognized credentials; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 361) of John C. Velis for legislation to expand high school student access to earn industry recognized credentials; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 362) of John C. Velis and Kelly W. Pease for legislation to expand dual enrollment for high school students in Gateway Cities, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2664).
Sen. Paul Mark
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new chapter in Massachusetts law that generally prohibits the sale, purchase, or possession of ivory and rhinoceros horn with the intent to sell. The legislation defines specific terms like "ivory" and "rhinoceros horn" and establishes that owning these items in a retail or wholesale setting is considered prima facie evidence of intent to sell, unless an exemption applies. Several exceptions are included for law enforcement activities, federally authorized actions, musical instruments containing less than 200 grams of ivory, and certain antique items or manufactured goods where the ivory makes up less than 50 percent of the item's value or volume. These rules aim to restrict the commercial trade of these materials while allowing for limited legitimate uses and historical collections.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the distribution and application of neonicotinoid pesticides in Massachusetts to protect pollinators like bees and butterflies. It defines neonicotinoids as a specific class of chemicals that can harm these insects when present in pollen and nectar. Under the law, these pesticides cannot be sprayed on any property, and their sale is only allowed for treated nursery plants that must carry clear labels warning of risks to non-target organisms. The restrictions on general use and spraying take effect on January 1, 2024, while the labeling requirements for treated plants begin on January 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis bill aims to address shortages in Massachusetts' direct care and dementia workforce by creating new training and career advancement opportunities. It establishes a pilot program to provide free Certified Nursing Assistant training and testing to up to 1,000 individuals in areas with high workforce needs, offering a $1,000 bonus to graduates who remain employed for at least one year. Additionally, the legislation creates a career pathway that allows home health aides to advance to Certified Nursing Assistant and Licensed Practical Nurse roles within the state. The bill also expands the list of medical fields considered for certain health services to include geriatrics, geriatric psychiatry, neurology, and neuropsychology.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to grant voting rights to student representatives on local school committees. It requires each city, town, and regional school district to elect two student representatives from their secondary schools who can vote on all committee matters. The legislation also establishes a student advisory committee to support these representatives and help students access resources. While student representatives retain the right to attend executive sessions only if the specific committee grants it, they must follow all existing school committee rules and serve without pay.
By Representative Arriaga of Chicopee and Senator Mark, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2697) of Shirley B. Arriaga, Paul W. Mark and others for legislation to reform payments in lieu of taxes for state-owned land. Revenue.
By Representative Sabadosa of Northampton and Senator Mark, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2264) of Lindsay N. Sabadosa, Paul W. Mark and others that the Executive Office of Health and Human Services establish a grant program to increase the availability of non-law-enforcement, unarmed community-based response options for emergency calls. Public Health.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to direct 1.5% of the state's room occupancy tax revenue from the previous fiscal year toward promoting jobs and economic growth in the tourism, visitation, and hospitality sectors. The change affects the state's budgeting process by creating a specific funding stream derived from taxes paid by hotel guests to support these industries. By modifying Section 13T of Chapter 23A, the legislation establishes a mechanism to allocate a portion of existing tax collections for economic development initiatives in the hospitality field.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires every school district in Massachusetts to create and submit an annual literacy strategic plan that aligns with state goals and focuses on evidence-based reading instruction. The plans must detail how districts will provide professional development, select core curricula, and offer interventions for students who struggle with reading, particularly in grades K-3. Additionally, the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will develop a list of approved training programs and free online modules to help teachers and administrators implement science-based literacy practices. A stakeholder panel will also be formed to recommend improvements for teacher training and licensure related to early literacy by the end of 2024.