Sen. Bruce Tarr

Maddy summaryH 4651 creates the Open Educational Resource (OER) Trust Fund to reduce college textbook costs for students at Massachusetts public institutions. The fund will support the development and distribution of free, high-quality digital textbooks and learning materials, replacing expensive commercial course materials. It requires the Department of Higher Education to administer the fund, review private donations to prevent restrictions, and mandate competitive grants for OER adoption. Public colleges must inform students about OER courses, and the department must annually report on fund usage and savings to the legislature. This directly affects students by lowering course material expenses, a major factor in college affordability.

Maddy summaryHD 2192 establishes the Open Educational Resource (OER) Trust Fund to reduce college costs for students at Massachusetts public institutions of higher education. The bill creates a dedicated fund to develop, distribute, and promote free or low-cost course materials (like textbooks and digital resources) instead of expensive commercial textbooks. Public colleges must use these materials in eligible courses, and the fund supports faculty training, technical assistance, and competitive grants for institutions to implement OER. The law requires annual public reporting on fund usage, savings for students, and grant outcomes. This directly affects students facing textbook cost burdens and public colleges implementing OER programs.

The committee on Environment and Natural Resources to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 597) of Paul R. Feeney, Joanne M. Comerford, James K. Hawkins, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. and other members of the General Court for legislation to conserve and improve natural and working lands, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2571).

Maddy summarySD 72 establishes a 19-member Workforce Recovery Commission to address evolving workforce needs in the Commonwealth. The commission, chaired by the Labor Secretary, will develop strategies for workforce retention and support, focusing on economic prosperity, inclusion, diversity, and equity amid post-pandemic shifts and factors like technology, demographics, and employer skill demands. Its membership includes specific representation from small, mid-sized, and large employers; community colleges and vocational schools; labor unions; human resources experts; regional workforce boards; and an economist. The commission must meet at least three times annually, with its first meeting occurring within 90 days of the bill's passage. This bill directly affects state workforce planning systems and the entities represented on the commission.

Maddy summarySD 1572 prohibits bullying in Massachusetts housing communities primarily for residents aged 55+ or with disabilities (subsidized by HUD or the state). It defines bullying broadly to include cyberbullying, group bullying, and mobbing (where management condones bullying), and bans retaliation against reporters. Owners/managers must create and implement evidence-based bullying prevention plans within six months, train all staff and residents, and update these plans biennially. The Attorney General’s office will develop model plans, resources, and conduct biennial surveys to assess bullying prevalence and prevention effectiveness.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 753) increases penalties for assault and battery against specific protected groups while they are performing their duties. It directly affects healthcare personnel (like nurses), school staff (teachers, librarians, counselors, nurses, psychologists), school event officials (referees), and police dogs. The law adds new provisions to criminal penalties, making it a felony to assault these individuals during work hours, with punishments including up to 5 years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both. The bill targets violence against essential workers in healthcare and education settings, aiming to strengthen legal protections for them.

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 167) of Michael O. Moore and James B. Eldridge for legislation to maximize participation in federal nutrition programs and improve customer service. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 147) of Robyn K. Kennedy for legislation to replace stolen benefits relative to electronic benefit transfer fraud. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 130) of Cindy F. Friedman, Kathleen R. LaNatra, Joanne M. Comerford, Michael O. Moore and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to a livable wage for human services workers. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1095) of Ryan C. Fattman, Brian M. Ashe and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to the expungement of non-convictions. The Judiciary.