Sen. Bruce Tarr

Maddy summaryThis bill requires quasi-government agencies - like public transit systems, water providers, and pension managers - to publicly share employee compensation data and audit results. It defines these agencies as government-supported entities with operational independence. Specifically, agencies must submit pay details to the comptroller, who will post it on the state's open checkbook website. Additionally, state auditors must publish all agency audits online. The law directly affects these specific service-providing corporations, not general government employees or the public.

Maddy summarySD 171 establishes a state drought management task force within the Massachusetts Office to coordinate drought response. The task force, appointed by the secretary and emergency management director, collects data, coordinates agencies, and recommends drought levels and responses to officials. It authorizes the secretary to impose uniform water conservation measures (like limiting nonessential outdoor use) in drought regions to protect public health and the environment. Cities and towns must enforce these secretary-issued restrictions, overriding conflicting local rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Salisbury Beach Preservation Trust Fund to expand its purpose and funding. It updates the definition to include the entire Salisbury Beach dune and beach system (covering public and private property) and increases the access fee from $3 to $4 per visitor. The fund will now specifically support acquiring sand for beach restoration, installing dune plants and fencing, and funding coastal resilience projects through matching grants. Additionally, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) must submit annual reports on fund use and update the management plan biennially to include disaster recovery planning.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all schools (pre-K through 12) and child care centers to annually test drinking water outlets for lead. If lead levels exceed one part per billion (the safe limit), schools must immediately shut off affected outlets, install certified filters at all drinking water points within 18 months, and replace water fountains with filtered bottle-filling stations (one per 75 students). Schools must also submit remediation plans and test results to state environmental and health agencies, post findings publicly online, and notify parents and staff of any lead issues. These measures ensure schools take concrete, timely action to eliminate lead exposure from drinking water sources.

By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 119) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Joanne M. Comerford, James K. Hawkins, Kathleen R. LaNatra and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to a loan repayment program for human services workers. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

By Mr. Keenan, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 139) of John F. Keenan, Michael J. Barrett, Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida, Jacob R. Oliveira and other members of the General Court for legislation to update terminology and investigative practices related to the protection of persons with disabilities. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state grant program to address student food insecurity at public colleges and universities. It creates a Hunger-Free Campus Trust Fund to provide funding for institutions meeting specific requirements, such as having campus staff for food assistance access, accepting federal nutrition benefits at on-campus vendors, and implementing meal credit sharing programs. Institutions must meet income-based criteria for grant levels and report on program activities annually. The program director will develop guidelines, and participating institutions must report on student engagement and outcomes to state officials.

Senate, June 23, 2025 -- The committee on Higher Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 939) of Joan B. Lovely, Joanne M. Comerford, Michael D. Brady, James B. Eldridge and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish the hunger-free campus initiative that would provide grants to institutions of public higher education to address student food insecurity and hunger, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2535).

Maddy summaryHD 913 requires the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to annually request full state funding for regional school district transportation starting in fiscal year 2026. The bill mandates these funding requests comply with the Commonwealth's existing legal obligation under Chapter 71, Section 16C. This ensures regional school districts receive the full state funding they are legally entitled to for transportation services. The bill directly affects regional school districts by securing consistent state financial support for their transportation needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state to fully reimburse school districts for special education transportation costs that exceed regular program costs. It directly affects cities, towns, regional school districts, and vocational schools serving students with special education needs. Reimbursement covers the regular program's average per-pupil cost plus excess costs (capped at 110% of the statewide average), calculated using specific department-defined methods. Funding increases gradually, reaching 100% reimbursement by fiscal year 2029. The bill ensures districts aren't burdened by costs not covered under existing programs.