By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 369) of Adam Gomez, Joanne M. Comerford, Vanna Howard, Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish the Whole Child Grant Program. Education.
By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 440) of Pavel M. Payano for legislation to adjust the state funding allocated to public schools in Massachusetts (through the "Chapter 70" program) to account for rising inflation costs. Education.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 40) requires the state treasurer to reimburse school districts and vocational schools for transportation costs of students in special education programs. It directly affects school districts that provide transportation for these students, as it covers costs not normally provided to regular students and not eligible for other state reimbursements. The reimbursement includes the base cost per pupil in regular programs plus any excess costs for special education transportation, capped at 110% of the average excess cost across all districts. Funding will be phased in over four years, starting at 25% in 2026 and reaching 100% by 2029.
By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 328) of John J. Cronin, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., Joanne M. Comerford, Vanna Howard and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to full funding of regional school district transportation. Education.
By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 399) of Jason M. Lewis for legislation to promote equity in school attendance requirements. Education.
By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 388) of Robyn K. Kennedy, Vanna Howard, Jacob R. Oliveira, Mike Connolly and other members of the General Court for legislation to fix the chapter 70 inflation adjustment. Education.
By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 345) of Sal N. DiDomenico and Colleen M. Garry for legislation to eliminate the education funding inflation cap. Education.
Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill prohibits discrimination against participants in the federal 340B drug discount program. It requires insurers, drug companies, and distributors to provide equal reimbursement and treatment to 340B-covered entities (like safety-net hospitals) and their contract pharmacies, banning lower payments, special restrictions, or interference with patient choices to access 340B drugs. The law explicitly forbids denying 340B drug access, disrupting contracts between pharmacies and 340B entities, or demanding extra data as a condition for supplying 340B drugs. Violations are treated as unfair trade practices under Massachusetts law. The bill directly affects healthcare providers and pharmacies participating in the 340B program within Massachusetts.
By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1741) of Michael O. Moore, James K. Hawkins, Steven S. Howitt, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to police training in appropriate interactions with persons on the autism spectrum and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows municipalities to designate parking spaces for veterans with specific registration plates (not for handicap access). It permits up to two spaces in parking lots over 1,000 spaces, plus two additional spaces for every extra 500 spaces. Municipalities must display clear signs stating "Veteran Parking Only" and violations carry a $100 fine (not a surchargeable offense). The law directly affects veterans with designated plates and requires local officials to coordinate with parking lot owners to implement the program.
