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. Vanna Howard
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special commission in Massachusetts to study blockchain technology and cryptocurrency. The commission will consist of 25 members, including state officials, industry representatives, and consumer advocates, who must meet within 90 days to begin their work. Its main task is to investigate how blockchain could be used by government and businesses, examine tax implications for digital assets, and determine the best ways to protect consumers while encouraging responsible adoption. The group will also look at energy usage, regulatory oversight, and barriers that might prevent certain groups from participating in these emerging technologies. Ultimately, the commission will produce a master plan with recommendations for expanding blockchain use in the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows cities and towns in Massachusetts with at least 50,000 residents to offer property tax exemptions for small-scale urban farms. It specifically targets real estate under two acres used for agriculture or horticulture that generates at least $500 in sales annually. Local governments would have the authority to decide the exact tax reduction percentage and whether rooftop or container farms qualify for the benefit. The law takes effect only after a city or town votes to adopt it.
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 LaNatra of Kingston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2864) of Kathleen R. LaNatra and Vanna Howard relative to child care income tax relief. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new ecologically-based mosquito management program in Massachusetts to protect public health while reducing reliance on broad-spectrum pesticides. It creates a new chapter in state law that defines specific terms like "disease vector" and outlines a strategy that prioritizes prevention, surveillance, and natural controls such as predators and habitat modification. Under this program, the use of chemical pesticides is restricted to last-resort situations where mosquito populations exceed predetermined safety levels. The legislation also repeals the previous chapter governing mosquito control and directs relevant state boards to implement these new sustainable management plans.
By Representative Blais of Deerfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2714) of Natalie M. Blais and others relative to payments in lieu of taxes for state-owned land. Revenue.