Maddy summaryHD 1043 establishes Massachusetts' Farm to School Program to connect schools with local food producers. It directly affects K-12 schools and licensed childcare programs participating in federal meal programs (National School Lunch Program or Child and Adult Care Feeding Program) across Massachusetts. The bill creates two key mechanisms: (1) a grant program funding kitchen equipment, staff training, and food literacy curriculum, and (2) a reimbursement incentive that pays schools $1 for every $2 spent on Massachusetts-grown food or $1 for every $3 on New England/New York regional food. The program also sets up an advisory committee and a dedicated fund to manage grants and ensure equitable access for schools and socially disadvantaged producers.
Sen. Vanna Howard
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special commission to study paid family and medical leave for public employees in Massachusetts. The commission will examine costs, funding options, economic impacts, and equity gaps (particularly for women and marginalized groups), and provide recommendations by July 2026. It requires public hearings and a final report to the legislature, but does not establish paid leave itself. The study directly affects public and quasi-public employees, focusing on potential policy changes for this specific workforce. The commission includes legislative leaders, agency representatives, and community advocates, with no compensation for members.
By Mr. Mark, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 786) of Paul W. Mark and Manny Cruz for legislation to create a climate bank in Massachusetts. Financial Services.
By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2134) of James B. Eldridge, Vanna Howard and Manny Cruz for legislation to promote the civil rights and inclusion of American Muslims in the commonwealth. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
Maddy summaryHD 1353 increases monthly benefits for low-income households receiving state assistance programs. It mandates a 20% annual benefit increase starting July 1, 2025, until payments reach 50% of the federal poverty level for each household size. Once this target is met, benefits will automatically adjust each July to maintain at least 50% of the federal poverty level. The bill also includes adjustments for clothing allowances and rental costs for eligible households. This directly affects low-income families relying on these state assistance programs.
By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1562) of Robyn K. Kennedy, Jason M. Lewis and John F. Keenan for legislation to support survivors of violence through financial assistance. Public Health.
By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 737) of James B. Eldridge for legislation to promote economic mobility through matched savings. Financial Services.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 1468) allows school nurses employed in Department of Education-approved schools to count prior nursing work experience toward their retirement credit if they are already in a teacher's, municipal, or state retirement system. To qualify, nurses must pay 10% of their annual salary for each year of service plus interest (paid in a lump sum or installments), after completing 10 years in the retirement system, with a maximum of three years of creditable service allowed. Nurses must apply within 90 days of being notified of eligibility by the retirement board.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state to cover health insurance premiums for qualifying adjunct faculty at public higher education institutions. It defines eligible faculty as those teaching at least two 3-credit courses per semester (or four annually), regardless of funding source or employment term. The state will gradually increase its share of premium costs over five years, starting at 25% in the first year and reaching 75% by the sixth year. A working group must study adjunct faculty retirement benefits, compensation, and career pathways, reporting findings by December 2026. The bill directly affects adjunct faculty at state universities, community colleges, and UMass campuses.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows public colleges with at least 25% of undergraduates in on-campus housing to create substance-free dormitory programs for students in recovery from addiction. These programs must provide on-site counseling, peer support, and trauma-informed services to help students maintain sobriety. Colleges are required to train staff on using overdose reversal drugs (opioid antagonists) and make them accessible to trained personnel during emergencies. Institutions may seek grants to fund these programs, with the state higher education and public health departments providing implementation guidance.