Sen. Vanna Howard

By Mr. Finegold, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2973) of Barry R. Finegold, Tram T. Nguyen, David Allen Robertson and Vanna Howard for legislation relative to the residency requirement for the town manager of the town of Tewksbury. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

Senate, December 27, 2024 -- Report of the committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the two branches with reference to the House amendment to the Senate relative to pharmaceutical access, costs and transparency (Senate, No. 2520) (amended by the House all after the enacting clause and inserting in place thereof the text of House document numbered 4910; and by striking out the title and inserting in place thereof the following title: “An Act promoting access and affordability of prescription drugs.”),-- reports, a “Bill relative to pharmaceutical access, costs and transparency” (Senate, No. 3012).

By Representatives Higgins of Leominster and Barber of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2824) of Natalie M. Higgins, Christine P. Barber and others relative to the imposition of an annual excise tax upon certain private institutions of higher learning. Revenue.

By Representative Lawn of Watertown, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2865) of John J. Lawn, Jr., Vanna Howard and Joanne M. Comerford relative to the sales tax for certain purchases by rental companies. Revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts state laws to replace outdated terms like "handicapped" and "mentally retarded" with modern, person-first language such as "individuals with disabilities" and "intellectual or developmental disabilities." The legislation directly affects various statutes within Chapter 6 of the General Laws, which cover areas including employment, veterans' benefits, and general disability protections. By systematically changing these specific words throughout the legal code, the bill ensures that official state documents use respectful and current terminology when referring to people with disabilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax on private colleges and universities in Massachusetts that have endowments larger than one billion dollars, requiring them to pay an annual fee of 2.5 percent on those funds. The money collected from this tax will be placed into a dedicated trust fund designed to help lower-income and middle-class residents pay for higher education, early childhood education, and child care services. To manage the fund, the bill establishes a seven-member board of trustees that includes representatives from state education departments, labor organizations, community colleges, and the private institutions being taxed.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a permanent commission in Massachusetts dedicated to supporting the civil rights and inclusion of American Muslims. The commission will consist of eleven members appointed by various state officials, including the governor and leaders of the legislature, who must reside in the state and demonstrate a commitment to the Muslim American community. These unpaid members will serve three-year terms and will work to promote research, foster unity within the community, advise government bodies on relevant legislation, and ensure state agencies consider the unique needs of American Muslims. The commission is authorized to hold public meetings, accept donations and grants, and submit an annual report to the governor and the legislature detailing its findings and recommendations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public schools and colleges in Massachusetts to print the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline phone and text number on all student identification cards. The law applies to students in grades 6 through 12 in public schools and to all students at public and private higher education institutions. Starting July 1, 2023, any new cards issued or replacements for lost or damaged cards must include this contact information, though existing unused cards from before that date may still be distributed. The measure aims to make mental health support resources more visible and accessible to students by integrating them directly into everyday identification items.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a permanent commission to study and support the civil rights and inclusion of American Muslims in Massachusetts. The commission will consist of eleven members appointed by various state officials, including the governor, legislative leaders, and the attorney general, who must live in the state and show a commitment to the Muslim American community. Serving three-year terms without pay, the group will conduct research, advise government bodies on relevant legislation, and promote cooperation between the state and the Muslim community. Additionally, the commission will assess how state programs affect American Muslims and recommend qualified individuals for government positions.

By Representative Lawn of Watertown, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2220) of John J. Lawn, Jr., and others relative to the Department of Public Health establishing a statewide coordinated stroke care system. Public Health.