Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 23-member task force to study and recommend a statewide framework for social emotional learning and mental health support for students from birth through higher education. The committee includes representatives from various educational, health, and advocacy organizations, and it must meet regularly to address topics such as suicide prevention, the impact of social media on youth, and strategies for integrating these supports into school curricula. Within two years of passing, the task force will submit its findings to state officials, who are then required to publish guidance for school districts on how to implement these mental health and behavioral health strategies by December 2026. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to mandate that school safety plans include partnerships with community health organizations to help refer students needing extra support.
Sen. Vanna Howard
Sponsored bills
By Representatives Vitolo of Brookline and Rogers of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2974) of Tommy Vitolo, David M. Rogers and others relative to senior property tax deferral. Revenue.
By Representative Garlick of Needham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3040) of Denise C. Garlick and others relative to providing for hybrid access to public meetings. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
By Representative Uyterhoeven of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2964) of Erika Uyterhoeven and others for legislation to reform the charitable deduction. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts open meeting laws to protect the privacy of construction bidders during the public agency selection process. It requires agencies to create rules preventing one bidder from seeing or hearing interviews with other competitors for the same contract, whether the meetings happen in person or online. Additionally, the law mandates that any written or video records from these interviews remain confidential until every bidder has finished their presentation. These changes aim to ensure fair competition by preventing bidders from gaining an advantage through early knowledge of others' proposals.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to officially establish Indigenous Peoples Day, observed annually on the second Monday in October. It directs the governor to issue a yearly proclamation recommending that schools and communities hold appropriate exercises to honor Indigenous history, cultures, and resilience. The legislation specifically requires these observances to acknowledge the history of genocide and discrimination faced by Indigenous peoples while celebrating their continued existence. Directly affecting the state's executive branch and public institutions, the bill formalizes a day of recognition and education within the state calendar.
Maddy summaryThis bill changes how Massachusetts taxpayers can claim a state tax deduction for charitable donations. Under the new rules, individuals can only take this deduction in years when they do not itemize their federal tax returns, rather than being allowed to claim it regardless of their federal filing method. The change applies to tax years starting after December 31, 2022, affecting all state taxpayers who make charitable contributions.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows appointed statewide public bodies in Massachusetts to let members join meetings remotely instead of being physically present. It defines remote participation as attending via technology while not being at the meeting location and grants these remote members the right to vote and count toward a quorum. The law requires that all participants be clearly audible, mandates that the public have free access to virtual meetings through audio or video means, and ensures that parties required to appear before these bodies can do so remotely.
By Representative Cabral of New Bedford, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2723) of Antonio F. D. Cabral and others for legislation to establish a historic building fire prevention tax credit. Revenue.
By Representative Cabral of New Bedford, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2722) of Antonio F. D. Cabral and others relative to the taxation of graduate student loan debt. Revenue.