Senate, July 10, 2025 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 323) of Brendan P. Crighton and Mark C. Montigny for legislation to prohibit the use to personal electronic devices in schools; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 333) of John J. Cronin and Mark C. Montigny for legislation to prohibiting the use of wireless communication devices in K-12 public schools by students; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 335) of Julian Cyr, Andrea Joy Campbell, Attorney General , Nick Collins and Barry R. Finegold for legislation to promote safe technology use and distraction-free education for youth; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 381) of John F. Keenan, Mark C. Montigny and Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr. for legislation to limit cell phones in classrooms; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 424) of Patrick M. O'Connor and Mark C. Montigny for legislation to regulate the use of mobile communication devices in educational institutions; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 461) of John C. Velis, Carmine Lawrence Gentile, James C. Arena-DeRosa, Paul R. Feeney and other members of the General Court for legislation to prohibit access to personal electronic devices and social media in public schools; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 463) of Kirstin Beatty, for legislation to regulate screen time and technology privacy in early and K-12 education, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2549).
Sen. John Velis
Sponsored bills
The committee on Senate Ways and Means to whom was referred the Senate Bill to promote student learning and mental health (Senate, No. 2549), - reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 2561).
Maddy summaryThis bill creates "blue envelopes" to improve police interactions with people with autism spectrum disorder. The envelopes, designed with input from police and autism advocates, contain written communication guidance for officers and instructions for attaching them to vehicle sun visors. Upon request, the Registry of Motor Vehicles will provide these envelopes to individuals with autism or their guardians, who can store licenses and insurance inside. The program takes effect on July 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates standardized blue envelopes to improve police interactions with people who have autism. The envelopes, designed by the state police with input from autism advocates, will include written communication tips for officers and instructions for attaching them to car sun visors. They will also hold a person's driver's license, registration, and insurance cards. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles will provide these envelopes upon request to autistic individuals, their parents, or guardians, starting July 1, 2026.
By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 461) of John C. Velis, Carmine Lawrence Gentile, James C. Arena-DeRosa, Paul R. Feeney and other members of the General Court for legislation to prohibit access to personal electronic devices and social media in public schools. Education.
By Mr. Velis (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 463) of Kirstin Beatty, for legislation to regulate screen time and technology privacy in early and K-12 education. Education.
By Mrs. Dooner, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kelly A. Dooner, Michael O. Moore, Mark C. Montigny, Patrick Joseph Kearney and other members of the General Court for legislation to promote affordable utility services in the Commonwealth. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 647) of Patrick M. O'Connor, Joanne M. Comerford, Dylan A. Fernandes, Paul W. Mark and other members of the Senate for legislation relative to paint recycling. Environment and Natural Resources.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission to regulate the state's legal cannabis industry. The commission, composed of three governor-appointed commissioners with expertise in public health or cannabis regulation, will oversee licensing, enforcement, and policy implementation for cannabis businesses. Commissioners must be state residents, avoid political office, and follow strict ethical rules prohibiting conflicts of interest with licensed businesses. The commission will operate as a state agency with defined procedures for meetings, decision-making, and financial management.
Maddy summaryH 4187 creates a new Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission to oversee the state's cannabis regulatory framework. The commission will consist of three appointed commissioners (one full-time chair and two part-time members), requiring gubernatorial appointment with background checks, no felony convictions, and expertise in areas like public health or cannabis regulation. Commissioners must be Massachusetts residents, avoid conflicts of interest (e.g., holding elected office), and serve limited terms (max 8 years total). This bill establishes the governance structure for future cannabis rulemaking but does not change current cannabis laws or licensing rules.