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.
By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1614) of Jacob R. Oliveira for legislation to ensure home care for high-risk patients. Public Health.
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1629) of Bruce E. Tarr and Jacob R. Oliveira for legislation relative to the larceny that violates graves, cemeteries and burial grounds.. Public Health.
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.
Senate, January 7, 2026 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 194) of Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to limit credit card surcharges on credit card transactions in the commonwealth; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 204) of John J. Cronin for legislation relative to transparency in credit card fees; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 278) of Jacob R. Oliveira relative to credit card surcharges, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2819).
By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1548) of Patricia D. Jehlen, Joanne M. Comerford, Jacob R. Oliveira, Sal N. DiDomenico and other members of the Senate for legislation to improve outdoor and indoor air quality for communities burdened by transportation pollution. Public Health.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Faculty Restoration and Equity Fund to require public colleges in the state to: (1) ensure at least 75% of undergraduate courses are taught by full-time faculty, (2) maintain at least 75% full-time support staff in departments, and (3) provide part-time and non-tenure track faculty with pay and benefits equal to full-time faculty. It also amends retirement laws to grant part-time faculty teaching four or more courses yearly full retirement credit, equal pay on a pro-rata basis, and formal processes for assignment priority and tenure-track consideration. The fund prioritizes institutions with high reliance on part-time faculty, and all provisions are subject to collective bargaining. The bill directly affects public higher education institutions and their part-time/non-tenure track faculty.
Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $30 million annually to continue Massachusetts' endowment match program for public higher education. It directly affects the University of Massachusetts, state universities, and community colleges by mandating specific funding splits: $10 million each for UMass, state universities, and community colleges. Unused funds from community colleges automatically transfer to state universities, and unused state university funds transfer to UMass. The program requires the Board of Higher Education to ensure all institutions can access matching funds, aiming to boost private fundraising for endowments and capital projects. The bill removes appropriation limitations, guaranteeing the full $30 million is spent on this purpose.
By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1543) of Cindy F. Friedman and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to establish a nursing workforce center at the University of Massachusetts medical school in Worcester. Public Health.
By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 278) of Jacob R. Oliveira relative to credit card surcharges. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
