By Representative Moran of Boston, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of John Francis Moran and others relative to the right of students to freedom of expression in public schools. Education.
By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2528) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Julian Cyr, Natalie M. Higgins, John Francis Moran, Rebecca L. Rausch and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to free expression. Education.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts education laws to update high school graduation requirements and improve support for struggling schools. It establishes a new competency determination based on mastery of core skills in math, science, technology, and English, allowing districts to include history, social science, and foreign languages. Students who do not meet these standards would receive an educational assistance plan to help them achieve mastery, while parents would have the chance to review these plans. Additionally, the bill changes how schools identified for comprehensive support are selected, requiring that student growth be weighted as heavily as student achievement in the evaluation formula.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require the state education commissioner to provide a detailed turnaround plan with specific metrics to school districts designated as chronically underperforming. The plan must be delivered within 60 days of the district's designation and outlines the steps needed for the district to exit receivership. Additionally, the legislation establishes a mandatory timeline ensuring that local control is returned to the school district after six years of state oversight. These changes directly affect school committees in struggling districts by setting clear expectations for improvement and limiting the duration of external management.
Senate, June 27, 2024 -- Text of amendment (242) (offered by Senator Comerford) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 2834) to the Senate Bill relative to the Affordable Housing Act
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 Garballey of Arlington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2802) of Sean Garballey and others relative to rental housing deleading income tax credit. Revenue.
By Representative Rogers of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2932) of David M. Rogers and others for legislation to establish a family caregiving tax credit. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts laws to allow public officials and citizens to participate in municipal meetings and local elections remotely using technology like video conferencing. It permits members of public bodies to vote and count toward a quorum while attending virtually, provided that all votes are recorded as roll calls. The legislation also requires public bodies offering remote access to provide free alternative ways for the public to view or listen to proceedings, such as live streams or recordings, unless a municipality faces economic hardship and instead posts a transcript online. Additionally, the Attorney General must create best practice guidelines for remote participation within 90 days of the law taking effect.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new property tax exemption for older adults and people with disabilities in Massachusetts who own and occupy their homes. To qualify, applicants must be at least 65 years old, have lived in the town for at least 10 years, and meet specific income and home value limits. The exemption reduces property taxes by an amount calculated based on the applicant's income and any existing circuit breaker credit, but the total reduction cannot exceed 50% of the property tax bill. Local towns can opt into this program, and the total amount of tax relief available is capped at a percentage of the town's total residential property tax levy.
