Maddy summaryHD 488 changes how Massachusetts charter schools are funded by requiring districts to pay charter schools based on each district's actual per-pupil spending, adjusted for how much above their foundation budget they spend. Instead of a flat rate, districts calculate payments using their foundation budget (excluding special education tuition-outs) and an adjusted percentage reflecting their actual spending above that budget. This directly affects sending districts (which pay the funding) and charter schools (which receive it), ensuring payments better reflect the cost of educating students in each district. The bill also excludes certain costs like special education tuition-outs from the calculation and specifies how the state treasurer handles payments and deductions.
Sen. Jo Comerford
Sponsored bills
Senate, December 29, 2025 -- The committee on Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 314) of Joanne M. Comerford, Vanna Howard, Michael D. Brady, Jacob R. Oliveira and other members of the General Court for legislation to provide a sustainable future for rural schools, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2870).
By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 314) of Joanne M. Comerford, Vanna Howard, Michael D. Brady, Jacob R. Oliveira and other members of the General Court for legislation to provide a sustainable future for rural schools. Education.
By Representatives Livingstone of Boston and Finn of West Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 261) of Jay D. Livingstone, Michael J. Finn and others relative to supported decision-making agreements for certain adults with disabilities. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
Senate, November 26, 2025 -- The committee on Higher Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 929) of James B. Eldridge, Vanna Howard, Jacob R. Oliveira, Mike Connolly and other members of the General Court for legislation to guarantee debt-free public higher education, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2755).
Maddy summarySD 300 guarantees free public higher education as a right for eligible Massachusetts residents. It creates a state grant program covering tuition, mandatory fees, and additional costs (like room, board, and books) for students who graduated from a Massachusetts high school or earned a GED in MA, or currently qualify for in-state tuition. The grant supplements existing aid (such as Pell Grants, state grants, or institutional aid) and does not replace it. Eligibility is determined by the Board of Higher Education, which must notify students and maintain a database of eligible applicants. This bill directly affects Massachusetts residents attending public colleges, universities, or vocational programs.
By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2118) of Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to increase government accessibility for persons who are blind or visually impaired by implementing a system of routing calls that does not involve a key pad. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 418) of Patrick M. O'Connor, John J. Marsi, Hannah Kane, Ryan C. Fattman and other members of the General Court for legislation to improve augmentative and alternative communication opportunities for children with disabilities. Education.
By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 106) of Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to establish the Massachusetts foster care review office. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
By Mr. Barrett, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 101) of Michael J. Barrett, Joanne M. Comerford, Patricia D. Jehlen and James B. Eldridge for legislation to require closed captioning in telecommunications in public areas. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.