Sen. Jo Comerford

Maddy summaryHD 2100 establishes a Food Literacy Trust Fund to support school-based food literacy programs. The fund, financed by state appropriations, grants, and interest, allows the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide resources and curricula on topics like nutrition, food systems, environmental connections, food justice, and culinary skills. Schools must incorporate these standards into existing subjects (e.g., science, math) and may use the fund for professional development. The bill requires annual reporting on fund use and program implementation to state education committees.

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 836) of John C. Velis and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to authorize insurance coverage for prosthetic devices and orthotic devices. Financial Services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts public high schools to ensure all students submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) before graduation, with clear exemptions for students or parents who decline. Schools must provide support for FAFSA completion and use accessible, multilingual forms for opt-outs - no citizenship questions required. It creates a dedicated FAFSA Trust Fund (effective 2026) to support schools in implementation, including training and workshops for underserved communities, funded by state appropriations and private donations. The law mandates annual reporting on FAFSA submission rates and exemptions, broken down by demographics, with the school requirement taking effect in 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts' Department of Children and Families (DCF) to proactively identify and apply for federal benefits (like Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance) for children in foster care within 60 days of placement, and to annually review eligibility. DCF must act as a representative payee for these benefits when appropriate, maintain detailed financial records, and provide regular updates to the child's legal counsel and parents about benefit status. The bill prohibits using these benefits to reimburse the state for foster care costs and mandates that excess funds be conserved in accounts (like ABLE accounts) that preserve eligibility for ongoing federal benefits. It also requires DCF to provide age-appropriate financial education to youth starting at age 14 to prepare them for managing their benefits independently.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts high school students to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before graduation, with limited exemptions for students or families who formally decline (via school-approved forms) or for minors where schools document efforts to assist. It mandates schools to provide support for FAFSA completion and establishes a dedicated FAFSA Trust Fund to cover implementation costs, including training, workshops, and community partnerships - prioritizing underserved districts. Schools must annually report FAFSA submission rates and exemptions broken down by demographics like race and location. The law takes effect for the fund in 2025 and for student requirements in 2026.

By Representatives Zlotnik of Gardner and Ferguson of Holden, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 478) of Jonathan D. Zlotnik, Kimberly N. Ferguson and others relative to the sale of malt beverages produced by a pub brewery. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2115) of Joanne M. Comerford, Kelly W. Pease, Jacob R. Oliveira and Paul W. Mark for legislation to establish the Jurassic Armored Mud Ball as the official sedimentary structure of the Commonwealth. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

By Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1802) of Nick Collins for legislation to provide for a COVID-19 retirement credit to essential first responders employees. Public Service.

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1805) of Joanne M. Comerford for legislation relative to regional planning agencies and contributions to the state retirement system. Public Service.

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1884) of Liz Miranda, Sal N. DiDomenico, Michael F. Rush, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to teacher retirement election. Public Service.