Sen. Jo Comerford

By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2522) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Cindy F. Friedman, Andrea Joy Campbell, Attorney General , Joanne M. Comerford, Julian Cyr and other members of the General Court for legislation to strengthen health care protections in the Commonwealth. Health Care Financing.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures that students enrolled in the associate degree program at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture (part of UMass Amherst) pay in-state tuition rates. It directly affects undergraduate students in this specific agricultural program by mandating their inclusion in the existing tuition program established under Section 5B of Chapter 15A of the General Laws. The key mechanism is a legal requirement that overrides any conflicting laws, guaranteeing these students receive the same in-state tuition treatment as other eligible programs. This is a concrete policy change to align tuition rates, not a procedural or commemorative measure.

By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 590) of James B. Eldridge and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation relative to plastic bag reduction. Environment and Natural Resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state grant program to address student food insecurity at public colleges and universities. It creates a Hunger-Free Campus Trust Fund to provide funding for institutions meeting specific requirements, such as having campus staff for food assistance access, accepting federal nutrition benefits at on-campus vendors, and implementing meal credit sharing programs. Institutions must meet income-based criteria for grant levels and report on program activities annually. The program director will develop guidelines, and participating institutions must report on student engagement and outcomes to state officials.

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 921) of Joanne M. Comerford and Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation to facilitate student financial assistance and establish the FAFSA Trust Fund. Higher Education.

By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 654) of Rebecca L. Rausch, Edward R. Philips, Joanne M. Comerford, Brian W. Murray and other members of the General Court for legislation to reduce plastics. Environment and Natural Resources.

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 630) of Jason M. Lewis, Joanne M. Comerford and James B. Eldridge for legislation to reduce single-use plastics from the environment. Environment and Natural Resources.

Senate, June 23, 2025 -- The committee on Higher Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 921) of Joanne M. Comerford and Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation to facilitate student financial assistance and establish the FAFSA Trust Fund, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2533).

By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 589) of James B. Eldridge and Steven Owens for legislation to protect wastewater and sewerage systems through the labeling of non-flushable wipes. Environment and Natural Resources.

Senate, June 23, 2025 -- The committee on Higher Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 939) of Joan B. Lovely, Joanne M. Comerford, Michael D. Brady, James B. Eldridge and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish the hunger-free campus initiative that would provide grants to institutions of public higher education to address student food insecurity and hunger, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2535).