Sen. Jamie Eldridge

By Mr. Keenan, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 139) of John F. Keenan, Michael J. Barrett, Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida, Jacob R. Oliveira and other members of the General Court for legislation to update terminology and investigative practices related to the protection of persons with disabilities. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures incarcerated youth under 22 in Massachusetts correctional facilities (including county houses of corrections and state facilities) have access to educational opportunities equivalent to those in public schools. It requires schools to credit coursework completed in custody toward graduation, mandates special education services for eligible students, and sets a minimum standard of 6 hours of classroom instruction daily, 12 months a year. The bill also guarantees access to vocational training, high school equivalency programs (like GED), and college-level courses while in custody. These provisions apply regardless of a youth’s disciplinary status or facility classification.

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. 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.

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).

By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 735) of James B. Eldridge, Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, and Michael J. Barrett for legislation to establish the Debt Collection Fairness Act. Financial Services.

By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 868) of Cindy F. Friedman, Joanne M. Comerford and Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to enhance health care market oversight and pharmaceutical access. Health Care Financing.