By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 737) of James B. Eldridge for legislation to promote economic mobility through matched savings. Financial Services.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state to cover health insurance premiums for qualifying adjunct faculty at public higher education institutions. It defines eligible faculty as those teaching at least two 3-credit courses per semester (or four annually), regardless of funding source or employment term. The state will gradually increase its share of premium costs over five years, starting at 25% in the first year and reaching 75% by the sixth year. A working group must study adjunct faculty retirement benefits, compensation, and career pathways, reporting findings by December 2026. The bill directly affects adjunct faculty at state universities, community colleges, and UMass campuses.
By Mr. Keenan, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1550) of John F. Keenan and James B. Eldridge for legislation to require establishments that sell alcoholic beverages to post the risk of cancer due to the consumption of alcohol. Public Health.
Maddy summaryHD 2545 establishes a 3-year pilot program at three selected public Massachusetts colleges (one community college, one state university, and one UMass campus) to improve working conditions for contingent faculty - part-time instructors paid per course without tenure-track status. The program tests specific reforms including two career advancement tiers with clear promotion paths, earlier course assignments, shared office space, and limited benefits like pro-rated health insurance for those teaching 50%+ of full-time load. Each participating institution must provide 25% matching funds and share implementation findings, while an oversight committee evaluates metrics like faculty retention, cost impacts, and scalability. The pilot, funded initially with up to $2 million annually, concludes with final recommendations by December 2027.
By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1548) of Patricia D. Jehlen, Joanne M. Comerford, Jacob R. Oliveira, Sal N. DiDomenico and other members of the Senate for legislation to improve outdoor and indoor air quality for communities burdened by transportation pollution. Public Health.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 766) requires public institutions of higher education, government facilities, and senior nutrition programs to offer plant-based protein options at every meal. It also mandates culinary arts programs and school health education to teach about the health, climate, and environmental benefits of plant-based diets and how to prepare them. The law applies directly to public colleges, government cafeterias, senior meal providers, and culinary schools, while allowing participants in programs like WIC to request plant-based meal preferences. It does not ban meat options but ensures accessible plant-based alternatives across these settings.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Faculty Restoration and Equity Fund to require public colleges in the state to: (1) ensure at least 75% of undergraduate courses are taught by full-time faculty, (2) maintain at least 75% full-time support staff in departments, and (3) provide part-time and non-tenure track faculty with pay and benefits equal to full-time faculty. It also amends retirement laws to grant part-time faculty teaching four or more courses yearly full retirement credit, equal pay on a pro-rata basis, and formal processes for assignment priority and tenure-track consideration. The fund prioritizes institutions with high reliance on part-time faculty, and all provisions are subject to collective bargaining. The bill directly affects public higher education institutions and their part-time/non-tenure track faculty.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes clear documentation standards for students with disabilities to access accommodations at public colleges and universities in the commonwealth. It specifies that acceptable proof includes past special education plans, Section 504 plans, evaluations from licensed professionals, or records from other schools or institutions. Public institutions must create and publicly post a simple process for determining eligibility for accommodations on their websites. The Board of Higher Education will develop detailed rules to implement these standards.
By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1543) of Cindy F. Friedman and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to establish a nursing workforce center at the University of Massachusetts medical school in Worcester. Public Health.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a minimum $0.50 delivery fee for all third-party food delivery orders in Massachusetts, applied per order regardless of the restaurant's menu price. It requires delivery companies to annually report delivery volumes and collected fees to the Department of Public Utilities, with the fee adjusted for inflation every two years. Revenue from these fees is split equally: half funds municipal transportation infrastructure in cities/towns based on delivery volume, and half goes to the Commonwealth Transportation Fund. The law directly affects delivery platforms, restaurants using their services, and local governments receiving funding. It does not apply to items not subject to state sales tax.
