By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 61) of Adam Gomez and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to establish the Vacant Lots to Urban Agriculture Fund to support the conversion of vacant lots to farms, community gardens, and other agricultural enterprises in environmental justice populations. Agriculture.
By Representative Arena-DeRosa of Holliston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 109) of James C. Arena-DeRosa and others relative to farming and damages caused by PFAS. Agriculture.
Maddy summaryThis bill extends the Citizens Commission's existence until December 31, 2028, and adds specific procedures for filling vacancies. If a vacancy occurs, the Commission's chair must notify the appointing authority, which must then appoint a replacement within 30 days from a pool of applicants. The appointing authority must publicly post the vacancy notice within 7 days and publish the appointee's application before finalizing the appointment. The bill directly affects the Commission and the entities responsible for appointing its members.
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.
Senate, December 29, 2025 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 377) of Patricia D. Jehlen and James B. Eldridge for legislation relative to the board of elementary and secondary education; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 443) of Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to modernize the board of elementary and secondary education, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2868).
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).
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all newly constructed, reconstructed, or remodeled Massachusetts state-owned public buildings (like libraries, community centers, or government offices) to install at least one universal changing station in public restrooms by January 1, 2028. The stations must support 350 pounds, measure at least 70 inches long by 30 inches wide, and be positioned 20-25 inches off the floor, with clear signage and ADA-compliant safety features like rails and privacy. It directly affects parents, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities who need assistance with diapering or changing in public spaces. Limited exemptions apply for historic properties, non-public buildings, or projects under $10,000 in cost.
Senate, December 29, 2025 -- The committee on Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 422) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to relate to seizure disorders in schools, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2867).
By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 83) of Adam Gomez for legislation to modernize Massachusetts medical marijuana program. Cannabis Policy.
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.
