By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 444) of Rebecca L. Rausch and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation relative to celebrate and teach Native American culture and history. Education.
By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 402) of Jason M. Lewis, Robyn K. Kennedy and James B. Eldridge for legislation to change the percentage of a school district's net school spending that can be allocated to charter school tuition,. Education.
Senate, November 17, 2025 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 326) of John J. Cronin and John F. Keenan for legislation to expand student opportunities in career technical education; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 329) of John J. Cronin for legislation to construct vocational education annexes in gateway cities; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 330) of John J. Cronin and Vanna Howard for legislation to ensure that all students have an equal chance of being admitted to vocational programs; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 332) of John J. Cronin for legislation to expand student access to a vocational-technical education; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 358) of Paul R. Feeney, Steven George Xiarhos, James B. Eldridge, Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation to improve access, opportunity, and capacity in Massachusetts vocational-technical education; and (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 384) of Edward J. Kennedy that provisions be made for an investigation and study by a special commission (including members of the General Court) to establish a commission to examine expanding vocational and technical high school access, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2690).
Senate, September 18, 2025 -- The committee on Aging and Independence to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 495) of John C. Velis, Paul K. Frost, Susannah M. Whipps, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation to codify the Hospital to Home Partnership Program, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2607).
Maddy summaryH 4746 establishes Massachusetts' first comprehensive consumer data privacy law, directly affecting businesses operating in the state that collect personal data ("controllers"). The law requires businesses to obtain clear "affirmative consent" from Massachusetts residents before collecting or selling their personal data, prohibiting manipulative "dark patterns" and ensuring consent requests are transparent, specific, and accessible. Key provisions include strict definitions for data types (like biometric data), rules for "contextual advertising" that doesn't track individuals, and requirements for businesses to honor consumer rights to access, delete, or opt out of data processing. The law applies to all businesses serving Massachusetts residents, with specific protections for children's data and health/wellness information.
Senate, November 17, 2025 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 322) of Brendan P. Crighton for legislation to promote racially and culturally inclusive K-12 curriculum; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 371) of Adam Gomez, Mike Connolly and Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation to promote racially inclusive curriculum in schools; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 412) of Liz Miranda and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to establish a permanent commission on American Indian and Alaska Native education; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 444) of Rebecca L. Rausch and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation relative to celebrate and teach Native American culture and history, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2689).
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Massachusetts' first comprehensive data privacy law, directly affecting businesses that collect personal information from residents. It requires covered entities (primarily commercial businesses handling personal data) to obtain clear, specific consent for data processing - banning deceptive practices like "dark patterns" that trick users into sharing information. Key provisions include strict rules for handling biometric data, prohibiting the use of broad terms of service as consent, and creating new definitions for terms like "data broker." Small businesses with under $20 million annual revenue and certain nonprofits are exempt from most requirements.
Maddy summaryS 511 creates a voluntary public matching fund program for candidates running for Massachusetts state senate or house seats. To join, candidates must agree to accept no more than $100 per person per election cycle in private donations and collect at least $5 from registered voters in their district during a specified qualifying period. In return, the state will match qualifying small donations dollar-for-dollar using funds from public donations and state appropriations. This system aims to reduce reliance on large contributions by providing public funding to candidates who comply with the contribution limits and reporting requirements.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 947) requires all Massachusetts public schools - including cities, towns, regional districts, vocational schools, and charters - to file biennial reports on sexual health education. The reports must detail curriculum names, hours taught, student enrollment, and withdrawals, and be submitted to the education board. It also mandates that schools adopt written parental notification policies explaining the curriculum, withdrawal rights, and material inspection options, while ensuring students withdrawn face no penalties and have access to alternative activities. The curriculum must be medically accurate, age-appropriate, and inclusive of topics like consent, gender identity, and LGBTQ+ resources, aligning with state health education standards.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated "Interdisciplinary Climate Literacy Trust Fund" to support climate education in Massachusetts public schools. The fund, financed by state appropriations, grants, and interest, will pay for curriculum development, teacher training, and technical support for K-12 schools. It requires school districts to create climate literacy plans - including lessons on human impacts on climate, environmental justice, and climate policy - that prioritize underserved communities and include youth input. The fund must be used without annual re-appropriation, with annual public reports detailing spending and district participation. The bill directly affects all public K-12 school districts in Massachusetts, with specific focus on schools serving economically disadvantaged students or environmental justice communities.
