Sen. John Keenan

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.

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 (SD 374) creates two specific recognition measures for Massachusetts merchant mariners who served in active war zones. First, it requires that cemetery displays honoring veterans include a Merchant Marine flag alongside military branch flags, and mandates installing the Merchant Marine flag in the State House's Memorial Hall. Second, it establishes a Massachusetts Merchant Mariner Medal for eligible residents who served after December 6, 1941, with criteria aligned to federal standards. The award process will be managed by a commission including the Veterans Affairs Secretary, a Massachusetts Maritime Academy representative, and a licensed merchant mariner appointed by the Governor. The bill directly affects living and deceased Massachusetts merchant mariners who served in wartime.

By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 94) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to prohibit billboard advertisements of non-prescription marijuana. Cannabis Policy.

The committee on Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 428) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., Lindsay N. Sabadosa, David Paul Linsky and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to school library standards, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2865).

By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2122) of Brendan P. Crighton, Paul W. Mark, Patrick Joseph Kearney, Vanna Howard and other members of the General Court for legislation to increase transparency in public construction. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

By Representative Chan of Quincy, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 74) of Tackey Chan and others relative to the contracting of digital replicas. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2160) of Jason M. Lewis and James B. Eldridge for legislation to ensure gender parity and racial and ethnic diversity on public boards and commissions. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 428) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., Lindsay N. Sabadosa, David Paul Linsky and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to school library standards. Education.

By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 418) of Patrick M. O'Connor, John J. Marsi, Hannah Kane, Ryan C. Fattman and other members of the General Court for legislation to improve augmentative and alternative communication opportunities for children with disabilities. Education.