Sen. John Keenan

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public school districts to create policies prohibiting student cell phone use during instructional time, directly affecting K-12 students in Massachusetts public schools. The key provision mandates that school policies must ban phones unless a teacher specifically directs their use for learning. It amends existing law to require this policy as a standard practice in all public schools. The change focuses on classroom management by establishing a clear, district-level requirement for phone restrictions.

By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 586) of James B. Eldridge, Joanne M. Comerford, Jason M. Lewis, John F. Keenan and others for legislation to maintain adequate water supplies through effective drought management. Environment and Natural Resources.

By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Pavel M. Payano for legislation to expand access to the Family Self-Sufficiency Program in the commonwealth. Housing.

By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 136) of Adam Gomez for legislation to improve emergency housing assistance for children and families experiencing homelessness. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 119) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Joanne M. Comerford, James K. Hawkins, Kathleen R. LaNatra and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to a loan repayment program for human services workers. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

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 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.

Maddy summarySD 872 (Massachusetts Hotel Packaging Reduction Act) bans hotels from providing small plastic bottles (under 12 ounces) of toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, and soap, effective January 1, 2027. It directly affects all Massachusetts hotels, motels, and similar lodging facilities that currently supply these single-use plastic containers. Violations require a 30-day correction period after a warning, with first repeat fines of $250 and subsequent fines of $500 per year. The Department of Environmental Protection will enforce the law, targeting the reduction of plastic waste in the hospitality sector.

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 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.