Sen. Becca Rausch

Senate, November 26, 2025 -- The committee on Higher Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 929) of James B. Eldridge, Vanna Howard, Jacob R. Oliveira, Mike Connolly and other members of the General Court for legislation to guarantee debt-free public higher education, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2755).

Maddy summarySD 300 guarantees free public higher education as a right for eligible Massachusetts residents. It creates a state grant program covering tuition, mandatory fees, and additional costs (like room, board, and books) for students who graduated from a Massachusetts high school or earned a GED in MA, or currently qualify for in-state tuition. The grant supplements existing aid (such as Pell Grants, state grants, or institutional aid) and does not replace it. Eligibility is determined by the Board of Higher Education, which must notify students and maintain a database of eligible applicants. This bill directly affects Massachusetts residents attending public colleges, universities, or vocational programs.

By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 171) of Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to support maternal health by providing financial assistance to an eligible pregnant person. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1366) of Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation relative to non-compete agreements for veterinarians. Labor and Workforce Development.

By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 132) of Adam Gomez, Jason M. Lewis, Michael D. Brady, James B. Eldridge and other members of the Senate for legislation to allow certain minors to consent to shelter and receive supportive services. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Senate, December 18, 2025 -- Text of the Senate amendment (Senator Rausch) to the House Bill authorizing the town of Milford to convert a license for the sale of wine and malt beverages into a license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be consumed on the premises (House, No. 4359).

Senate, December 18, 2025 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 263) of Mark C. Montigny, Michael O. Moore, James K. Hawkins, James B. Eldridge and other members of the General Court for legislation to protect consumers from contributing to inhumane animal testing for cosmetics, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2744).

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 464) of Julian Cyr, Rodney M. Elliott, Rebecca L. Rausch, James B. Eldridge and other members of the General Court for legislation to strengthen the state home care program workforce by requiring each covered employer to enter into a labor peace agreement. Elder Affairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 24-month nurse practitioner residency program at community health centers to recruit and retain new nurse practitioners. It requires centers (those receiving federal grants under 42 USC 254b) to offer supervised patient care under physicians or experienced nurses, and mandates participants to commit to at least 18 months of employment at the center. The state must fund the program with $2.5 million annually and seek federal Medicaid reimbursement for this training. The program does not affect existing nursing licensure requirements under Chapters 94C or 112.

Senate, July 25 -- The committee on Aging and Independence to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 470) of Patricia D. Jehlen, Michael O. Moore, Paul K. Frost, John F. Keenan and other members of the General Court for legislation to improve Massachusetts home care, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2555).