Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to create a five-year pilot program that offers an alternative path to teacher certification. Instead of requiring all candidates to pass standard state exams, the program would allow individuals to earn preliminary certification based on their teaching experience and student growth scores over four years. The alternative process could also waive one of the two required tests for candidates who have already been certified in another state, shown significant impact on student growth while working outside Massachusetts, or completed a satisfactory portfolio of work. This initiative directly affects aspiring educators by providing a more flexible route to licensure that relies on demonstrated proficiency rather than solely on standardized testing.
Sen. Becca Rausch
Sponsored bills
By Representative LeBoeuf of Worcester and Senator Moore, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2580) of David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf, Michael O. Moore and others relative to pensions for children of public safety officers killed in the line of duty. Public Service.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Massachusetts Baby Bonds Trust Fund designed to help individuals born on or after July 1, 2024, who currently receive state cash assistance or are in state custody. The fund aims to reduce the racial wealth gap by providing designated beneficiaries with money they can use for post-secondary education, buying a home, investing in local businesses, or building long-term financial assets. The state treasurer will manage the fund, which can be funded through public and private donations, while an advisory board will help set policies and prevent fraud. Money placed in the fund will remain available for future use and will not be returned to the state budget at the end of each fiscal year.
By Representative Domb of Amherst, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2503) of Mindy Domb and others for legislation to require the public pension fund to divest from ammunition and firearms. Public Service.
By Representative LeBoeuf of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2582) of David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf and others relative to health insurance benefits for certain state employees. Public Service.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts laws to phase out the sale of specific mercury-containing fluorescent light bulbs. It defines compact and linear fluorescent lamps by their technical characteristics and sets a ban on selling screw or bayonet base compact fluorescent lamps starting January 1, 2024. The restrictions expand on January 1, 2025, to include pin-base compact fluorescent lamps and all linear fluorescent lamps. The law includes an exemption for lamps used exclusively for image capture, printing, lithography, and film or video projection.
By Representatives Garballey of Arlington and Cataldo of Concord, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3164) of Sean Garballey, Simon Cataldo and others relative to improving outdoor lighting and increasing dark-sky visibility. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
By Representative Connolly of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2480) of Mike Connolly and others relative to the divestment of state pension funds from nuclear weapons. Public Service.
By Representative LeBoeuf of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2584) of David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf and others relative to health insurance for municipal employees. Public Service.
By Representative Fernandes of Falmouth, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3159) of Dylan A. Fernandes, Patrick Joseph Kearney and Simon Cataldo relative to electric utility climate resilience and microgrids. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.