By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1549) of Patricia D. Jehlen, John F. Keenan, Michael J. Barrett, Patrick M. O'Connor and other members of the Senate for legislation to increase access to disposable menstrual products. Public Health.
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. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 323) of Brendan P. Crighton and Mark C. Montigny for legislation to prohibit the use to personal electronic devices in schools. Education.
By Mrs. Dooner, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kelly A. Dooner, Michael O. Moore, Mark C. Montigny, Patrick Joseph Kearney and other members of the General Court for legislation to promote affordable utility services in the Commonwealth. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Massachusetts public colleges and universities to accept Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores of 3, 4, or 5 for college credit toward degree requirements. Institutions may only require a higher score (e.g., 4 or 5) if the chief academic officer provides evidence it is necessary for success in related courses, and must post all credit policies online. Public institutions must submit these policies to the state department of higher education, which will post them on its website. The board of higher education will annually review these policies and report findings to the legislature by July 1, starting in 2025.
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.
By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 943) of Mark C. Montigny for legislation to ban discriminatory admissions practices at higher education institutions. Higher Education.
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).
Senate, June 23, 2025 -- The committee on Higher Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 944) of Michael O. Moore for legislation relative to advance placement examinations to satisfy degree requirements, reports recommending that the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2536).
Senate, June 23, 2025 -- The committee on Higher Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 928) of Lydia Edwards for legislation to ban legacy preferences in higher education; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 943) of Mark C. Montigny for legislation to ban discriminatory admissions practices at higher education institutions; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 950) of Pavel M. Payano for legislation to require higher education institutions to issue an annual report to the attorney general and department of higher education on their prior year admissions preference, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2534).
