Sen. Barry Finegold

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts schools to include specific climate change concepts in their environmental science curriculum, covering topics like the carbon cycle and impacts on health and agriculture. It allows educators to integrate these climate standards into existing subjects such as history, social sciences, and business to provide a broader interdisciplinary approach. The state education department is authorized to provide resources and professional development materials to help schools implement these changes and may seek additional funding to support the initiative.

April 1, 2024 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 260) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford and Michael J. Barrett for legislation to implement elementary and secondary interdisciplinary climate justice education across the Commonwealth, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2668).

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission in Massachusetts to investigate blockchain technology and cryptocurrency, aiming to create a master plan for their expansion within the state. The commission will consist of 25 members appointed by various officials, including the governor, legislative leaders, and representatives from sectors like finance and higher education. Its primary tasks include examining how blockchain can be used in government and business, assessing tax implications for digital assets, evaluating consumer protection needs, and determining which agencies should oversee the industry. The commission is required to submit a final report with specific recommendations and draft legislation to the General Court within one year of its members being appointed.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special commission to evaluate how well the Massachusetts School Building Authority meets the state's needs for school construction and renovation. The commission will be composed of representatives from the legislature, executive agencies, and various education and construction organizations. Its main task is to review the current funding formulas and policies to ensure they are fair, cost-effective, and support healthy, green school environments. The group must submit its findings and recommendations to state officials by December 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special commission to evaluate how well the Massachusetts School Building Authority meets the state's current and future needs for school facilities. The commission will be composed of representatives from the legislature, the governor's office, state agencies, and various education and construction organizations. Its main task is to study the fairness of the funding formula and review specific policies regarding construction costs, environmental goals, and reimbursement rates to ensure all communities can access quality school buildings.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the number of members on the select board of the town of Merrimac from three to five. It establishes a specific election process where the top three vote-getters in the first election following the bill's passage will serve staggered terms of three, two, and one year respectively, with future elections awarding three-year terms to successors. The legislation also mandates that the board annually elect a chairperson from among its members.

Senate, February 5, 2024 -- Substituted as a new draft (Senator Finegold) for the Senate Bill authorizing the town of Tewksbury to lease the Trahan Elementary School for a term of years not exceeding 99 years (Senate, No. 2485).

Maddy summaryThis bill allows trained school staff members to administer glucagon, a life-saving medication for severe low blood sugar, when a nurse is not present. It requires written permission from a student's parent or guardian before such emergency treatment can occur. The law protects staff who act in good faith from legal liability or disciplinary action and clarifies that administering glucagon does not constitute practicing nursing. Additionally, the Department of Public Health is directed to create specific regulations for this process within 180 days of the bill's passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts school law to allow trained health assistants to administer low blood sugar treatment and monitor symptoms for students with type 1 diabetes under the supervision of a licensed school nurse. It clarifies that while parenteral medication like insulin pumps must be given by a nurse, glucose monitoring and insulin delivery can occur in the classroom if approved by the student's family and physician. Additionally, the legislation requires that every student with diabetes be placed in a classroom with an existing health or instructional assistant and mandates that all school staff receive annual training on treating low blood sugar and monitoring symptoms.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor to issue an annual proclamation designating the first Monday in March as COVID-19 Remembrance Day. The legislation is sponsored by multiple state representatives and aims to honor the lives lost and the challenges faced during the pandemic. By establishing this specific date, the bill creates a formal opportunity for the state to acknowledge the impact of the virus on Massachusetts communities. The measure does not change laws or require new funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to remember those affected by the pandemic.