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.
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.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all schools (pre-K through 12) and child care centers to annually test drinking water outlets for lead. If lead levels exceed one part per billion (the safe limit), schools must immediately shut off affected outlets, install certified filters at all drinking water points within 18 months, and replace water fountains with filtered bottle-filling stations (one per 75 students). Schools must also submit remediation plans and test results to state environmental and health agencies, post findings publicly online, and notify parents and staff of any lead issues. These measures ensure schools take concrete, timely action to eliminate lead exposure from drinking water sources.
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 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.
By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 590) of James B. Eldridge and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation relative to plastic bag reduction. Environment and Natural Resources.
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 Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 654) of Rebecca L. Rausch, Edward R. Philips, Joanne M. Comerford, Brian W. Murray and other members of the General Court for legislation to reduce plastics. Environment and Natural Resources.
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).
