Sen. John Cronin

April 1, 2024 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 257) of John J. Cronin, Simon Cataldo, Sally P. Kerans, Patricia D. Jehlen and other members of the General Court for legislation to end discriminatory outcomes in vocational school admissions, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2667).

April 1, 2024 -- The committee on Higher Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 829) of John F. Keenan and Michael O. Moore for legislation to establish a behavioral health workforce center of excellence; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1275) of Kay Khan, Kate Donaghue and others for legislation to establish a behavioral health workforce center of excellence at a state or community college, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2678).

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to increase diversity among Massachusetts educators by requiring the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to create new hiring guidelines and alternative certification options. The law mandates that public schools and districts develop specific plans to eliminate discriminatory barriers, actively recruit underrepresented groups, and set measurable goals for hiring diversity that must be updated every three years. Additionally, it establishes a review process to ensure these plans meet state criteria and requires regular reporting on their implementation. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will also explore alternative ways to grant teacher certification, such as accepting portfolios or degrees from other states, instead of relying solely on standard testing.

April 1, 2024 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 239) of Michael D. Brady, James K. Hawkins, Patrick M. O'Connor and Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation to establish a special commission on creating a more diversified teaching workforce in the Commonwealth; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 252) of Brendan P. Crighton for legislation to promote racially integrated schools; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 254) of Brendan P. Crighton for legislation to promote racially and culturally inclusive K-12 curriculum; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 259) of Julian Cyr, Jack Patrick Lewis, Vanna Howard and Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation relative to LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 286) of Adam Gomez and Vanna Howard for legislation to ensure diversity in public education; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 288) of Adam Gomez, Tram T. Nguyen, Steven Ultrino, Jack Patrick Lewis and others for legislation to promote racially inclusive curriculum in schools; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 299) of Robyn K. Kennedy, Steven Owens and Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to address racial and cultural bias training in educator professional development; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 311) of Jason M. Lewis, Manny Cruz, Joanne M. Comerford, Jack Patrick Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to educator diversity; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 318) of Liz Miranda, Joanne M. Comerford, Lydia Edwards, Jack Patrick Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish a permanent commission on American Indian and Alaska Native education; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 340) of Pavel M. Payano for legislation to enable all students to thrive: protecting a high quality, diverse educator workforce; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 344) of Rebecca L. Rausch, Jack Patrick Lewis, Joanne M. Comerford, Vanna Howard and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to celebrate and teach Native American culture and history, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2709).

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special Protein Innovation Commission to study the potential of alternative proteins, such as plant-based, fermented, and cultivated meats, within Massachusetts. The commission will investigate how these innovations could boost the economy, create jobs, improve public health, and reduce environmental impacts like greenhouse gas emissions. A 13-member panel, including legislators, government officials, and industry experts, will be appointed to conduct this review and develop a master plan of recommendations for supporting the sector. The commission is required to hold multiple meetings, including at least one public hearing, and must submit its findings within a specified timeframe.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to change how grocery stores can sell alcohol on the premises. Currently, stores must sell at least 50% of their revenue in grocery items to be allowed to serve alcohol on-site. This legislation removes that 50% revenue requirement, allowing grocery stores to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises regardless of their grocery sales percentage. The change directly affects retail grocery businesses licensed to sell alcohol in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Workforce Skills Cabinet within the Governor's office to coordinate state agencies and improve college and career readiness for students. The cabinet will include leaders from education, labor, and housing departments, along with representatives from businesses and the public, who will meet monthly to align workforce strategies with future job needs. Its key duties involve studying program equity, releasing annual reports on labor market demands, and improving data tracking for educational pathways. Additionally, the legislation establishes a financial incentive for school districts by awarding $1,000 for every student who earns an industry-recognized certification in a high-demand occupation.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new funding tool within the Massachusetts School Building Authority to invest in vocational-technical education programs and regional schools. It allocates $3 billion to replace or renovate school infrastructure and purchase critical training equipment to better prepare students for industry-relevant careers. The legislation also adjusts reimbursement rates for these projects, allowing the state to cover between 75% and 90% of eligible construction costs, with higher rates available for schools that align with regional workforce needs.

March , 2024 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 256) of John J. Cronin, Manny Cruz and John Barrett, III for legislation to create and expand student pathways to success; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 274) of Paul R. Feeney, Jacob R. Oliveira, Adam Scanlon, Susan Williams Gifford and other members of the General Court for legislation to improve access, opportunity, and capacity in Massachusetts vocational-technical education; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 297) of Edward J. Kennedy and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to expand dual enrollment for high school students in Gateway Cities; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 306) of Jason M. Lewis, Michael O. Moore, Kate Lipper-Garabedian and Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation relative increase student access to career technical education schools and programs which are aligned with regional labor market needs; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 334) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Jeffrey N. Roy and Michael J. Barrett for legislation to expand high school student access to earn industry recognized credentials; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 361) of John C. Velis for legislation to expand high school student access to earn industry recognized credentials; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 362) of John C. Velis and Kelly W. Pease for legislation to expand dual enrollment for high school students in Gateway Cities, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2664).

By Representative Blais of Deerfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2715) of Natalie M. Blais and others for legislation to provide additional funding for the Massachusetts Tourism Trust Fund. Revenue.