H 4297 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relative to the Lowell Mason Act to mandate a percentage of Chapter 70 funds for Arts Education Programs

This bill (H 4297) mandates that a specific percentage of Chapter 70 state education funds must be allocated to arts education programs in Massachusetts public schools. It directly affects school districts receiving Chapter 70 funding by requiring them to dedicate a defined portion of those resources to arts education, aligning with the Lowell Mason Act's goals. The key provision is the mandatory allocation requirement, shifting how districts use a portion of their state education funding. This policy change ensures dedicated financial support for arts programs within the public school system.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Jan 2026
Senate Passage
Jul 2025
Governor
Introduced Mar 27, 2025 Last action Jan 12, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
2
Committee
3
Jan 12, 2026
Lower · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
lower
Jul 21, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
May 15, 2025
Committee
Reported, referred to the committee on Joint Rules, reported, rules suspended and referred to the committee on Education
lower
Mar 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on House Rules
lower
1 primary · 7 co-sponsors

Sponsors