Education

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Sep 8, 2025

S 947: An Act protecting public higher education student information

SD 545, titled "An Act protecting public higher education student information," prevents public and municipally owned colleges and universities from being required to share student education records - including directory information as defined by federal privacy law - with non-governmental entities. The bill amends state law to clarify that institutions are not obligated to produce such records for non-governmental requests, while still allowing disclosure to federal, state, or local government agencies. This directly affects how public higher education institutions handle student data requests from outside organizations. The law does not alter federal privacy requirements but adds a state-level restriction on sharing with non-governmental parties.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill protects student information in higher education records, aligning with data privacy safeguards that support educational security and institutional trust.90% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 15, 2025

S 456: An Act requiring instruction in CPR and the use of defibrillators for high school graduation

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 456) of Bruce E. Tarr, Madeleine Elizabeth Jackman , Patrick M. O'Connor, Shirley B. Arriaga and others relative to requiring instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of defibrillators for high school graduation. Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates CPR/defibrillator training as a high school graduation requirement, enhancing student health education curriculum within K-12 policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jan 12, 2026

H 601: An Act relative to creating a commercial driver’s license pilot program at Madison Park Technical Vocational High School

By Representative Honan of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 601) of Kevin G. Honan relative to creating a commercial driver’s license pilot program to be administered by Madison Park Technical Vocational High School in the city of Boston. Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates vocational training program at high school, expanding student career pathways and educational offerings within K-12 education framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Sep 22, 2025

S 315: An Act to remodel public school athletics through social-emotional learning

By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 315) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation relative to remodel public school athletics through social-emotional learning. Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill integrates social-emotional learning into public school athletics, enhancing student programs and well-being within education policy.95% confidence

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Oct 2, 2025

H 4563: An Act relative to suicide prevention in schools

H 4563 requires Massachusetts school health providers and educators to complete at least 2 hours of evidence-based suicide prevention training every other year as part of existing professional development. New staff hired during years without required training must receive suicide prevention materials within 30 days of employment. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must develop approved training materials with evidence of effectiveness, in consultation with public health and mental health agencies. The bill directly affects all school staff holding or applying for educator licenses in the Commonwealth.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates suicide prevention training for educators, strengthening student mental health support within K-12 schools and enhancing educator preparedness.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates evidence-based suicide prevention training for school staff, advancing mental health services in educational settings95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Teachers

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passed · Massachusetts · House Oct 27, 2025

H 1428: An Act relative to tuition waivers for children raised by a grandparent or other relative

This bill creates a tuition and fee waiver program for Massachusetts residents who were legally placed under guardianship (per Chapter 190B, Section 5-201) and are living with a grandparent or other relative (not a parent) when they turn 18 or enroll in college. It directly affects qualifying students attending Massachusetts public institutions of higher education. The state, not the colleges, will cover the cost of these waivers after exhausting any federal reimbursements. The waiver applies to tuition and fees, providing financial support for students in specific family care arrangements.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill provides tuition waivers for students raised by relatives, expanding access to higher education by reducing financial barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 17, 2025

H 604: An Act concerning Asian Pacific Islander Desi American history education

HD 342 requires Massachusetts public schools to include Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) history in their curriculum starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The bill mandates updating state history and social science frameworks to cover APIDA contributions across political, economic, cultural, and social domains, while addressing historical prejudice and racism. It establishes the APIDA History Education Trust Fund, financed by hate crime fines, donations, and interest, to support curriculum development and educator training. School districts must align instruction with these standards but are not required to teach APIDA history annually, instead integrating it appropriately within existing curricula. The law directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to assess district compliance and provide resources for implementation.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates inclusion of APIDA history in school curriculum, expanding educational content and diversity in K-12 education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum

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signed · Massachusetts · House Jan 29, 2026

H 4363: An Act authorizing the commissioner of capital asset management and maintenance to convey a certain parcel of land in the town of Wellesley

This bill allows the state commissioner to transfer a 3,500-square-foot parcel of land (currently used by Massachusetts Bay Community College for a gravel driveway in Wellesley) to Kimberlee A. Dow or her successors. It requires the commissioner to obtain an independent appraisal of the land’s fair market value or proposed use, review by the inspector general, and approval before the transfer. All proceeds from the sale must be deposited into a new scholarship trust managed by the college president, which funds student scholarships without needing annual legislative appropriations. The college president administers the trust, with unspent funds rolling over annually to support future scholarships.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill directs proceeds from land sale to a college scholarship trust, directly funding higher education access and student financial support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid

passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 6, 2025

H 681: An Act relative to combating violence in schools

This bill requires Massachusetts public schools (grades K-12) to hold two annual parent meetings focused on student wellbeing. School councils must provide parents with packets containing guidance on spotting depression/aggression and preventing violence, plus in-person training sessions at these meetings. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will assist schools in developing these materials. The policy directly affects all public school councils and parents/guardians of K-12 students statewide.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates school councils to provide wellbeing resources for students, directly addressing school safety to support educational environment and student welfare.85% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Student Health

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Aug 28, 2025

H 4408: An Act establishing the hunger free campus initiative

H 4408 establishes a state grant program to address student food insecurity at public colleges and universities in Massachusetts. The bill creates a "Hunger-Free Campus Trust Fund" to provide grants to eligible institutions - including minority-serving colleges and municipally administered schools - to support on-campus food assistance programs. Participating schools must meet specific requirements, such as designating staff to connect students with federal food aid, accepting nutrition benefits at campus vendors, and implementing meal-sharing initiatives. The program requires annual reporting on grant usage, campus activities, and student outcomes to track progress toward reducing food insecurity among students.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates state grants for campus food programs at public colleges, addressing student food insecurity to enhance educational access and support student success at higher education institutions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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