Education

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 9, 2026

H 717: An Act establishing a special commission on special education funding

This bill establishes a special commission to study and improve Massachusetts' state funding for special education services. The commission, composed of education officials, legislative leaders, and advocates from disability and school organizations, will examine the current Chapter 70 funding formula and the special education circuit breaker program. It must recommend specific changes by March 2026, including adjustments for inflation, modifications to local funding requirements, and improvements to the circuit breaker program. The commission's work directly affects how special education funding is calculated and distributed across school districts.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes commission to investigate special education funding, indicating intent to address and potentially improve funding levels for this educational area.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 21, 2026

H 3151: An Act relative to increasing 529 deductions

This bill increases tax deductions for contributions to 529 college savings plans. It raises the annual deduction limit from $1,000 to $5,000 for single filers and from $2,000 to $10,000 for married couples filing jointly. The change directly affects Massachusetts taxpayers who use 529 plans to save for education expenses, allowing them to reduce their taxable income by larger amounts. The policy change simplifies the tax benefit by adjusting these specific dollar limits in the state tax code.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases tax deductions for 529 college savings plans, providing tax relief for education savings. Directly advances fiscal policy supporting middle-income families' educational investments.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationIncreases tax deductions for 529 college savings plans, enhancing higher education affordability and access through tax incentives for college savings.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 5, 2026

H 752: An Act strengthening transitional planning and increasing accountability for persons with disabilities and their families

This bill amends Massachusetts law to improve transition planning for youth with disabilities as they leave high school or turn 22. It requires the Transitional Advisory Committee to submit annual county-level reports tracking youth needing habilitative services, residential placement, or agency support. A new commission, including youth/family members and agency representatives, must develop a comprehensive plan within one year addressing communication gaps, service awareness, residential placement delays, and geographic equity in services. The plan will focus on ensuring smoother transitions to adult services for over 22,000 Massachusetts youth annually who lose special education eligibility.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes commission to study gaps in special education services for disabled students, strengthening transitional planning and accountability, directly supporting educational access and services for this group.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 2, 2026

S 2066: An Act relative to increasing 529 deductions

By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2066) of Jacob R. Oliveira relative to increasing college savings plan deductions. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases 529 plan deductions, providing tax relief for education savings. Directly advances tax policy by expanding tax-advantaged savings opportunities.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationIncreases tax deductions for 529 college savings plans, enhancing higher education affordability and access for families.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 5, 2026

H 4622: An Act to protect the lives of student athletes; Freddy’s law

By Representative Walsh of Peabody and Senator Lovely, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Thomas P. Walsh and Sally P. Kerans for legislation to authorize electrocardiogram screenings prior to participation in interscholastic athletic competitions. Financial Services.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates electrocardiogram screenings for student athletes in K-12 sports, directly protecting student safety within school athletic programs.85% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 18, 2025

H 607: An Act relative to special education reimbursement programs

HD 1210 increases Massachusetts' reimbursement rate for school districts' special education costs from 75% to 90%. This directly affects public school districts that provide special education services by requiring the state to cover a larger share of eligible expenses. The bill amends Chapter 71B of Massachusetts General Laws to change the reimbursement percentage in the relevant section. This policy change would increase state funding for school districts' special education programs.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationIncreases reimbursements for special education programs, directly funding K-12 support services per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 21, 2026

H 4325: An Act to grant state income tax exemption for school fees and charges

By Representative Garry of Dracut, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Colleen M. Garry relative to income tax deductions for certain school expenses. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesGrants income tax exemption for school fees, providing tax relief to families - directly reduces taxable income aligning with support indicators90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationTax exemption for school fees reduces family costs, increasing access to education. Directly supports affordability and access as per indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives

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in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 19, 2025

S 2706: An Act expanding licensure opportunity for school counselors.

Senate, November 19, 2025 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 283) of Pavel M. Payano, Joan B. Lovely, Jason M. Lewis, Brendan P. Crighton and other members of the Senate for legislation to expand licensure opportunity for school counselors, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2706).

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands licensure opportunity for school counselors, directly enhancing K-12 educational support services and student access to counseling resources.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Aug 7, 2025

H 2303: An Act relative to special education reserve funds

This bill increases the required reserve fund for special education in Massachusetts from 2% to 5% of annual net school spending. It directly affects public school districts by mandating a higher percentage of their operating funds be set aside specifically for special education services. The key provision is the amendment to Section 13E of Chapter 40, changing the funding percentage without altering other program requirements. This adjustment provides schools with greater financial resources to support students with special needs. The change applies to all public school districts receiving state education funding.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates reserve funds to cover unanticipated special education costs, ensuring financial stability for school districts without defunding or restricting services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education

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passed · Massachusetts · House Aug 28, 2025

H 1467: An Act to facilitate student financial assistance

This bill requires Massachusetts high school students to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before graduation, with limited exemptions for students or families who formally decline (via school-approved forms) or for minors where schools document efforts to assist. It mandates schools to provide support for FAFSA completion and establishes a dedicated FAFSA Trust Fund to cover implementation costs, including training, workshops, and community partnerships - prioritizing underserved districts. Schools must annually report FAFSA submission rates and exemptions broken down by demographics like race and location. The law takes effect for the fund in 2025 and for student requirements in 2026.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly facilitates student financial assistance in higher education, directly advancing funding access for students per title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid

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