Education (Higher Education)

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1904: An Act investing in public higher education

By Mr. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 937) of Edward J. Kennedy for legislation to invest in public higher education. Higher Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly aims to invest in public higher education, directly funding this topic area per title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1425: An Act relative to the expansion of the valedictorian tuition waiver program

HD 1425 expands Massachusetts' valedictorian tuition waiver program to cover all public and private high school valedictorians who graduate from Massachusetts schools. The bill provides free tuition and mandatory fees for up to four years at qualifying public colleges, funded entirely by the state - not universities. If a valedictorian doesn’t use the waiver, it automatically goes to the salutatorian. This policy applies to graduates beginning in or after 2025. The change directly affects high-achieving Massachusetts high school graduates seeking public college education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands free tuition access for valedictorians at public colleges, funded by state, enhancing higher education affordability and access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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passed · Massachusetts · House Dec 1, 2025

H 1424: An Act relative to higher education capital investment in gateway cities

By Representative Cabral of New Bedford, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1424) of Antonio F. D. Cabral relative to higher education capital investments in gateway municipalities or abutting municipalities. Higher Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill allocates capital investments for higher education infrastructure in gateway cities, directly funding institutional development per title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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introduced · Massachusetts · House May 29, 2025

HD 4724: A communication from the Department of Higher Education (see item 7100-4003 of Section 2 of Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2024) submitting a report on the methodology used to distribute funds to the Hunger Free Campus Pilot Program

HD 4724 is a report submitted by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education detailing how funds for the Hunger Free Campus Pilot Program were distributed. It explains that funding was allocated proportionally based on the percentage of Pell-eligible students (indicating financial need) at each participating institution, including community colleges, state universities, UMass campuses, and minority-serving institutions. The report supports initiatives like expanding access to meal programs, food pantries, and nutrition benefits to address student food insecurity. This distribution method directly affects 31 institutions receiving grants for campus-based food security projects.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationDetails funding allocation for Hunger Free Campus Pilot Program, supporting student meal access at institutions including minority-serving schools and community colleges.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 5, 2026

H 1465: An Act relative to establishing a tuition free program for teachers and paraprofessionals

By Representatives Ultrino of Malden and Howard of Lowell, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1465) of Steven Ultrino that the Board of Higher Education be directed to establish a program for certain school teachers and paraprofessionals to attend courses at public institutions of higher education at no tuition cost. Higher Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes tuition-free higher education for teachers/paraprofessionals, directly supporting educator development and retention within education policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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passed · Massachusetts · House Aug 18, 2025

H 727: An Act relative to student access and return on investment of college and career pathways programs

By Representative Tyler of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 727) of Chynah Tyler relative to student access and return on investment of college and career pathways programs. Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly addresses student access to college/career pathways programs, aiming to improve educational opportunities and measure program effectiveness, aligning with support indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Higher Education

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 827: An Act expanding access to higher education tuition and fee waivers for adopted foster children

SD 827 amends a state law to expand tuition and fee waivers for adopted foster children attending college. The bill removes the restriction requiring waivers to apply only to "state-supported" institutions, making them available at both public and private colleges. It also changes the waiver to cover "full" tuition and fees, meaning eligible students pay nothing for these costs. This directly affects adopted foster youth pursuing higher education by increasing their access to financial support at any institution.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases state spending by expanding tuition waivers to cover full costs at all institutions, directly funding higher education access for foster youth through government appropriations.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands full tuition waivers for adopted foster youth at all colleges, increasing higher education access without institutional restrictions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3161: An Act relative to college in high school

This bill establishes a structured framework for "college in high school" programs in Massachusetts. It requires public colleges to create clear policies for awarding credit for high school courses (including AP, IB, and dual enrollment), post these policies online, and notify students about credit eligibility. The bill also creates a dedicated trust fund (administered by education departments) to support these programs, particularly in underserved communities, and establishes a new state office to oversee program quality, ensuring they offer coherent college credit pathways, industry credentials, or apprenticeships while emphasizing student preparation and parental involvement.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates dedicated trust fund for college in high school programs, funding essential education services in underserved communities per bill's framework.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes trust fund for college-in-high-school programs in underserved communities and mandates credit policies, expanding access to dual enrollment opportunities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1303: An Act relative to college in high school

This bill establishes a Massachusetts Office of College in High School to oversee programs allowing high school students to earn college credit or industry credentials while in high school. It requires public colleges to create clear policies for granting credit for college-in-high school courses, AP exams, and IB programs, and mandates that these policies be publicly posted. A dedicated trust fund is created to support these programs, with priority given to underserved communities and school districts serving economically disadvantaged students. The bill also mandates annual reporting on fund usage and college credit policies to state education committees.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes office, mandates college credit policies, and creates trust fund prioritizing underserved communities for expanded high school college access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1473: An Act relative to debt-free public higher education

This bill declares free public higher education a right for Massachusetts residents. It creates a state grant program covering tuition and mandatory fees at public colleges, universities, and vocational programs for eligible students. Eligibility requires graduating from a Massachusetts high school (or equivalent) after three years of attendance, or qualifying for in-state tuition under federal rules. The grants supplement, but do not replace, existing federal aid like Pell Grants and state scholarships, with no restrictions on academic programs.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates state grants covering tuition/fees for public higher education, expanding access and supplementing existing aid without replacing federal support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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