This bill creates a one-year pilot program (July 2025-June 2026) offering tuition and fee waivers at Massachusetts public colleges and universities for seniors aged 60 and older. It directly affects qualifying seniors enrolled in undergraduate programs, summer sessions, evening classes, or specific courses, with a limit of four courses per academic year and availability-based enrollment. Institutions must report lost tuition revenue to the state by August 2026, after which the Comptroller reimburses them from the General Fund. The total reimbursement amount established during the pilot will set the annual funding level for future senior tuition waivers in the state budget starting fiscal year 2027. The program applies to all state universities, community colleges, and University of Massachusetts campuses.
This bill (H 26) is not a single legislative proposal but a submission of eight separate recommended bills from the Massachusetts Teachers' Retirement Board for the 2025-2026 legislative session. The recommendations address specific retirement system adjustments, including redefining pension forfeiture for certain offenses (like child pornography possession), clarifying service credit purchases for educators in non-public schools, correcting interest rates on refund buybacks, and expanding teaching service purchase opportunities to all U.S. territories. Key provisions also aim to improve retirement benefit calculations by including workers' compensation supplemental pay and extending leave equity for public retirees on extended unpaid leave. These proposals directly affect Massachusetts public school teachers, retirement system members, and their employers.
This bill mandates $20 million in state funding to continue matching private donations for endowments and capital projects at Massachusetts public colleges and universities. It specifically allocates $10 million to the University of Massachusetts, $5 million to state universities, and $5 million to community colleges. Unused funds for community colleges roll over to state universities, and unused state university funds roll over to the University of Massachusetts. The program requires institutions to secure private donations that the state will match using these dedicated funds.
HD 1549 allows former parochial school teachers in Massachusetts to purchase retirement service credit for up to 10 years of prior teaching. To qualify, teachers must have taught in an approved school with a valid teaching certificate, pay contributions based on the average teacher salary for those years (plus capped interest), and have their last 10 years of service as a state employee. The bill requires a single payment or annual payments to the retirement system to receive credit for the purchased service time. This directly affects teachers who worked in parochial schools before joining the state teaching system.
By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 283) of Pavel M. Payano for legislation to expand licensure opportunity for school counselors. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 456) of Bruce E. Tarr and Madeline Elizabeth Jackman, relative to requiring instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of defibrillators for high school graduation. Education.
By Representative Doherty of Taunton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 557) of Carol A. Doherty and James K. Hawkins relative to excused absences from school. Education.
By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1884) of Liz Miranda, Sal N. DiDomenico, Michael F. Rush, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to teacher retirement election. Public Service.
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1595) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to enable trained school personnel to administer life saving epinephrine treatment. Public Health.
This bill requires public colleges and universities to create alcohol- and drug-free housing programs for students recovering from substance use. These programs must offer on-site counseling, mentoring, and peer support services. Additionally, all public institutions must provide overdose prevention training and make naloxone available to students, faculty, and staff. The law directly affects public higher education institutions and students seeking recovery support.
