Education (School Choice)

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1779: An Act to expand virtual school eligibility for school choice students

This bill expands access to virtual schools for students participating in Massachusetts' existing school choice programs. It specifically allows students enrolled in programs established under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 76, Section 12B to enroll in virtual schools operated by their district of residence. The key change removes prior restrictions that prevented these students from accessing district-run virtual learning options. This policy adjustment directly affects school choice participants by broadening their educational program choices within the state's public education framework.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRemoves restrictions preventing school choice students from accessing district virtual schools, expanding educational access for K-12 students.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Choice

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 918: An Act relative to educational freedom

This bill creates state-funded "promise scholarship accounts" for Massachusetts students attending private schools or using approved educational services. It allows parents to use state funds for tuition at participating private schools, community college, tutoring, therapy services, approved technology, and transportation (capped at $500 annually). To qualify, students must reside in Massachusetts, have attended a public school for at least 6 weeks, and parents must sign an agreement committing to provide specific education subjects and not enroll the student in public or charter schools while using the account. The program excludes students receiving special education services paid for by public schools and requires private schools to meet financial, safety, and teacher qualification standards. Funds are directed solely based on parental choice, with no implication that public schools failed to provide appropriate education.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funds for private education scholarships, creating new government spending through appropriations (capped at $500/year)95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates state-funded scholarship accounts for private school, community college, and educational services, expanding access and funding for educational options.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Choice Special Education Student Financial Aid

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3479: An Act to facilitate homeschooling and encourage educational innovation

This bill simplifies homeschooling requirements by requiring parents to submit only a one-time letter to the state education department (DESE) instead of annual reports, and eliminates mandatory standardized testing for homeschooled students unless parents choose to participate. It also creates a new pathway for alternative education models ("Educational Innovation Entities" or EIEs), allowing anyone to register an EIE with DESE for minimal oversight, exemption from teacher certification rules, and access to state grants from a new Innovation Fund. EIEs must maintain student progress records and undergo non-intrusive reviews focused on outcomes, while students enrolled in EIEs fulfill compulsory education requirements and may join public school activities with district approval.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationSimplifies homeschooling requirements and creates alternative education pathways (EIEs), expanding educational access options without restricting traditional schools.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Choice Teachers Testing & Assessment

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 729: An Act establishing an empowerment scholarship tax credit to expand educational opportunities

By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1984) of Ryan C. Fattman and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to establish an empowerment scholarship tax credit to expand educational opportunities and fair access to quality education for low-and-moderate-income students. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesTax credit provides direct tax relief for low/mid-income students, aligning with fiscal support for educational access through targeted tax policy.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly establishes scholarship tax credit to 'expand educational opportunities' and 'fair access to quality education' for low-income students, directly advancing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Choice Student Financial Aid

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passed · Massachusetts · House May 2, 2025

H 581: An Act relative to educational freedom

By Representative Galvin of Canton (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 581) of Paul McAuliffe for legislation to create promise scholarship accounts composed of state funds deposited on behalf of participating students to be used for qualified education expenses. Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates state-funded scholarship accounts for qualified education expenses, expanding access to education funding and supporting student choice in educational options.85% confidence

Sub-Topics School Choice Student Financial Aid

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in committee · Massachusetts · House May 15, 2025

HD 4670: An Act relative to school choice

By Representative DeCoste of Norwell, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of David F. DeCoste relative to the school choice tuition amount. Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill sets tuition amount for school choice, expanding educational access through funding for alternative school options.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Choice

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 23, 2026

S 1984: An Act establishing an empowerment scholarship tax credit to expand educational opportunities

By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1984) of Ryan C. Fattman and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to establish an empowerment scholarship tax credit to expand educational opportunities and fair access to quality education for low-and-moderate-income students. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEstablishes tax credit for low/moderate-income students, providing direct tax relief - aligns with support indicators for tax relief to lower-income groups.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes tax credit to expand access for low-income students, directly advancing educational opportunities per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Choice Student Financial Aid

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Dec 15, 2025

HD 5312: An Act relative to school choice

By Representative Barrett of North Adams and Senator Mark, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of John Barrett, III relative to school choice. Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill promotes school choice options, expanding educational access for families, aligning with support indicators for K-12 education policy.85% confidence

Sub-Topics School Choice

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