Education

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 789: An Act relative to the mental health of children in schools

This bill (SD 789) requires schools to treat absences due to mental health symptoms the same as absences due to physical health symptoms. It mandates that schools accept documentation from licensed mental health professionals for mental health absences in the same way they accept documentation for physical health absences. Students returning after a mental health-related absence must be offered a meeting with a school counselor, though they cannot be required to attend. The law directly affects students, families, and school staff by standardizing absence policies for mental and physical health.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires equal treatment of mental health absences and mandates counseling access, enhancing student well-being and educational access within school policies.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires equal treatment of mental health absences and mandates counseling access, directly supporting mental health services in schools.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Mental Health

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 86: An Act assisting low-income students success through work-study

This bill establishes the Massachusetts Community College Career Pathways Trust Fund to support low-income students, particularly those receiving Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC), in earning certificates or associate degrees. It creates education opportunity coordinators at every community college to help students access career planning, financial aid, childcare, and work-study programs. The fund provides state work-study jobs (capped at 15 hours/week) at colleges, career-related off-campus sites, or community service roles, prioritizing TAFDC recipients. Annual reports will track student enrollment, success rates, and post-graduation employment to evaluate the program’s effectiveness.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEstablishes state trust fund for low-income student support, directly increasing public education funding and fiscal investment in workforce development programs.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes trust fund for low-income students' higher education access via work-study, financial aid coordination, and childcare support at community colleges.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates state work-study jobs (capped 15 hrs/week) for low-income students, providing employment access and support services to advance educational and workforce opportunities.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Early Childhood Student Financial Aid

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1225: An Act to require disclosure of conflicts of interests in academic institutions

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 938) of Jason M. Lewis for legislation to require disclosure of conflicts of interests in academic institutions. Higher Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires conflict disclosure in higher education institutions to protect academic integrity, aligning with educational governance support.80% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2477: An Act to modernize financial aid access

By Mr. Mark, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 411) of Paul W. Mark and James B. Eldridge for legislation to establish the MassGrant program to provide financial assistance to eligible residents enrolled in higher education. Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes MassGrant program to provide financial aid for higher education, directly funding access to post-secondary education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1664: An Act to establish comprehensive rights and career advancement for contingent faculty in public higher education

By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 930) of James B. Eldridge for legislation to establish compensation and employment standards for contingent faculty in public higher education. Higher Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes compensation/employment standards for contingent faculty in public higher education, directly advancing educator rights and career advancement within the education sector.92% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentEstablishes compensation and employment standards for contingent faculty, advancing workers' rights in higher education through formalized career advancement pathways.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 361: An Act to improve augmentative and alternative communication opportunities for children with disabilities

By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 418) of Patrick M. O'Connor, John J. Marsi, Hannah Kane, Ryan C. Fattman and other members of the General Court for legislation to improve augmentative and alternative communication opportunities for children with disabilities. Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill enhances educational access for disabled students via AAC tools, directly supporting inclusive education policies.90% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1005: An Act An Act to ensure educational rights are upheld for incarcerated youth

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1721) of Liz Miranda for legislation to ensure educational rights are upheld for incarcerated emerging adults. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly ensures educational rights for incarcerated youth, expanding access to education for a marginalized group within the education topic area.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 648: An Act to prevent discrimination in interscholastic athletic and extracurricular activities

By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 353) of Ryan C. Fattman and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to prevent discrimination in interscholastic athletic and extracurricular activities. Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationPrevents discrimination in school sports/extracurriculars, ensuring equal access to educational programs under the Education subject.95% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House Mar 12, 2025

H 35: Legislative recommendations of the Office of the State Treasurer

H 35 is not a single bill but a letter from Massachusetts Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg presenting 15 legislative recommendations to the General Court. The recommendations cover diverse policy areas including modernizing alcohol laws, expanding retirement savings access (e.g., 401(k) CORE Plan, Baby Bonds program), updating pension systems (State Employees, Turnpike Authority), requiring financial education in schools, and advocating for public pension fund divestment from firearms. These proposals aim to modernize state financial operations, enhance economic security for residents, and improve retirement and capital access policies. The document serves as a formal request for the Legislature to consider these specific legislative actions, not as a bill itself.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRecommendations include pension system updates and public fund divestment, promoting fiscal responsibility in state financial management and retirement programs.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly recommends requiring financial education in schools, directly enhancing curriculum standards for K-12 students.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Pensions

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2813: An Act to establish comprehensive rights and career advancement for contingent faculty in public higher education

This bill establishes minimum standards for contingent faculty (part-time instructors paid per course without tenure) at Massachusetts public colleges and universities. It mandates equal pay to full-time faculty for equivalent work, 2-year contracts after four semesters, 45-day course assignment notices, and late-cancellation pay. The bill also creates a three-tier career advancement system with clear paths to higher pay and security based on teaching experience, plus requirements for departmental inclusion and professional development funding. It specifically eliminates pay disparities between day and continuing education divisions within two years.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates equal pay, job security, and career advancement for contingent faculty, strengthening educator support and working conditions in higher education.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates equal pay, 2-year contracts, advance notice, and career advancement for contingent faculty - directly strengthening employment standards and workers' rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Employment Discrimination

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