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.
This bill requires all Massachusetts schools to maintain a stock supply of non-patient-specific epinephrine auto-injectors for immediate use during severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). It mandates schools to store the medication in accessible locations, determine appropriate quantities based on student population, train authorized staff, and regularly check expiration dates. The law also provides legal immunity for school staff who administer epinephrine in good faith during emergencies, protecting them and their school districts from civil liability. Additionally, the health and education departments must seek federal funding or free epinephrine from pharmaceutical companies to support implementation.
By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2067) of Pavel M. Payano for legislation to establish a separate fund to be known as the bilingual education trust fund in support of bilingual educators and dual language certification incentives. Revenue.
By Mr. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2025) of Edward J. Kennedy for legislation to establish the Massachusetts student relief and retention tax credit. Revenue.
This bill requires public higher education institutions in Massachusetts to provide financial literacy counseling to all accepted students before they arrive on campus. The counseling must cover student loans and all education expenses, including tuition, housing, books, and transportation, along with available financial aid options like grants and work-study. Institutions must also offer a standardized college financing plan developed by federal agencies (CFPB and U.S. Department of Education), which details estimated costs and funding sources. The plan can be provided electronically in printable format, and the Board of Higher Education is authorized to create rules for implementation. This directly affects public colleges and their incoming students.
HD 1452 requires Massachusetts' Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to create and publish guidelines for integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) into middle and high school athletic programs by June 30, 2024. The guidelines, updated biennially, would cover teaching students and coaches to build safe team cultures, address bias and hate, develop leadership, manage emotions, resolve conflicts, and make ethical decisions. Public school districts would have the option to adopt these guidelines if they choose to incorporate SEL into their athletic programs. The bill defines SEL as teaching skills for managing emotions, building relationships, making responsible choices, and handling social challenges. This directly affects public school athletic programs in Massachusetts middle and high schools.
By Representative Doherty of Taunton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 558) of Carol A. Doherty and others relative to courses in American Sign Language. Education.
By Representative Frost of Auburn (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 579) of Brittany Winsky relative to teaching certification for persons with certain disabilities. Education.
By Representative Blais of Deerfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 516) of Natalie M. Blais for legislation to establish employee screening requirements in schools to prevent child sexual abuse. Education.
By Representative Cahill of Lynn, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 526) of Daniel Cahill and Sean Reid relative to school construction. Education.
