Education

This bill requires all licensed child care programs and public schools in Massachusetts to undergo regular radon testing. The Department of Public Health must create public regulations within one year covering testing schedules, acceptable radon levels, documentation, and mitigation plans for unsafe levels. These regulations will apply to all facilities under the Department of Early Education and Care's licensing. The bill does not specify funding but requires the department to develop the rules using existing appropriations.

By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 444) of Rebecca L. Rausch and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation relative to celebrate and teach Native American culture and history. Education.

Senate, November 17, 2025 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 326) of John J. Cronin and John F. Keenan for legislation to expand student opportunities in career technical education; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 329) of John J. Cronin for legislation to construct vocational education annexes in gateway cities; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 330) of John J. Cronin and Vanna Howard for legislation to ensure that all students have an equal chance of being admitted to vocational programs; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 332) of John J. Cronin for legislation to expand student access to a vocational-technical education; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 358) of Paul R. Feeney, Steven George Xiarhos, James B. Eldridge, Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation to improve access, opportunity, and capacity in Massachusetts vocational-technical education; and (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 384) of Edward J. Kennedy that provisions be made for an investigation and study by a special commission (including members of the General Court) to establish a commission to examine expanding vocational and technical high school access, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2690).

By Representatives O'Day of West Boylston and Howard of Lowell, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 656) of James J. O'Day, Lindsay N. Sabadosa and others relative to public schools choosing to teach human sexual education or human sexuality issues. Education.

By Representative Cabral of New Bedford, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 523) of Antonio F. D. Cabral for legislation to establish universal pre-kindergarten commission and dedicate funding for pre-kindergarten offerings. Education.

This bill establishes a minimum foundation funding level for special education services in Massachusetts public schools. It directly affects school districts that serve students with special needs by requiring them to receive at least this set amount per student. The key provision modifies the existing funding formula to ensure a consistent base level of support for special education programs across all districts.

By Representative Ashe of Longmeadow, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 511) of Brian M. Ashe relative to the language readiness of deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing children entering kindergarten. Education.

By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 442) of Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to establish a special commission on special education funding. Education.

By Representative Vaughn of Wrentham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 743) of Marcus S. Vaughn relative to establishing a grant program to increase the presence of mental health counselors in schools. Education.

By Representative Vargas of Haverhill, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 736) of Andres X. Vargas relative to providing for de-escalation tactics and techniques approved by the Commissioner of Education for school bus operators. Education.