By Representative Lombardo of Billerica, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1450) of Marc T. Lombardo relative to in-state tuition rates and fees at public institutions of higher education. Higher Education.
By Representative Garcia of Chelsea, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1432) of Judith A. Garcia relative to advanced placement examinations and college credit. Higher Education.
By Representative Frost of Auburn, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1430) of Paul K. Frost relative to college credits for AP courses. Higher Education.
By Representative Rogers of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1454) of David M. Rogers relative to the endowment match program for community colleges. Higher Education.
This bill allocates $3.05 billion in state funds for capital improvements at Massachusetts public higher education institutions. It directly affects state colleges, community colleges, and the University of Massachusetts system by funding specific projects like deferred maintenance, modernization, decarbonization efforts, laboratory upgrades, and campus master planning. Key provisions include $1.25 billion for campus facility repairs and modernization at state/community colleges, $80 million for decarbonization projects, $120 million for labs and student support facilities, and $30 million for planning. The funds must align with approved campus master plans and be tracked through the state's capital asset management system, with no new policies created - only financial support for existing infrastructure needs.
Senate, November 13, 2025 -- The committee on Higher Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 945) of Michael O. Moore and James B. Eldridge for legislation to assist low-income students success through work-study, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2704).
This bill (SD 850) modernizes funding for community college foundations by expanding eligibility for state matching funds. It allows community colleges to receive state matching funds for any private donations their foundations receive - whether the funds are designated as endowments or used for capital projects - removing previous restrictions. The change directly affects community colleges and their foundations, ensuring all private donations support their programs equally. The bill also clarifies that this matching program applies specifically to community colleges, not other private institutions. It takes effect immediately upon passage.
This bill requires all public Massachusetts colleges to accept Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores of 3, 4, or 5 for college credit toward degree requirements. It mandates that institutions develop written policies explaining how these credits apply (e.g., general education, major, or elective) and post them online. Colleges may only require scores above 3 (e.g., 4 or 5) if the chief academic officer provides evidence that higher scores are necessary for success in advanced courses, with the Department of Higher Education providing guidance on acceptable evidence. The bill also requires annual reporting on these policies to the legislature and public posting of all credit-acceptance rules.
This bill requires Massachusetts public colleges and universities to prioritize two specific groups of students in admissions, scholarships, and grants. It directs institutions to give priority to students whose biological parents are deceased or had parental rights terminated due to abuse/neglect, and to students legally adopted by blood relatives (within third-degree family relations) or assigned a permanent court-appointed guardian. The policy applies to all public higher education institutions in Massachusetts as defined by law. This is a concrete change to admission criteria, not a funding measure or procedural rule.
SD 300 guarantees free public higher education as a right for eligible Massachusetts residents. It creates a state grant program covering tuition, mandatory fees, and additional costs (like room, board, and books) for students who graduated from a Massachusetts high school or earned a GED in MA, or currently qualify for in-state tuition. The grant supplements existing aid (such as Pell Grants, state grants, or institutional aid) and does not replace it. Eligibility is determined by the Board of Higher Education, which must notify students and maintain a database of eligible applicants. This bill directly affects Massachusetts residents attending public colleges, universities, or vocational programs.
