Sen. Nick Collins

Senate, July 31, 2025 -- Text of the Senate Bill to promote student learning and mental health (Senate, No. 2581) (being the text of Senate document numbered 2561, printed as amended)

Senate, May 18, 2026 -- The committee on Labor and Workforce Development to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1303) of Lydia Edwards, Paul W. Mark and Vanna Howard for legislation to provide opportunities for apprentices to complete their training and ensuring for a skilled workforce in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3076).

By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 819) of Pavel M. Payano and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to prohibit discrimination against 340b drug discount program participants. Financial Services.

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1502) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, Jason M. Lewis and Steven George Xiarhos for legislation to remove barriers to care for physician assistants. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires contractors working on Massachusetts construction projects exceeding $1 million to gradually increase the proportion of work performed by apprentices in approved training programs. Starting six months after the bill's passage, 5% of the total hourly work must be done by apprentices, rising to 10% after one year and 15% after two years. It applies to all employees directly on-site who receive hourly wages and are subject to prevailing wage laws. The requirement covers projects where contractors or subcontractors are directly employing workers, aiming to expand apprenticeship opportunities within the construction industry.

By Ms. Edwards, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2975) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Lydia Edwards, Patricia D. Jehlen, Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch and other members of the General Court for legislation to protect access to justice. The Judiciary.

Maddy summaryHD 4041 requires the state of Massachusetts to cover the full cost of fringe benefits (including pensions and health insurance) and incremental salary increases from collective bargaining agreements for employees at public universities and colleges. It applies to faculty and staff covered by agreements with the University of Massachusetts or the Board of Higher Education, excluding grant-funded or auxiliary positions. The bill mandates that these institutions must certify each agreement will ensure average salaries for each job category reach at least the national average (adjusted for cost of living) by the contract’s end. This shifts funding responsibility from institutions to the state budget for these specific costs.

Maddy summaryS 1122 prohibits Massachusetts state and local law enforcement agencies from entering new agreements with federal immigration authorities regarding detention. It requires existing collaboration agreements to end, limiting state involvement in federal immigration enforcement. This directly affects police departments, sheriffs' offices, and detention facilities that previously shared information or resources with federal immigration enforcement. The bill changes Massachusetts' approach to immigration enforcement cooperation under the framework of state sovereignty.

Maddy summaryS 1127 creates a state-funded Immigrant Legal Defense Fund to provide free legal representation for immigrants facing deportation in Massachusetts courts. It directly affects low-income immigrants who cannot afford attorneys during immigration proceedings. The bill establishes the fund through the Judiciary Committee, allocating state resources to cover legal services for eligible individuals. This replaces the current reliance on limited pro bono services with a dedicated, accessible resource. The policy change ensures equitable access to legal counsel in immigration cases, a key factor in fair judicial outcomes.

By Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by resolve) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Nick Collins that provisions be made for an investigation and study by a special commission (including members of the General Court) to establish the special commission on assessing reform. Revenue.