The proposed bill amends the laws governing the submission and processing of payroll and retirement data by governmental units in Massachusetts, setting stricter penalties for noncompliance. It revises Section 18 of Chapter 32 to mandate that treasurers and disbursing officers in governmental units provide necessary employment information, such as status forms and salary verifications, promptly upon request. Delay in providing these data can result in a penalty of $100 per day, with collected funds being directed to pertinent pension funds to help offset operating expenses. Should there be noncompliance, the responsible board or commission is authorized to seek enforcement through the superior court.

In addition, the bill amends Section 22 of Chapter 32, which concerns the prompt transmittal of retirement contributions and data for members of the teachers' retirement system. Employers are now required to submit accurate data and contributions by the tenth day of the following month, with interest penalties applied for delays based on the system’s actuarial rate of return. A $100 daily penalty may further be imposed if reporting errors prevent timely updates to members' accounts. However, the board has the discretion to waive penalties if it determines that the noncompliance was neither willful nor grossly negligent. The bill also provides a mechanism for judicial intervention to ensure compliance with its provisions. These amendments are effective retroactively as of January 1, 2022.

This bill filed by the Governor authorizes a capital improvements program for public higher education institutions to support both their educational missions and regional economic development. The bill authorizes bond funding for a range of projects—including deferred maintenance, modernization, decarbonization initiatives, repairs, construction, renovations, and adaptive reuse of campus facilities—covering state colleges, community colleges, and the University of Massachusetts. All projects must conform to campus master plans that are developed in consultation with institutional leadership and approved by state officials. The bill also earmarks funds for laboratory modernization, student support infrastructure, and technology capital projects that facilitate remote and hybrid learning. The financing of these improvements is realigned through the issuance of special obligation bonds. The bill also sets up a procedure for the sale of surplus owned by a higher education institution.

This bill focuses on regulating artificial intelligence (AI) and automated decision systems (ADS) within workplaces. It sets forth comprehensive guidelines for the deployment of electronic monitoring tools by employers, which can only be employed for specific purposes such as quality control, compliance, or workplace safety, with minimal and only necessary data collection. Employers are required to provide written notice and obtain employee consent before implementing these tools, clearly specifying their purpose, the data collected, and retention policies, and ensuring they adopt the least invasive monitoring methods. It also mandates the maintenance of detailed compliance records and the protection of data confidentiality and integrity. Restrictions include provisions banning monitoring to obtain health or other private information about employees, and may not take place in bathrooms, locker rooms, lounges and similar spaces. Importantly, the bill prohibits using electronic monitoring data for disciplinary actions unless performance standards have been disclosed to employees with proper notice.

Additionally, the bill governs the use of automated employment decision tools, requiring these tools to undergo impact assessments by independent auditors. These assessments must evaluate the tools' validity, potential biases, and effects on protected groups, ensuring they do not foster discrimination and are not solely relied upon for employment decisions. Meaningful human oversight is required, and employers must inform employees and candidates about their use, offering alternatives or accommodations as necessary. The bill specifically bans the use of ADS with facial or emotion recognition technologies unless essential for security reasons, protects employees from retaliatory actions when challenging AI outputs, and mandates regular impact assessments by state agencies to avoid discriminatory outcomes. Moreover, it restricts the use of automated decision systems in public services unless authorized by law, aiming for transparency and accountability in the use of AI and ADS within state operations.

The bill proposes to repeal Section 121 of Chapter 5 of the Acts of 1995, including any amendments made to this section by Sections 30 and 31 of Chapter 158 of the Acts of 2014.

Regulates and mostly bans the use  per-  and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in childrens products, including banning the sale or distribution of children’s products with intentionally added PFAS;  requires DEP to measure PFAS content and compile a list of toxic chemicals identified as carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and other harmful classifications. 

This bill concerns MassHealth reimbursements to local educational agencies for school-based health-related services. Under this bill, local educational agencies must enroll as MassHealth providers and develop plans to secure reimbursements for services offered to eligible MassHealth recipients. These services will be reimbursable regardless of a child’s involvement in an individualized education program or other health plans. MassHealth funds are to be used for supplementing the cost of school-based health services, including the expansion of behavioral health support, case management, health education, and social-emotional learning.

This bill seeks to amend Chapter 71 of the General Laws by introducing a new section that mandates the creation of model content regarding the safe storage of firearms. The Department of Education, in collaboration with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, is responsible for developing this educational material. The primary objective of this model content is to raise awareness among school communities—comprising families, guardians, and staff—about the vital importance of securely storing firearms, particularly in homes and vehicles, to prevent unauthorized access by children and teenagers.

The educational content will highlight the life-saving impact of proper firearm storage by detailing the risks associated with unsecured weapons, and suggesting community actions to boost safety. These include promoting awareness of storage requirements, suicide prevention, and providing access to behavioral health or educational resources. The model content will be available in English and other languages as needed, based on community demographics, to ensure inclusivity.

Additionally, the bill mandates an annual review of the content by the department to keep the information current and effective. Each school district's superintendent and school committee are tasked with collaborating to annually distribute this notice to the school community. The notice must be easily accessible online, specifically through the school district’s website, for parents, guardians, and staff.

This bill establishes the Interdisciplinary Climate Literacy Trust Fund in Massachusetts, aimed at enhancing climate literacy education for K-12 students in public schools. The fund will receive financial support from state appropriations and contributions from both public and private entities, including gifts, grants, and donations. The commissioner of elementary and secondary education, collaborating with the Interdisciplinary Climate Literacy Advisory Council, is empowered to utilize the fund for the development and implementation of climate literacy initiatives at the elementary and secondary education levels. These activities include creating curricular materials, offering professional development for educators, and providing technical support to schools, with a specific focus on benefiting underserved communities, economically disadvantaged students, and schools serving environmental justice populations.

Additionally, the bill mandates the establishment of the Interdisciplinary Climate Literacy Advisory Council to aid in formulating district-level climate literacy guidelines. This council will include ten members comprising youth leaders, educators, environmental and environmental education representatives, and climate science experts. The district plans are expected to cover the causes and impacts of human-induced climate change and propose policy responses, incorporating the input of youth and environmental organizations. These plans will also emphasize culturally competent instruction for English learners. Furthermore, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is required to submit annual reports on the fund’s activities, expenditures, and impact on schools, and make this information publicly accessible online.

This bill concerns educational assessments and services for English Language Learner (ELL) students, particularly those who also have disabilities. It requires that during evaluations, school committees account for a student’s English proficiency and ensure assessments are given in the student’s primary language. Additionally, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team for ELL students must include experts in second language acquisition, with the IEP addressing both their language and special education needs.

The bill prohibits school districts from suggesting parents opt out of ELL services to simplify the scheduling of special education services. It mandates schools to facilitate meaningful communication with parents and guardians through interpreters and translators who are both bilingual and skilled in specialized terminology. 

This bill requires schools to limit student access to personal electronic devices during the school day. Exceptions are made for emergencies or educational needs. Schools must communicate these policies to parents and submit them to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for oversight and guidance. Schools must also educate students on the social, emotional, and physical risks of social media use.

Social media platforms must implement nearly foolproof age verification systems and establish default privacy-focused settings for minors, including permitting communication and content sharing only with established connections, disabling features like autoplay and continuous scrolling, and barring access during certain hours, such as nighttime and school hours. Platforms are also required to include mechanisms for flagging unwanted content and must issue health warnings related to social media use. 

This bill proposes the creation of a special legislative commission focused on advancing community school strategies in Massachusetts. Community schools are designed to boost student success and overall well-being by integrating strategic partnerships between schools and community resources, incorporating services such as wraparound support. The commission will comprise 15 members drawn from various educational and community organizations. Its primary role will be to examine existing systems, structures, and policies that facilitate the development of community schools and to study trends in their adoption both within Massachusetts and elsewhere. The commission will evaluate the effectiveness of current community school implementations in the state and identify obstacles to wider adoption, including legal, regulatory, or funding challenges.

The commission's mandate includes producing a comprehensive report by February 15, 2026, which will outline findings, offer policy recommendations for statewide adoption of community school strategies, and propose options for establishing sustainable funding models. Additionally, the commission will design a statewide pilot program for community schools, specifying eligible communities, resource requirements, the funding award process, and data reporting obligations for program evaluation. The report will be submitted to relevant legislative and executive bodies to guide future legislative and regulatory actions in supporting community-school initiatives throughout Massachusetts.

This legislative bill aims to eliminate public financial support for entities involved in the manufacture and distribution of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). It mandates that, within 30 days of enactment, the Public Fund, overseen by the Pension Reserves Investment Management Board, must identify and report all holdings in WMD-related entities to the attorney general and legislature, and make this list public. The bill requires the Public Fund to divest from such investments within 12 months and prohibits any future investments in these companies. Additionally, investment managers will be directed to adjust their portfolios accordingly to comply with this new policy.

Legal protections are provided to board members, state officers, employees, and contracted investment managers against liabilities related to divesting from WMD-related entities. All state agencies are required to review current contracts with WMD entities, terminate those where practicable, and avoid future contracts with such entities. These agencies must report any contractual engagements with WMD entities to the attorney general and legislature, ensuring transparency by making the information publicly accessible. Furthermore, the Public Fund is required to file an annual report documenting divested and prohibited investments, ensuring ongoing compliance with the bill.

This bill requires Massachusetts high school students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before graduating, with the option to opt out if a parent, guardian, or school submits a form on the student’s behalf. The form, developed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, must be translated into the family's preferred language and gather minimal personal information. Schools are responsible for supporting students and families in this process and must report FAFSA completion rates, along with demographic data, to the state.

The bill also establishes a FAFSA Trust Fund, managed by the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, to support FAFSA submissions. This fund will focus on financial aid workshops and resources for underserved communities and schools with many economically disadvantaged students. It will be financed by public, private, and interest-earned revenues without further state appropriation, with annual public reporting of its activities. The requirement for FAFSA completion will begin on October 1, 2026, while the trust fund's establishment starts on October 1, 2025.

This bill establishes an Immigrant Legal Defense Fund, aimed at providing immigration legal services to eligible immigrants and refugees, with a focus on those in federal detention or facing removal proceedings. Administered by the Office for Refugees and Immigrants, the fund administers a competitive grant program that supports nonprofit organizations, law firms, and qualified private attorneys experienced in immigration law. Priority for legal services will go to individuals detained or facing immediate deportation risks. A Coordinator will offer logistical support, technical assistance, and training to legal professionals. The fund will receive revenue through a line-item in the state budget as well as external sources.

This bill proposes sweeping reforms to labor-management relations within Massachusetts, creating a new legal framework to govern labor practices if the federal preemption established by the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) becomes inapplicable. It involves repealing parts of Chapter 150 and making extensive amendments to Chapter 150A of the Massachusetts General Laws. The bill aims to strengthen the protection of workers’ rights to organize and engage in collective bargaining, ensuring these rights remain intact at the state level if federal oversight diminishes.

Key provisions include broadening the definitions of "employer" and "employee" to encompass entities and individuals typically excluded, while specifically excluding agricultural and domestic workers. It allows for the implementation of agency service fees as alternatives to union membership dues, detailing that such fees should cover the complete cost of union representation.

The bill prohibits employer practices that discourage union membership or retaliate against employees participating in strikes, such as the permanent replacement of striking workers or false representation of their employment status. Moreover, it updates processes for addressing unfair labor practices by enhancing penalties, offering pre-hearing injunctive relief, and incorporating electronic voting for union representation elections to modernize and improve access to labor rights enforcement procedures.

Through these measures, Massachusetts demonstrates a proactive commitment to preserving robust labor-management relations and safeguarding employees' rights at the state level.

This bill proposes a series of incremental increases to the minimum wage in Massachusetts, and includes a mechanism to adjust it based on inflation. The bill raises the minimum wage in successive annual increments from the current $15.00 to $16.25, then to $17.50, $18.75, and finally reaching $20.00 in 2029. For employees earning a subminimum wage, incremental raises are also outlined, progressing from $6.75 to $7.92, $9.19, and $10.55, ultimately adjusting to 60 percent of the calculated minimum wage by 2030. Additionally, the bill mandates that starting in 2030, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development will determine an adjusted minimum wage reflecting inflation changes, using the consumer price index for urban wage earners.

This bill concerns protections and benefits for agricultural and farm workers.Under the bill, the minimum wage for agricultural employees is set at the general minimum wage. Also, sgricultural employees accrue one hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked, with a maximum accrual of 55 hours per year. This leave can be taken for any reason with appropriate notice and cannot be replaced with sick leave or result in retaliation. Employers may also offer more generous leave policies at their discretion. Also, the bill provides that agricultural workers working for eight or more hours in a day are entitled to two paid 15-minute breaks, with break areas required to have regulated temperatures and access to hydration. The Department of Labor Standards is responsible for establishing regulations to ensure safe and suitable conditions for these breaks, particularly during extreme temperatures.

This bill allows Massachusetts municipalities to voluntarily adopt local regulations to cap annual rent increases and establish just cause eviction requirements. The bill repeals the current statute limiting local rent control ordinances. Under the bill, municipalities that choose the local option to implement its provisions can limit annual rent increases to the lower of 5% or the change in the Consumer Price Index. Exemptions are provided for certain dwelling units, including those in owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units, units under public regulation, and newly constructed dwellings with certificates of occupancy issued post-January 1, 2021, for a five-year duration.

To adopt these regulations, municipalities must adopt the just causes for eviction set in the law, incorporating actions like nonpayment of rent, refusal to comply with lawful rent increases, significant lease violations, or tenant criminal activity. Additionally, municipalities must submit annual reports to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities detailing the ordinance’s impact, conducted studies, and affected units. Violations of the ordinance are treated as unfair or deceptive practices under chapter 93A of the General Laws, allowing for remedies like restitution and civil penalties.

The "Safe Communities Act" bill limits the role of state law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement. It expressly forbids law enforcement officers from inquiring about an individual's immigration status, including those of crime victims and witnesses, unless mandated by state or federal law. The bill requires that interviews related to immigration enforcement conducted under the custody of law enforcement proceed only with the individual's informed consent. This consent must be obtained through a multilingual written form that clearly communicates the nature of the interview and the individual's rights, including the right to decline the interview or to request the presence of legal counsel.

Additionally, the bill restricts communications with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security by limiting notifications regarding an individual’s release from local or state custody. It mandates that these individuals be informed of any federal requests concerning their detention. The bill also prohibits state and local law enforcement and correctional officers from carrying out immigration enforcement functions and invalidates existing agreements that conflict with this prohibition unless they relate to inter-governmental arrangements for housing detainees with DHS covering daily expenses.

This bill delineates the responsibilities and definitions of brokers and consultants in relation to insurance plans and benefits within public authorities or governmental units in Massachusetts. It introduces a clear definition of a "Broker" as an entity or individual licensed to arrange insurance plans with carriers and manage joint purchasing agreements, while a "Consultant" is defined as an entity or individual licensed to provide expert advice on insurance benefits. The bill permits public authorities, governmental units, or employers to engage consultants for tasks such as reviewing annual renewals, evaluating insured versus self-insured plans, monitoring claims experiences, preparing Requests for Proposals for various benefit plans, conducting compliance audits, and educating committee members. Additionally, it mandates that brokers disclose their commission rates or percentages related to the premiums they handle. A crucial provision of the bill is its prohibition on consultants serving concurrently as brokers for the same entity, thereby maintaining a strict separation between consulting and brokerage roles.

The bill requires the Pension Reserves Investment Management Board to divest from any investments in companies that sell weapons to the State of Israel within 60 days following the bill's effective date. However, if a company notifies within 30 days from the bill's enactment that it will not renew or enter into any contracts to sell weapons to Israel, the divestment from that company is not required.

This legislative bill aims to support agricultural and farm work in Massachusetts by introducing tax incentives and modifying labor regulations. It establishes a refundable tax credit for employers who provide overtime pay to agricultural workers, with the credit proportionally increasing for smaller farms. The tax credit covers up to 40% of the overtime wages paid, and if it exceeds the taxpayer's liability, the excess will be refunded. Additionally, the bill amends labor laws to require overtime pay at one and a half times the regular hourly rate for farm workers who exceed 55 hours of work per week. Definitions within the bill update the distinctions between primary and secondary agriculture and clarify who qualifies as an agricultural employee.

The bill instructs the Department of Revenue and the Department of Labor Standards to develop and implement regulations within six months of enactment. These regulations will ensure the administration of the tax credits and compliance with new overtime rules, incorporating input from stakeholders to determine the credit scaling based on farm size and define work requirements for the revised overtime threshold. The provisions concerning tax credits are set to take effect on January 1 of the year after the bill's enactment, while all other sections will become effective immediately upon passage.

This bill proposes changing how certain foreign income amounts are handled under state tax law. Under the bill, 50% of revenue received from non-US companies that are controlled by American individuals, federally considered the so-called GILTI income, will be subject to state income tax. These changes are scheduled to be effective for tax years commencing on or after January 1, 2025.

This legislation establishes a comprehensive framework for school library standards by defining essential terms and outlining the components of effective school library programs. The bill mandates that the department adopt the latest AASL and MSLA academic standards to support programs run by certified school librarians, ensuring equitable access to diverse collections and personalized learning experiences for all students.

Key aspects of the standards include integrating curriculum requirements such as developing enriched, grade-appropriate collections, promoting independent reading and inquiry, teaching information literacy from kindergarten through grade 12, fostering reading proficiency, and incorporating learning technologies. Furthermore, the commissioner is tasked with advising school committees or boards of trustees on implementing these standards effectively across various curricula.

To ensure ongoing compliance and improvement, the department is required to initiate a study, beginning in the third year after enactment and recurring every three years thereafter, to evaluate the implementation of these standards and disseminate best practices to the public.

This bill replaces current law on underperforming schools and receivership, and substitutes reforms relating to the oversight and performance of underperforming schools. Key provisions include the establishment of local stakeholder groups tasked with developing comprehensive support and improvement plans for up to five percent of schools selected as needing support. These groups will comprise superintendents, school committee members, union representatives, educators, parents, and community figures. The improvement plans will employ evidence-based interventions such as class size reduction, professional development, and student mental and social health support services. The focus is on aligning strategies with the school’s vision and addressing unique challenges and strengths. Plans are set for a four-year duration, with annual reviews and possible extensions upon meeting exit criteria.

The bill also mandates a transition plan for districts in receivership, to conclude within a year, facilitated by necessary funding and technical assistance. A special commission is to be established to evaluate and recommend enhancements to the state's student, school, and district assessment systems, ensuring federal compliance while promoting authentic and less demographically biased evaluation methods. Additionally, the bill revises the financial arrangements between public school districts and charter schools, imposing a cap on charter school tuition payments at 9% of a district's net school spending, with additional allowances in excess of the cap if necessary due to siblings attending charter schools.

This bill focuses on regulating artificial intelligence (AI) and automated decision systems (ADS) within workplaces. It sets forth comprehensive guidelines for the deployment of electronic monitoring tools by employers, which can only be employed for specific purposes such as quality control, compliance, or workplace safety, with minimal and only necessary data collection. Employers are required to provide written notice and obtain employee consent before implementing these tools, clearly specifying their purpose, the data collected, and retention policies, and ensuring they adopt the least invasive monitoring methods. It also mandates the maintenance of detailed compliance records and the protection of data confidentiality and integrity. Restrictions include provisions banning monitoring to obtain health or other private information about employees, and may not take place in bathrooms, locker rooms, lounges and similar spaces. Importantly, the bill prohibits using electronic monitoring data for disciplinary actions unless performance standards have been disclosed to employees with proper notice.

Additionally, the bill governs the use of automated employment decision tools, requiring these tools to undergo impact assessments by independent auditors. These assessments must evaluate the tools' validity, potential biases, and effects on protected groups, ensuring they do not foster discrimination and are not solely relied upon for employment decisions. Meaningful human oversight is required, and employers must inform employees and candidates about their use, offering alternatives or accommodations as necessary. The bill specifically bans the use of ADS with facial or emotion recognition technologies unless essential for security reasons, protects employees from retaliatory actions when challenging AI outputs, and mandates regular impact assessments by state agencies to avoid discriminatory outcomes. Moreover, it restricts the use of automated decision systems in public services unless authorized by law, aiming for transparency and accountability in the use of AI and ADS within state operations.

This bill regulates chemicals in children's products, by prohibition of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). It bans the sale or distribution of children’s products with intentionally added PFAS and mandates the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to measure PFAS content and compile a list of toxic chemicals identified as carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and other harmful classifications. of concern, updated at least every three years. Manufacturers must report any use of these chemicals above de minimis levels in their products, with reports being publicly accessible. They are also required to remove or substitute these chemicals within three years unless exemptions apply. The DEP will establish a list of safer alternative chemicals and offer guidance for substitutions. Non-compliance could result in penalties, such as fines and recalls. The bill includes exemption criteria, like for small manufacturers or situations posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, or welfare. The DEP will enforce these measures through regular reporting, list updates, and necessary regulations to ensure children's protection from hazardous substances.

This bill requires schools to limit student access to personal electronic devices during the school day. Exceptions are made for emergencies or educational needs. Schools must communicate these policies to parents and submit them to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for oversight and guidance. Schools must also educate students on the social, emotional, and physical risks of social media use.

Social media platforms must implement nearly foolproof age verification systems and establish default privacy-focused settings for minors, including permitting communication and content sharing only with established connections, disabling features like autoplay and continuous scrolling, and barring access during certain hours, such as nighttime and school hours. Platforms are also required to include mechanisms for flagging unwanted content and must issue health warnings related to social media use. 

This bill replaces current law on underperforming schools and receivership, and substitutes reforms relating to the oversight and performance of underperforming schools. Key provisions include the establishment of local stakeholder groups tasked with developing comprehensive support and improvement plans for up to five percent of schools selected as needing support. These groups will comprise superintendents, school committee members, union representatives, educators, parents, and community figures. The improvement plans will employ evidence-based interventions such as class size reduction, professional development, and student mental and social health support services. The focus is on aligning strategies with the school’s vision and addressing unique challenges and strengths. Plans are set for a four-year duration, with annual reviews and possible extensions upon meeting exit criteria.

The bill also mandates a transition plan for districts in receivership, to conclude within a year, facilitated by necessary funding and technical assistance. A special commission is to be established to evaluate and recommend enhancements to the state's student, school, and district assessment systems, ensuring federal compliance while promoting authentic and less demographically biased evaluation methods. Additionally, the bill revises the financial arrangements between public school districts and charter schools, imposing a cap on charter school tuition payments at 9% of a district's net school spending, with additional allowances in excess of the cap if necessary due to siblings attending charter schools.

This legislative bill proposes the creation of the Interdisciplinary Climate Literacy Trust Fund, aimed at enhancing climate literacy education for K-12 public school students in Massachusetts. The Trust Fund will be financed through state appropriations, public and private donations, and accrued interest, with unspent funds carrying over each fiscal year rather than reverting to the General Fund. The commissioner of elementary and secondary education, together with the Interdisciplinary Climate Literacy Council, will utilize these funds to create and implement climate-focused curricula, provide professional development for teachers, share educational best practices, and offer technical assistance to school districts. Underserved communities and new educational initiatives will be given funding priority.

Furthermore, the bill obligates each school district to develop an Interdisciplinary Climate Literacy Plan. These plans will be guided by an advisory council that includes youth leaders, educators, and experts, and must incorporate input from young people and relevant organizations. The guidelines set for these plans require that they feature culturally competent instruction, particularly for English language learners, and address topics such as environmental justice, human-caused climate change, policy solutions, effective communication on climate issues, and informed decision-making.

An annual report, due by October 1st each year, will detail the activities supported by the fund, including information about funding sources, expenditures, and the development of educational materials. This report will be made publicly available online to ensure transparency and accountability.

This bill mandates the creation and distribution of educational content regarding the safe storage of firearms, specifically targeting school districts throughout Massachusetts. It requires the Department of Education, in collaboration with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, to develop model content aimed at educating school communities—including families, guardians, and staff—about the critical importance of securely storing firearms in homes and vehicles. This initiative is designed to prevent unauthorized access by children and teens, highlighting the dangers of unsecured firearms and emphasizing broader community safety. Additionally, it provides guidance on compliance with existing safe storage laws, suicide prevention, and access to behavioral health resources.

To ensure inclusivity, the model content must be published in English and multiple other languages that reflect the diversity of local communities. The content will undergo an annual review to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. School district superintendents and school committees are tasked with collaboratively distributing this information each year to all members of the school community, including staff and families. Furthermore, the content must be accessible online via the school district's website.

This bill proposes the repeal of Section 121 from Chapter 5 of the Acts of 1995, which has been subject to amendments by Sections 30 and 31 of Chapter 158 of the Acts of 2014. In effect, the bill aims to remove this specific section as modified by the later amendments, thus nullifying its legal standing and implications.

The bill creates a commission to make recommendations to ensure fair and adequate funding for PreK-12 public education. The commission will review all facets of the school funding formula and additional financial mechanisms for public schools, concentrating on the foundation budget's components, the necessity to eliminate the cap on the foundation inflation index, and the financial needs for special education and student transportation. It will also assess the effects of low and declining enrollments, the hurdles faced by rural districts, and the sufficiency of local contribution efforts, among other concerns. The commission will consist of legislators, education stakeholders, and individuals with expertise in education or municipal finance. 

The proposed bill seeks to establish a legislative commission dedicated to examining the implementation and effectiveness of community schools in Massachusetts. Community schools are public schools that collaborate with local resources to enhance the academic success and overall well-being of students, families, educators, and neighborhood residents. The commission will comprise 15 members, including officials from the education and health sectors, representatives of educational and community organizations, and appointed student and parent representatives from existing community schools.

The commission's mandate includes analyzing successful community school models both within and outside Massachusetts, exploring policies that support such models, assessing the current state and impact of community schools in Massachusetts, and identifying obstacles to their broader implementation. The commission will issue a report by February 15, 2026, detailing its findings and policy recommendations. This report will propose a statewide pilot program for community schools, outline necessary resources and funding strategies, and establish evaluation criteria. The ultimate goal is to promote statewide adoption of community schools through consistent definitions, incentivized strategies, and sustainable funding mechanisms, potentially necessitating legislative or regulatory changes.

This proposed bill seeks to standardize school library programs across Massachusetts by incorporating specific library standards into the state's General Laws. It sets out clear definitions for terms such as “school library standards” and “effective school library program,” emphasizing the adoption of benchmarks set by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and endorsed by the Massachusetts School Library Association (MSLA). The bill aims to bolster school libraries by ensuring they are staffed by certified librarians, provide equitable resource access, and support personalized learning. It highlights the importance of fostering well-rounded and grade-appropriate library collections that enhance curriculum alignment and encourage independent reading, information literacy, and research skills for students from kindergarten through grade 12. Additionally, the standards outlined seek to boost reading proficiency and incorporate learning technologies throughout the educational curriculum.

The implementation responsibility falls on school committees or boards of trustees, allowing integration with current subjects like English language arts and technology. Furthermore, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is tasked with conducting a study on the bill's impact three years post-enactment and every three years thereafter, pending appropriation. This study will assess librarian employment rates, library program varieties, and will provide reports on best practices alongside suggested improvements for effective library program enhancement.

This bill concerns educational assessments and services for English Language Learner (ELL) students, particularly those who also have disabilities. It requires that during evaluations, school committees account for a student’s English proficiency and ensure assessments are given in the student’s primary language. Additionally, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team for ELL students must include experts in second language acquisition, with the IEP addressing both their language and special education needs.

The bill prohibits school districts from suggesting parents opt out of ELL services to simplify the scheduling of special education services. It mandates schools to facilitate meaningful communication with parents and guardians through interpreters and translators who are both bilingual and skilled in specialized terminology. 

This legislative bill mandates the incorporation of media literacy skills into the health and core curriculum for all public schools in Massachusetts, targeting grades K-12. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, in collaboration with the Department of Public Health, technology researchers, and ethicists, will develop curriculum guidelines to help students critically analyze media content and comprehend its effects on their personal growth and societal perception. The curriculum will offer a structured educational pathway, prioritizing competencies such as accessing reliable information, critically evaluating media influence, assessing information credibility, understanding the limitations of social media as news sources, and promoting responsible and ethical technology use. Additionally, it focuses on safeguarding students from harmful online content and instilling awareness of the social and civic duties tied to media creation and sharing. An online portal with approved media literacy curricula will be maintained to support this initiative. This act will take effect on January 1, 2026.

This bill requires the divestment of public funds from companies involved with weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). The Pension Reserves Investment Trust and Management Board, referred to as the Public Fund, must identify all current investments in WMD-related entities within 30 days of the bill's enactment and divest from these holdings within a year. The bill also mandates changes in investment policies to prevent future investments in such entities and requires asset managers to divest from any current holdings in them. The Public Fund and its stakeholders, including members and managers, are exempt from any conflicting obligations and will be protected against claims stemming from compliance with this bill. Additionally, state agencies are directed to review and terminate existing contracts with WMD entities and avoid forming new ones, with a requirement to report these contracts to the attorney general and legislative clerks. The Public Fund must also provide an annual report listing divested investments and any remaining non-compliant assets.

The bill establishes a requirement for high school students in Massachusetts to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) prior to graduation, effective October 1, 2026. Students can opt out if a parent or guardian, or the student if they are over 18 or emancipated, submits a form to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education refusing participation. Schools must assist in the FAFSA submission process and are required to document their communication efforts in families' preferred languages. The Department will oversee the enforcement of these mandates and require annual reports from school districts, including data on FAFSA submission rates and opt-outs.

Additionally, a FAFSA Trust Fund will be created, managed by the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, starting October 1, 2025. This fund will be supported by appropriations, interest, and donations to assist underprivileged communities and foster development related to FAFSA support services. Private contributions will be scrutinized to avoid stringent conditions. An annual report by the commissioner will outline the fund's financial status, including income, expenses, and future forecasts. This initiative aims to increase FAFSA participation and aid in addressing barriers to higher education funding among underserved populations.

This bill proposes an amendment to Chapter 32A of the General Laws to broaden the eligibility criteria for health insurance coverage for certain faculty members at public higher education institutions in Massachusetts. Under the new provisions, faculty members are eligible if they teach a minimum of two three-credit courses per semester or four three-credit courses annually, irrespective of their contractual term or participation in any retirement system. Importantly, the financial responsibility for this health insurance extension will be assumed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts rather than the individual higher education institutions. This amendment extends to faculty across all branches, including those involved in continuing education, and is independent of the funding sources for the courses offered.

This bill establishes an Immigrant Legal Defense Fund, aimed at providing immigration legal services to eligible immigrants and refugees, with a focus on those in federal detention or facing removal proceedings. Administered by the Office for Refugees and Immigrants, the fund administers a competitive grant program that supports nonprofit organizations, law firms, and qualified private attorneys experienced in immigration law. Priority for legal services will go to individuals detained or facing immediate deportation risks. A Coordinator will offer logistical support, technical assistance, and training to legal professionals. The fund will receive revenue through a line-item in the state budget as well as external sources.

The proposed bill seeks to overhaul labor laws in Massachusetts, specifically targeting private sector labor-management relations. By repealing sections 3 through 9 of Chapter 150 and implementing new provisions in Chapter 150A, the bill enhances protections for both collective and individual rights under existing federal and state labor laws. It underscores Massachusetts' commitment to maintaining stable labor-management relations and prepares for situations where federal law does not preempt state regulations, thus allowing state laws under G.L. c. 150A to be fully enacted should federal preemption end or if the National Labor Relations Board opts out of jurisdiction.

Key amendments within the bill include redefining the terms "employer" and "employee" under state law to widen the scope of covered organizations and employment types, while explicitly excluding categories such as agricultural and domestic workers. It also revises procedural standards for certifying bargaining representatives, enabling swift state certification in instances of federal jurisdictional gaps. The definitions of "joint employer" and "written majority authorization" are updated, and there is a push towards incorporating electronic means for collective bargaining representations.

Furthermore, the bill introduces rules for pre-hearing injunctive relief in cases of unfair labor practices and specifies mandatory reporting for certain labor-relations activities. A significant provision restricts employers from conducting captive audience meetings during crucial unionization periods. It also mandates the establishment of new regulations for conducting electronic representation elections. Collectively, these changes aim to fortify workers' rights to collective bargaining and provide clearer processes within the Massachusetts labor framework.

This bill proposes a series of incremental increases to the minimum wage in Massachusetts, and includes a mechanism to adjust it based on inflation. The bill raises the minimum wage in successive annual increments from the current $15.00 to $16.25, then to $17.50, $18.75, and finally reaching $20.00 in 2029. For employees earning a subminimum wage, incremental raises are also outlined, progressing from $6.75 to $7.92, $9.19, and $10.55, ultimately adjusting to 60 percent of the calculated minimum wage by 2030. Additionally, the bill mandates that starting in 2030, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development will determine an adjusted minimum wage reflecting inflation changes, using the consumer price index for urban wage earners.

This bill allows Massachusetts municipalities to voluntarily adopt local regulations to cap annual rent increases and establish just cause eviction requirements. The bill repeals the current statute limiting local rent control ordinances. Under the bill, municipalities that choose the local option to implement its provisions can limit annual rent increases to the lower of 5% or the change in the Consumer Price Index. Exemptions are provided for certain dwelling units, including those in owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units, units under public regulation, and newly constructed dwellings with certificates of occupancy issued post-January 1, 2021, for a five-year duration.

To adopt these regulations, municipalities must adopt the just causes for eviction set in the law, incorporating actions like nonpayment of rent, refusal to comply with lawful rent increases, significant lease violations, or tenant criminal activity. Additionally, municipalities must submit annual reports to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities detailing the ordinance’s impact, conducted studies, and affected units. Violations of the ordinance are treated as unfair or deceptive practices under chapter 93A of the General Laws, allowing for remedies like restitution and civil penalties.

The "Safe Communities Act" bill limits the role of state law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement. It expressly forbids law enforcement officers from inquiring about an individual's immigration status, including those of crime victims and witnesses, unless mandated by state or federal law. The bill requires that interviews related to immigration enforcement conducted under the custody of law enforcement proceed only with the individual's informed consent. This consent must be obtained through a multilingual written form that clearly communicates the nature of the interview and the individual's rights, including the right to decline the interview or to request the presence of legal counsel.

Additionally, the bill restricts communications with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security by limiting notifications regarding an individual’s release from local or state custody. It mandates that these individuals be informed of any federal requests concerning their detention. The bill also prohibits state and local law enforcement and correctional officers from carrying out immigration enforcement functions and invalidates existing agreements that conflict with this prohibition unless they relate to inter-governmental arrangements for housing detainees with DHS covering daily expenses.

This bill proposes the implementation of a refundable tax credit for employers in Massachusetts who hire non-family individuals for agricultural and farm work, aiming to incentivize the employment of such workers. It allows for a tax credit amounting to up to 40% of the overtime wages paid to these employees. The exact percentage of the credit depends on the size of the employer’s agricultural workforce, with smaller farms receiving a higher percentage credit, but capped at 40%. Additionally, the bill updates wage and hour regulations to mandate that agricultural workers must receive 1.5 times their standard pay for hours worked beyond 55 per week.

A key aspect of the bill is the revision of definitions related to agricultural work, differentiating between 'primary agriculture'—such as farming, harvesting, and dairy production—and 'secondary agriculture'—such as preparing commodities for sale. The Massachusetts Department of Revenue is given a six-month period to draft regulations for implementing the tax credit, adjusting the credit scale according to the size of the farm. Meanwhile, the Department of Labor Standards is tasked with formulating regulations to define criteria for overtime pay eligibility in collaboration with stakeholders. Implementation of these frameworks will involve stakeholder consultation to ensure they are effectively integrated into existing systems. While most sections of the bill take effect immediately, the tax credit provisions are set to become operative from the start of the next calendar year following the bill’s passage.

This bill concerns protections and benefits for agricultural and farm workers.Under the bill, the minimum wage for agricultural employees is set at the general minimum wage. Also, sgricultural employees accrue one hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked, with a maximum accrual of 55 hours per year. This leave can be taken for any reason with appropriate notice and cannot be replaced with sick leave or result in retaliation. Employers may also offer more generous leave policies at their discretion. Also, the bill provides that agricultural workers working for eight or more hours in a day are entitled to two paid 15-minute breaks, with break areas required to have regulated temperatures and access to hydration. The Department of Labor Standards is responsible for establishing regulations to ensure safe and suitable conditions for these breaks, particularly during extreme temperatures.

This bill proposes changing how certain foreign income amounts are handled under state tax law. Under the bill, 50% of revenue received from non-US companies that are controlled by American individuals, federally considered the so-called GILTI income, will be subject to state income tax. These changes are scheduled to be effective for tax years commencing on or after January 1, 2025.

This bill adds provisions to state law regarding public and school libraries by establishing comprehensive procedures for selecting and evaluating library materials. It establishes as state policy a right for students to receive information from school libraries determined to be educational and age-appropriate by the school library teacher or school official responsible for the selection of library materials. Library material must be selected in good faith based on professional training and not on personal, political or doctrinal views.

The bill requires school committees to formulate written policies governing the selection and use of library materials, aligning with American Library Association standards. These policies must specify procedures for handling challenges to library materials, guaranteeing their continued availability until a formal review is conducted. Any decision to remove such materials must be subjected to evaluation by both school authorities and designated review committees.

This bill adds new provisions requiring school districts to have a policy in place restricting the use of phones or other personal electronic devices by students; enumerates various conditions of the policy.

This bill adds new provisions requiring school districts to have a policy in place restricting the use of phones or other personal electronic devices by students; enumerates various conditions of the policy.