2025-2026 Senate Governor/Executive Bills

SD38 - An Act banning legacy preferences in higher education

Sponsor:

Sen. Lydia M. Edwards (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD53 - An Act to promote public payroll transparency

Sponsor:

Sen. Bruce E. Tarr (R)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD75 - An Act to recover assets used in the commission of sexual offenses

Sponsor:

Sen. Bruce E. Tarr (R)

Summary:

Prohibits the state lottery commission from distributing lottery winnings to anyone convicted of rape, rape of a child, sex trafficking, or trafficking of persons for forced service; requires the forfeiture of monies exchanged for or property related to undertaking said offenses; requires the use of the forfeited funds for victim restitution.

SD103 - An Act relative to improving outcomes for sudden cardiac arrest

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael O. Moore (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD104 - An Act relative to enhanced fire protection in new one- and two-family dwellings

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael O. Moore (D)

Summary:

Adds a new Section 26J to GL Chapter 148 and amends GL 148:27A to require, in municipalities that adopt this provision, installation of automatic sprinklers in newly constructed single and two-unit dwellings: provides an exemption from the prohibition against shutting off a sprinkler system without a permit, for seasonal shut-off of automatic sprinklers, as defined by and in accordance with regulations of the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations.

SD105 - An Act building a more accessible Massachusetts

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael O. Moore (D)

Summary:

Amends GL 22:13A to substantially expand the authority of the Architectural Access Board as it relates to accessibility standards for persons with disabilities, including additional requirements for multi-family units and public facilities; clarifies that accessibility standards for public buildings also cover all portions of the site or complex and any equipment, roads, walkways and parking lots, as well as areas not generally in public use; extends accessibility standards to cover residential buildings built before March 13, 1991, including when said buildings undergo a gut rehabilitation; provides for roughly 5% of rental or lodging units in buildings with at least 20 units to meet enhanced accessibility standards, such as a 5-foot turning radius in kitchens and bathrooms to accommodate wheelchairs; additionally, replaces references to the “physically handicapped” with “persons with disabilities”; and requires that 2 appointees to the Board be licensed architects, and 1 appointee be a licensed building inspector.

SD106 - An Act relative to the use of unmanned aerial systems

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael O. Moore (D)

Summary:

Regulates the use of drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) by establishing that their use must comply fully with all Federal Aviation Administration requirements and guidelines. Among other things, they may not be equipped with weapons; they may not be operated in the protected airspace of a critical infrastructure facility; they may not be operated by a governmental unit except in certain narrow circumstances, including the issuance of a warrant or as part of a criminal investigation. If to be used by a governmental unit, their purchase must be approved the Secretary of Public Safety; facial recognition and other biometric matching technology may not be used except to identify the subject of a warrant; requires that each June the Court Administrator in the Trial Court must transmit to the legislature a report concerning the number of applications for warrants authorizing the use of drones, enumerating certain data sets that the report must include.

SD110 - An Act relative to oversight of the sex offender registry board

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael O. Moore (D)

Summary:

Amends GL 6:178E (Sex Offender Registry Board - transmission of data) by requiring the SORB to send data to the state police as well as municipal police departments; additionally amends GL 6:178H, by requiring the board to submit information to the state police when an offender knowingly fails to register, fails to provide notice of a change of address, or knowingly provides false information; instructs the state police to seek an arrest warrant for the offender; further amends GL 6:178K by requiring interagency agreements for the apprehension of sex offenders to include a memorandum of understanding with the state police for locating offenders who fail to complete registration requirements or to whom the board is unable to provide classification notice.

SD111 - An Act relative to sheriffs

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael O. Moore (D)

Summary:

Makes a number of amendments to General Law relative to the operation of the various Sheriffs of the Commonwealth. In particular: Establishes a Corrections Advisory Board to provide independent advice to the commonwealth's corrections providers, including the sheriffs; Establishes that the cost of meals for employees of the sheriff's departments be subject to collective bargaining agreements; Amends the pension law to move into Group 2 any deputy engaged in civil process enforcement activities for more than 20 hours per week; Requires each sheriff to establish a civil process office; Requires the Massachusetts Sheriffs Association to establish a system by which all process fees are reported and recorded; Establishes that upon the removal of a deputy sheriff, that person musts immediately return to the sheriff's civil process office all process and other documents received or in the deputy sheriff's possession, along with any fees collected; Requires each sheriff to keep an account of all fees and money received from any source by virtue of the sheriff's office on the state's accounting system as prescribed by the comptroller; Establishes that all fees and other revenues collected by the process office is to be considered revenue of the Commonwealth, but payroll and all other bills of the civil process office are to be paid from the process account; Establishes that whenever a deputy sheriff or other employee of a sheriff's civil process office who, while in the performance of their duty receives bodily injury from an act of violence by a person connected with the service of process, is to receive 'violence pay' in addition to any worker's compensation to which he or she may be entitled; Requires sheriff's offices to file an annual accounting under the pains and penalties of perjuries to account for money generated from the process office; and Requires the Human Resources Division to conduct a comprehensive assessment that will lead to statewide standards for classification, recruitment, promotion, compensation and professional standards for all sheriffs' offices. Please note that the sheriffs are not part of the executive branch but are part of what's left of county government, so HRD may not be the appropriate agency to conduct the comprehensive assessment.

SD113 - An Act relative to police interactions with persons on the autism spectrum

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael O. Moore (D)

Summary:

Adds a new Section 116I½ to GL Chapter 6 to require the municipal police training committee to establish an in-service training curriculum, on or before January 1, 2024, for the training of law enforcement officers and correction officers in appropriate interactions with persons on the autism spectrum and persons with other intellectual and developmental disabilities; provided, that this training shall not increase the currently required hours of in-service training; lists topics, procedures and techniques to be included in said training; also requires in-service training for law enforcement officers and correction officers to include not less than 2 hours of instruction in such procedures and techniques.

SD127 - An Act establishing May as Native Plant Month

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael O. Moore (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD128 - An Act elevating the National Guard to a cabinet level position

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael O. Moore (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD130 - An Act designating Diwali Day as a state holiday

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael O. Moore (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD131 - An Act updating the unit pricing exemption threshold

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael O. Moore (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD134 - An Act relative to the ownership of pets by convicted animal abusers

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael O. Moore (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD173 - An Act to ensure the health and safety of the commonwealth’s students and educators

Sponsor:

Sen. Bruce E. Tarr (R)

Summary:

Adds a new Section 117A to GL Chapter 149 (Labor and Industries) creating a requirement that local school buildings achieve a minimum level of ventilation in occupied spaces, within two years of the effective date; establishes standards and testing requirements for ventilation; allows employees to file complaints with the Department of Labor Standards and authorizes the department to order schools to remedy violation; directs the Massachusetts School Building Authority to create a new temporary category for remodeling to fulfill the new requirement; requires DESE to establish a testing program for schools and provide PPE and facial coverings for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency; establishes a special commission to study school ventilation and report to the legislature by December 1, 2022.

SD174 - An Act providing for alternative delivery of infrastructure projects

Sponsor:

Sen. Bruce E. Tarr (R)

Summary:

Enacts a new GL c.40X (Public Private Partnerships) into the General Laws. (Please note, there is already a c. 40X, Tourism Destination Marketing Districts, in the General Laws.) In general authorizes any public agency to solicit proposals for a public-private partnership agreement within certain conditions. In particular, prohibits a public agency from entering into a public-private partnership agreement without first soliciting proposals; prior to delivering applicable services for an eligible project, the selected responsible offeror must enter into a comprehensive public-private partnership agreement with the public agency in accordance with certain requirements; agreements may be for a term of up to 20 years, with five two-year extensions totaling another 10 years; specifies that these agreement will not be construed to constitute a waiver of the governmental immunity of a public agency.

SD175 - An Act establishing the Executive Office of Food Resources and Security

Sponsor:

Sen. Bruce E. Tarr (R)

Summary:

Adds a new Chapter 28B to the General Laws, entitled Executive Office of Food Resources and Security. Under the chapter, food producers are essentially farmers and commercial fishermen, and there is an Executive Office established to look after and regulate their needs. The new Secretariat is to carry out policy relative to food production, including fostering and supporting food producers so they are able to effectively and safely produce, market and sell food in a sustainable manner throughout the Commonwealth; promote job creation and economic development in food production and local food distribution; develop and administer programs and incentives to improve nutrition and promote healthy eating habits across all age groups; and undertake other enumerated initiatives. The bill separately establishes a eight new departments within the Secretariat, including a Department of Food Labor and Workforce Development, a Department of Food Innovation, Development and Research, a Department of Investment and Financial Planning for Food Production, a Department of Food Security, Identification and Labeling, Department of Economic Development for Locally-Produced Food a Department of Nutrition and Food Health, and a Department of Self-Sufficiency for Food Production.

SD178 - An Act relative to the Salisbury Beach Preservation Trust Fund

Sponsor:

Sen. Bruce E. Tarr (R)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD202 - An Act creating the commercial fisheries offshore wind mitigation fund

Sponsor:

Sen. Bruce E. Tarr (R)

Summary:

Establishes a Commercial Fisheries Offshore Wind Mitigation Fund tasked with maintaining the resiliency of the seafood industry by developing new fisheries, enhancing existing fisheries, and investing in new technology and physical infrastructure; and requires the fish and game commissioner to submit an annual report to the legislature outlining the Fund’s activities.

SD217 - An Act relative to a motorcycle safety fund

Sponsor:

Sen. Bruce E. Tarr (R)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD229 - An Act authorizing the commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to convey certain land in the town of Brookfield

Sponsor:

Sen. Peter J. Durant (R)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD253 - An Act relative to government efficiency

Sponsor:

Sen. Julian A. Cyr (D)

Summary:

Adds a new Section 4B to GL Chapter 6A, which requires state government to use behavioral science when possible to improve public welfare, program outcomes, and program cost effectiveness; requires testing and impact analyses to determine effectiveness; requires government to better connect with the research communities to better use behavioral science findings; requires state government to streamline program processes, improve communications and evaluate programs to eliminate obstacles or barriers to participation; requires agencies to use outside researchers to provide advice and guidance on developing policy objectives and evaluation of behavioral science initiatives in state government.

SD286 - An Act creating the Public Safety Building Authority

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael D. Brady (D)

Summary:

Adds new Chapter 22F to the General Laws, entitled "Fire Station Building Assistance Program;" establishes an independent public authority to be known as the Fire Station Building Authority, chaired by the Treasurer of the Commonwealth; articulates the qualifications of the other members of the Authority; requires the Chair to submit an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature.

SD294 - An Act to overcome coastal and environmental acidification and nutrient pollution

Sponsor:

Sen. Julian A. Cyr (D)

Summary:

Directs the Governor to proclaim the third week of August as Ocean Acidification Awareness Week; establishes the Ocean Acidification Council and directs the council to implement an acidification monitoring system; adds ocean acidification to the statewide adaptation strategy and to state agency environmental impact reviews.

SD314 - An Act adding an Indigenous member to the Massachusetts Historical Commission

Sponsor:

Sen. Dylan Fernandes (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD315 - An Act establishing the Massachusetts open data standard

Sponsor:

Sen. Dylan Fernandes (D)

Summary:

Establishes a new open data standard for the commonwealth; mandates appointment of a Chief Data Officer of the Commonwealth, reporting to the Secretary for Administration and Finance, and who would be charged with creating an inventory of all available public data in the Commonwealth, establishing an open data portal, establishing an open data standard for state agencies to make public data available on, and establishing an online forum located on the open data portal to solicit feedback from the public; allows local government to adopt the standard at their discretion.

SD318 - An Act relative to the closing of hospital essential services

Sponsor:

Sen. Julian A. Cyr (D)

Summary:

Amends GL 111:51G relative to the licensing of acute care hospitals; requires hospitals to provide at least one year's notice to the Department of Public Health of a proposed closure or discontinuation of service and at least 30 days notice of the proposed closure or discontinuance of an essential health service; requires hospitals to inform its patient and family council, each staff member, every labor organization that represents the hospital's workforce, the members of the General Court who represent the district in which the hospital is located, as well as certain local officials; additionally requires the hospital to notify DPH of any community engagement and planning which has already occurred; requires initial notice to include evidence of support or non-opposition to the proposed change from each municipality to which it provides the service as a health care resource, directs DPH to determine whether any such discontinued services are necessary for preserving access and health status in the hospital's service area, in which case the hospital must submit a service plan to DPH; instructs the Attorney General is to seek an injunction in cases where hospital executes a plan to discontinue an essential health service without DPH approval.

SD320 - An Act to overcome coastal and environmental acidification and nutrient pollution

Sponsor:

Sen. Dylan Fernandes (D)

Summary:

SD331 - An Act relative to emergency response in an active shooter or hostile event situation

Sponsor:

Sen. Patrick O'Connor (R)

Summary:

Adds a new Section 18W to GL Chapter 6A instructing the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to adopt the National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 3000 as the standard guide for active shooter or hostile event situations; additionally requires EOPSS to develop and implement standard training requirements to achieve an integrated preparedness, response, and recovery for active shooter or hostile event situations across state, county, municipal and regional public safety agencies, as well as to act as the lead agency in such situations; establishes and regulates the membership and operation of an Active Shooter or Hostile Event Situation (ASHER) Executive Council within EOPSS to coordinate emergency response efforts in active shooter or hostile events.

SD333 - An Act establishing the annual observance of September 11th Remembrance Day

Sponsor:

Sen. Patrick O'Connor (R)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD336 - An Act designating Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day

Sponsor:

Sen. Patrick O'Connor (R)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD364 - An Act providing for the allowance of early evidence kits

Sponsor:

Sen. Lydia M. Edwards (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD372 - An Act establishing a designation of a state protection and advocacy system

Sponsor:

Sen. James B. Eldridge (D)

Summary:

Establishes a protection and advocacy system for the purpose of investigating abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of persons with disabilities occurring in the Commonwealth and advocating for the civil and human rights of such persons; provides that system shall be an independent private nonprofit corporation which has been designated as the protection and advocacy system for the commonwealth under the federal law.

SD375 - An Act relative to implementing a blue alert system in the Commonwealth

Sponsor:

Sen. Bruce E. Tarr (R)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD399 - An Act to modernize funding for community media programming

Sponsor:

Sen. Jason M. Lewis (D)

Summary:

Establishes a framework for a comprehensive statewide policy on recovering municipal costs for digital infrastructure in public rights of way, including regulation of use of such digital infrastructure by streaming entertainment services; directs the commonwealth to regulate the commercial sale of streaming digital entertainment services, and recover municipal costs of use of public rights of way by such services; requires such services to pay a cost recovery assessment of five percent of gross revenues to the commonwealth; regulates submission of bi-annual financial statements, and calculation of penalties for failure to submit the calculated assessment; establishes and regulates the use of the streaming entertainment fund for deposit of such assessments; requires distribution of 1/5 of the fund to the general fund, 2/5 to municipalities and 2/5 to community media centers; authorizes municipalities to establish separate accounts for the deposit of such funds.

SD411 - An Act providing solar energy to state agencies

Sponsor:

Sen. Patrick O'Connor (R)

Summary:

Adds a new Section 29A to GL Chapter 7C directing the commissioner of capital asset management and maintenance to require any agency that initiates the construction or renovation of a facility owned or operated by the to install a solar energy system on or near the facility; limits mandatory solar energy installation to projects that cost more than $25,000 and that include construction or replacement of systems that affect energy usage; regulates system capacity; requires effective solar areas that are sufficiently large to provide for 100% of the project’s energy needs; requires projects with insufficient solar area to either maximize available space or install a ground-mounted solar system; allows agencies to apply for exemptions if the available solar area is less than 80 contiguous square feet or if a substitute renewable energy system will be installed.

SD441 - An Act to authorize firefighter motorcycle license plates

Sponsor:

Sen. Peter J. Durant (R)

Summary:

Adds a new Section 6D to GL Chapter 90 to direct the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to furnish special distinctive firefighter motorcycle license plates to members or retired members of any municipal fire department; establishes an additional fee of $10 for such plates to be paid to the Massachusetts Firefighters Academy Trust Fund.

SD458 - An Act creating a school resource officer grant program and fund

Sponsor:

Sen. Patrick O'Connor (R)

Summary:

Adds a new Section 37 to GL Chapter 69, (Elementary and Secondary Education) establishing a School Resource Officer Grant Program. The bill defines school resource officer as a certified law enforcement officer providing law enforcement and security services to public schools; establishes a fund, subject to appropriation, from which matching grants may be made to local law enforcement agencies and local school boards to employ school resource officers; lists responsibilities of those officers as ensuring safety, preventing truancy and enforcing rules and codes of conduct.

SD475 - An Act establishing the Community Non-Profit Investment and Grant Program

Sponsor:

Sen. Patrick O'Connor (R)

Summary:

Adds a new Section 53 to GL Chapter 10 (Department of the State Treasurer) establishing and regulating a Community Non-Profit Board to determine the scope, criteria, awards process, and solicitation for an investment and grant program for community-based non-profit organizations.

SD503 - An Act to implement the recommendations of the special commission on facial recognition technology

Sponsor:

Sen. Cynthia Stone Creem (D)

Summary:

Amends GL 6:220 (Facial Recognition Searches) to implement the recommendations of the special commission on facial recognition technology. As rewritten the section now provides that it is unlawful — absent express authorization — for a law enforcement agency or officer to acquire, possess, access, use, assist with the use of or provide resources for the development or use of any biometric surveillance technology. No information obtained in violation of this section will be admissible in any criminal, civil, administrative or other proceeding. in addition, it will be unlawful for a law enforcement agency of officer to use a biometric surveillance system to infer a person’s emotions or affect, or to use a biometric surveillance system to analyze moving images or video data. However, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles may acquire, possess, or use facial recognition technology to verify an individual’s identity when issuing licenses, permits or other documents; in addition, the Department of State Police may perform a facial recognition search for four enumerated purposes. These exceptions include: to execute a warrant duly authorized by a judge based on probable cause that an unidentified or unconfirmed individual in an image has committed a felony; upon reasonable belief that an emergency involving immediate danger of death or serious physical injury to any individual or group of people requires the performance of a facial recognition search without delay; to identify a deceased person; or on behalf of another law enforcement agency or a federal agency All persons charged with a crime who were identified using a facial recognition search must be provided notice thereof; law enforcement agencies and district attorneys must make readily available to defendants and their attorneys in criminal prosecutions all records and information pertaining to any facial recognition searches performed or requested during the course of the investigation. Each non-law enforcement public agency shall document, as a public record, each facial recognition search requested and each facial recognition search performed by its public officials and report this information quarterly to the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.

SD516 - An Act designating the first Wednesday in May as State Parks Day

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael F. Rush (D)

Summary:

Directs the governor to annually issue a proclamation setting apart the first Wednesday in May as Massachusetts State Parks Day; recommends that the day be observed in an appropriate manner by the people.

SD519 - An Act to protect the privacy of lottery winners

Sponsor:

Sen. Mark C. Montigny (D)

Summary:

Amends GL 10:24 (State Lottery Commission) to exempt the name, address or other identifying information of any holder of a winning lottery ticket from the Public Records Law; prohibits the Commission from publicly disclosing such information or from requiring any winner to perform any public actions in connection with the awarding, payment or collection of prize money; directs the commission to inform the winning ticket holder of the right to refuse public disclosure.

SD533 - An Act establishing an office of economic empowerment

Sponsor:

Sen. James B. Eldridge (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD545 - An Act protecting public higher education student information

Sponsor:

Sen. Jake Oliveira (D)

Summary:

Adds a new Section 22 to GL Chapter 66 regulating the release of public records; exempts public colleges and universities from the production of education records; defines education records as those directly related to a student and maintained by an educational agency, as provided under the Federal Family Education Rights and Privacy Act and the Code of Federal Regulations.

SD562 - An Act relative to requiring trauma kits in public buildings

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael F. Rush (D)

Summary:

Adds new Section 237 to GL Chapter 111 (Public Health) to require all public buildings as well as any buildings required by statute to house an AED to have clearly visible, centrally located and easily accessible trauma kits ready for use at all times by an appropriately qualified trauma kit designee; provides that the number of trauma kits required per building shall be determined by a formula to be promulgated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services; immunizes a person who, in good faith, attempts to render emergency aid without compensation; amends GL 69:8A to require schools to include the availability and location of trauma kits and those personnel designated as trauma kit designees in their medical emergency response plans; authorizes expenditures from municipal Community Preservation Funds for the procurement of trauma kits and trauma kit designees in a town or city owned building or a public school facility; defines trauma kit, trauma kit designee and public building.

SD591 - An Act to close the achievement gap by addressing disparities in children's vision

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael O. Moore (D)

Summary:

Adds new Sections 238 and 238A to GL Chapter 111 (Public Health) to establish and regulate a children’s vision and eye health advisory council within the Department of Public Health.

SD606 - An Act relative to physical and social recess in schools

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael F. Rush (D)

Summary:

Amends GL 69:1G relative to the minimum length of school day and school year to establish that all children in grades kindergarten through five attending public schools are to receive 100 minutes of supervised, safe, and unstructured free-play recess each week (so that there are at least 20 consecutive minutes of free-play recess per day); adds a new Section 4B to GL Chapter 71 (Public Schools) prohibiting any public elementary school from decreasing the amount of time it allots and provides to students as recess time designed to allow students to participate in physical and social activities as a result of any changes in standards or curriculum that the school is required (or chooses) to adopt.

SD609 - An Act ensuring the fair treatment of military service members and veterans

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael F. Rush (D)

Summary:

Amends GL c.12A (Office of Inspector General) to establish and regulate a Veteran Employment and Reemployment Rights division within the OIG to assist veterans and service members with employment disputes. If attempts to resolve a dispute, including mediation, are unsuccessful, the Office of the Inspector General is to refer the case to the Attorney General for further action.

SD633 - Resolve creating a commission to study the intentional misrepresentation of a service animal

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael F. Rush (D)

Summary:

Establishes a special legislative commission to study the use of service animals in Massachusetts; directs the commission to investigate the prevalence and consequences of fraud, misrepresentation and misuse of service animals; directs the commission to identify training and education opportunities regarding the use of service animals and potentially recommend changes to Massachusetts law governing service animals; sets a deadline of April 1, 2024 for the commission to file its report with the legislature.

SD635 - An Act relative to increasing opportunities for employment in professional licensure

Sponsor:

Sen. Cynthia Stone Creem (D)

Summary:

Rewrites GL 6:172N governing professional licensure and criminal convictions to expand professional opportunities for those with a prior conviction; prohibits licensing authorities from automatically barring an individual from a professional license based on a criminal record, instead requiring consideration of an applicant’s specific circumstances; limits consideration by licensing authorities of various less serious offenses, or offenses which occurred while the applicant was a minor; allows licensing authorities to deny applications when an applicant’s criminal record directly relates to the duties and responsibilities of the profession, or in the interest of protecting the public; establishes processes whereby applicants can petition the licensing authority to determine whether their criminal record is disqualifying, and can appeal a decision of the licensing authority; requires licensing authorities to file annual reports with the division of professional licensure on their rejection of applications due to an applicant’s criminal record; establishes a commission on background record requirements for professional licensure responsible for advising licensing authorities; amends various sections of GL Chapter 112 (Professional licensure) to implement these changes.

SD638 - An Act providing for the disposition of certain property in the town of Upton

Sponsor:

Sen. Ryan Fattman (R)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD640 - An Act relative to access to community corrections

Sponsor:

Sen. William N. Brownsberger (D)

Summary:

Replaces GL Chapter 211F (Office of Community Corrections) in its entirety and establishes in its place an Office of Community Justice Programs; designates programmatic 'tracks' for pretrial services, reentry services, and intensive supervision with treatment; establishes conditions for court orders of pretrial services and intensive supervision; directs the office to develop a contracting process for community justice plans for the different programs; grants the executive director authority to suspend funding or assume administrative responsibility for any program 'not in compliance with standards' or a threat to public safety; directs the Commissioner of Probation to report annually on the community justice programs to the Governor and Legislature; amends provisions of GL Chapter 276 relative to bail and conditions of release to make a request for pretrial services inadmissible.

SD654 - An Act promoting safe technology use and distraction-free education for youth

Sponsor:

Sen. Julian A. Cyr (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD665 - An Act relative to the Massachusetts Fire Training Council

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael O. Moore (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD670 - An Act establishing an Indigenous Peoples Day

Sponsor:

Sen. Joanne Comerford (D)

Summary:

Repeals GL 6:12V, which sets apart the second Monday in October as Columbus Day, and directs the Governor to designate that date instead as Indigenous Peoples Day; further directs the Govenor to recommend that it be observed by the people, with appropriate exercises in the schools and otherwise, to acknowledge the history of genocide and discrimination against Indigenous peoples, and to recognize and celebrate the thriving cultures and continued resistance and resilience of Indigenous peoples and their tribal nations.

SD671 - An Act establishing a jail and prison construction moratorium

Sponsor:

Sen. Joanne Comerford (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD672 - An Act relative to state employment postings

Sponsor:

Sen. Joanne Comerford (D)

Summary:

Amends GL 7:4J (Human Resources Division) to require every agency and institution of the Commonwealth to transmit to said Division all employment opportunities, notices, and postings, excluding positions subject to GL 30:46D (Promotions from Positions Classified under Civil Service Provisions), GL Chapter 31 (Civil Service) and GL Chapter 150E (Collective Bargaining), including notices of job opportunities, new positions and vacancies; requires the Division to immediately place all such information in the statewide employment computerized referral system; prohibits any position from being filled without full compliance with these requirements.

SD686 - An Act for improving patient outcomes across the continuum

Sponsor:

Sen. John Cronin (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD690 - An Act to reduce the cost of government and create new jobs

Sponsor:

Sen. Ryan Fattman (R)

Summary:

Repeals Sections 52 through 56 of GL Chapter 7, the so-called Pacheco anti-privatization laws.

SD691 - An Act relative to the creation of the Massachusetts Public Safety Building Authority

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael O. Moore (D)

Summary:

Enacts a new Chapter 40Y into the General Laws entitled Massachusetts Public Safety Building Authority, to operate as an independent public authority in order to encourage and foster the thoughtful establishment and maintenance of public safety facility space in and among the cities and towns of the commonwealth. Additionally, establishes a new fund to be known as the Public Safety Building Modernization and Reconstruction Trust Fund, and to be financed by a dedicated sales and use tax revenue amount equaling 1% of the sales price of purchases under GL 64H and 64I.

SD698 - An Act to ensure that all students are prepared for future success

Sponsor:

Sen. Jake Oliveira (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD700 - An Act designating January as Peace Officer History Month

Sponsor:

Sen. Ryan Fattman (R)

Summary:

Adds new Section 15JJJJJJ to GL Chapter 6 directing the Governor to annually issue a proclamation setting apart the month of January as Peace Office History Month.

SD701 - An Act relative to advancing the profession of commercial interior design

Sponsor:

Sen. Joan B. Lovely (D)

Summary:

Adds several new sections to GL Chapter 112 setting out procedures for the licensure of commercial interior designers; delimits work that would and would not fall under the licensure; requires each licensee to pass an exam set by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification; establishes a continuing education requirement; prohibits the usage of the term 'registered' in conjunction with terms like 'commercial interior designer' except by licensees; directs the board of registration of commercial interior designers to approve a seal for use by licensees on plans and specifications; creates the designation 'commercial interior designer emeritus' for those licensee who retire after ten years of practice, allowing for expedited re-licensure but prohibiting practice in while so designated; amends GL Chapter 13 to establish a board of registration of commercial interior designers, specifying membership qualification, required meetings, and procedure; and provides for 3 registered commerical interior designers to be appointed to the Designer Selection Board which overseesprocurement of design services for state building projects.

SD721 - An Act to reform sick leave buybacks

Sponsor:

Sen. Ryan Fattman (R)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD722 - An Act establishing protections and accountability for DNC workers, consumers, and communities

Sponsor:

Sen. Lydia M. Edwards (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD736 - An Act to strengthen the taxpayer protection act

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael D. Brady (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD745 - An Act establishing the psychology interjurisdictional compact

Sponsor:

Sen. Cynthia Stone Creem (D)

Summary:

Comprising 15 sections and 40 printed pages, this bill enacts a new Chapter 112B into the General Laws, known as the "Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact Act." This act allows for the establishment of a compact between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and other U.S. states, the purpose of which is to regulate the practice of psychology across state boundaries, specifically in the areas of telepsychology (providing psychological services through telecommunications) and temporary in-person, face-to-face psychology practice.

SD755 - An Act relative to removing the term hearing impaired from the general laws

Sponsor:

Sen. Cynthia Stone Creem (D)

Summary:

Amends multiple General Laws to replace the term hearing-impaired with the terms deaf or hard of hearing.

SD763 - An Act making technical changes to the Betsy Lehman Center for patient safety and medical error reduction enabling statute

Sponsor:

Sen. Cynthia Stone Creem (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD766 - An Act relative to the Bean New Deal

Sponsor:

Sen. Cynthia Stone Creem (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD774 - An Act authorizing voluntary contributions to the Massachusetts Fire Fighters Academy Trust Fund

Sponsor:

Sen. Jake Oliveira (D)

Summary:

Establishes a new GL62:6O (Taxation of Incomes) to establish a voluntary contribution on tax forms to the Massachusetts Firefighters Training Academy; requires such contributions to be in addition to the amount of taxes due.

SD778 - An Act establishing 413 Day

Sponsor:

Sen. John Velis (D)

Summary:

Directs the governor to designate April 13th as "413 Day" annually, to promote and appreciate western Massachusetts.

SD779 - An Act expanding high school student access to earn industry recognized credentials

Sponsor:

Sen. John Velis (D)

Summary:

Adds a new Section 37 to GL Chapter 69 (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) to authorize the Department to pay certification awards to school districts for students who earn an industry-recognized certification for an occupation that has high employment value; defines employment value; regulates the allocation of said awards; also authorizes the Department to pay certification development awards to school districts to assist students in obtaining such certifications; requires the Department to prepare an annual report on the program.

SD787 - An Act relative to dangerousness hearings

Sponsor:

Sen. John Velis (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD819 - An Act to advance fairness, integrity, and excellence in higher education admissions

Sponsor:

Sen. Pavel Payano (D)

Summary:

Adds new Section 5B to GL Chapter 15A further regulating college and university admissions procedures; requires colleges and universities to report annually to the attorney general and department of higher education on preference shown to legacy students, or those applying early action or early decision, and on the percentage of students receiving Pell Grants or Stafford Loans; additionally requires these reports on admissions practices to be broken down by demographic category, including racial subgroups; imposes a public service fee on any college or university which preferences legacy or early decision applicants, equalling up to .2% of the institution’s endowment; and provides for any fees collected pursuant to this section to be deposited into a new Higher Educational Opportunity Trust Fund tasked with supporting certificate and degree attainment at public community colleges.

SD826 - An Act expanding high school student access to earn industry recognized credentials

Sponsor:

Sen. Jake Oliveira (D)

Summary:

SD828 - An Act relative to the Quabbin watershed and regional equity

Sponsor:

Sen. Joanne Comerford (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD841 - An Act establishing the Massachusetts farm to school program

Sponsor:

Sen. Joanne Comerford (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD849 - An Act designating January 30 of each year as Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution in Massachusetts

Sponsor:

Sen. James B. Eldridge (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD852 - An Act increasing government accessibility for persons who are blind or visually impaired

Sponsor:

Sen. Joanne Comerford (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD854 - An Act providing for transparency and geographic equity in all state grant funding

Sponsor:

Sen. Joanne Comerford (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD862 - An Act relative to home investments

Sponsor:

Sen. John Cronin (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD867 - An Act to protect victims of crimes and the public

Sponsor:

Sen. Patrick O'Connor (R)

Summary:

Amends Sections 57 through 58B of GL Chapter 276 to, among other things, expand the list of offenses which can be the basis for a dangerousness hearing; allows the consideration of a defendant's history of serious criminal convictions to make the overall determination of dangerousness (as opposed to focusing just on the current offense); extends the requirement that police take the fingerprints of people arrested for felonies to all people arrested, regardless of the charge); and authorizes a bail commissioner or and bail magistrate to consider dangerousness in deciding whether to release an arrestee from a police station when court is out of session.The bill also ensures that a person who a court determines is a danger or who violates his or her conditions of release is held until the time of trial or other disposition of the case, rather than being released after a defined period.The bill also empowers police to detain people who they observe violating court-ordered release conditions (instead of requiring a court to first issue a warrant); it authorizes judges to revoke a person's release when the offender has violated a court-ordered condition, such as an order to stay away from a victim, or from a public playground (current law requires an additional finding of dangerousness before release may be revoked).Additional provisions of the bill allow dangerousness hearings at any point during a criminal proceeding, rather than requiring a prosecutor to either seek a hearing immediately or forfeit that ability entirely; requires the probation department, bail commissioners and bail magistrates to notify authorities who can take remedial action when a person who is on pre-trial release commits a new offense anywhere in the Commonwealth or elsewhere; requires enhanced notification to victims of crimes of abuse and other dangerous crimes when a defendant is going to be released; creates a new felony offense for cutting off a court-ordered GPS device; authorizes prosecutors (and not just defendants) to appeal release decisions; gives more deference on appeal to decisions made in the first instance by district court judges; requires that the courts develop a text message service to remind defendants of upcoming court dates; and creates a task force to recommend adding information to criminal records so that prosecutors and judges can make more informed recommendations and decisions about conditions of release and possible detention on grounds of dangerousness. NOTE: Historically, bail was designed to insure a defendant's return to court, and was not involved in questions of dangerousness. That has changed in the last several decades, so that questions relative to how dangerous a defendant appears to be are evaluated with respect to release.

SD869 - An Act requiring opioid use disorder education

Sponsor:

Sen. John F. Keenan (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD873 - An Act relative to cybersecurity and artificial intelligence

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael O. Moore (D)

Summary:

This omnibus bill establishes comprehensive cybersecurity regulations and initiatives in Massachusetts, covering training, governance, reporting, and protections. In particular: Requires that ALl state, county, and municipal employees must complete cybersecurity awareness training within 30 days of employment and annually thereafter; Establishes a Cybersecurity Control Board and a Massachusetts Cyber Incident Response Team to oversee cybersecurity policies and responses; Requires covered entities to notify the Commonwealth Fusion Center about cybersecurity incidents with detailed reports; Establishes that such notifications are not public records; Creates an Automated Decision-Making Control Board to regulate AI and algorithm-based systems used by covered entities, ensuring fairness, accountability, and transparency; Establishes the Massachusetts Innovation Fund and State Agency Technology Upgrades Account to update state technology, enhance cybersecurity, and improve efficiency; Expands the Civil Defense Act of 1950 to include cybersecurity threats affecting critical infrastructure under the jurisdiction of emergency management agencies; Updates data breach laws to include biometric, genetic, geolocation, and additional personal information; Introduces new requirements, including FBI notification for certain breaches and additional reporting details such as compromised login credentials; Prohibits manufacturing, selling, possessing, or operating weaponized robotic devices (including drones), with penalties ranging from 18 months to 15 years in prison; and Prevents insurance contracts from restricting or penalizing the reporting of cybersecurity incidents to government authorities.

SD886 - An Act relative to compensation for victims of wrongful conviction

Sponsor:

Sen. Patricia D. Jehlen (D)

Summary:

Makes various changes to GL Chapter 258D regarding claims against the commonwealth for erroneous felony convictions; defines grounds for relief that remain unaddressed in prior court proceedings, and which are consistent with innocence, to assert them in claims against the commonwealth for wrongful conviction; changes the burden of proof from clear and convincing evidence of wrongful conviction to preponderance of the evidence; entitles claimants to preliminary relief upon a showing of eligibility; requires the fast tracking of such cases; exempts transitional assistance grants or awards of services, tuition or fees or any award of reasonable attorney fees and costs of litigation from the $1,000,000 on awards in such cases; entitles successful claimants to a transitional assistance grant of $15,000; entitles successful claimants to a judicial statement of exoneration, in addition to expungement or sealing of records; entitles erroneously convicted persons to $5,000 in transitional financial assistance and an offer of assistance and services from the department of probation.

SD896 - An Act implementing elementary and secondary interdisciplinary climate literacy education

Sponsor:

Sen. Jason M. Lewis (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD901 - An Act to SAVE tax dollars in the Commonwealth

Sponsor:

Sen. Ryan Fattman (R)

Summary:

Adds new section 62 to GL Chapter 7 to direct all state agencies that are responsible for the issuance of public benefits or licensure to register for the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program. The secretary of administration and finance is to give a report on or before December 31, 2021 on the steps taken to implement the program and an action plan for those who have not been able to.

SD930 - An Act updating terminology and investigative practices related to the protection of persons with disabilities

Sponsor:

Sen. John F. Keenan (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD934 - An Act to create a facilities loan program for private special education schools

Sponsor:

Sen. John F. Keenan (D)

Summary:

Directs the Massachusetts School Building Authority to promulgate regulations for the creation of a no-interest or low-interest loan program for facility construction and upgrades at schools approved under GL Chapter 71B (Children with Special Needs.)

SD949 - An Act requiring clean slate automated record sealing

Sponsor:

Sen. Cindy Friedman (D)

Summary:

Amends GL 276:100A (Sealing of criminal records) and GL276:100B (Sealing of delinquency records) to eliminate the current procedure of a petition to court to request sealing and instead to provide that certain records shall be sealed automatically after the statutory waiting period (7 years for criminal felonies; 3 years for criminal misdemeanors and delinquency records) provided that no new offenses have occurred; exempts certain offenses from automatic sealing process; directs commissioner of probation and commissioner of public safety to develop and implement computer systems for sealing; provides effective date of 18 months after passage.

SD954 - An Act relative to hospital closures and health planning

Sponsor:

Sen. John F. Keenan (D)

Summary:

Amends GL 6A:16T, the statute governing the health planning council and advisory committee, adding the Secretary of Mental Health to the council and reducing the advisory committee to 13 members; further outlines the public process the health planning council must use, including directing the council to designate 15 health planning regions and to develop recommendations for each; deletes references to specific care objectives and directs that the health plans contain recommendations to rebalance regional inequities in health care resources; amends GL 6D:13 to require a material change investigation be completed upon notice of a closure of a hospital or essential health service.Amends GL 12C:8 to require the center for health information and analysis to identify and report on financially distressed hospitals; amends GL 12C:11 to direct the center to promulgate regulations establishing administrative sanctions against providers for failure to provide information in a timely manner; amends GL 111:51G to require any hospital to provide 90 days notice to the department of public health before discontinuing an essential health service and provides penalties for failing to give notice and 120 days notice prior to hospital closure; directs the department to only approve such plans if such plans preserve health access in the service area; establishes a series of funding and licensing ineligibilities for providers who proceed with such plans without department approval.Amends GL 111:56 to establish significant fines for discontinuation of services in violation of the new GL 111:51G and up to two years imprisonment for such hospital closure.

SD968 - An Act relative to preventing fraud and establishing regulations on certain virtual currencies

Sponsor:

Sen. John Cronin (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD973 - An Act relative to municipal light plants

Sponsor:

Sen. John F. Keenan (D)

Summary:

Adds a new Section 19½ to GL Chapter 25 (Department of Public Utilities) to require costs associated with energy efficiency programs established by municipal lighting plants to be funded from amounts generated by cap and trade pollution control programs, including those established under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Memorandum of Understanding; directs such amounts to be allocated based on the percentage of each plant's electricity sales relative to the statewide total of such sales; requires not less than 80% of such allocated amounts be used for implementation of energy efficiency programs; requires programs funded by these additional amounts to be administered by each plan through either the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company or Energy New England LLC.

SD984 - An Act to create and expand student pathways to success

Sponsor:

Sen. John Cronin (D)

Summary:

Establishes a number of initiatives essentially intended to align learning in secondary schools with the workforce skills actually needed in the economy of the Commonwealth. In particular: Establishes and regulates a "Workforce Skills Cabinet" within the Office of the Governor, with the duties to facilitate alignment, collaboration, strategic planning, and joint execution among participating state agencies, offices, and other stakeholders around the development of workforce development strategies for the Commonwealth, among other enumerated responsibilities; Requires the the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to pay each school district a certification award of $1,000 for each student in the district who earns an industry-recognized certification for an occupation that has high employment value, and $800 for each student in the district who earns an industry-recognized certification that meets regional demands identified by the local MassHire workforce board; Requires all public school districts to ensure that all high school students, beginning in the ninth grade, have developed an individual learning plan; Requires all public high schools in Massachusetts to offer at least one foundational computer science course that includes rigorous mathematical or scientific concepts; Requires the workforce skills cabinet to develop a set of strategic goals regarding the expansion of the college and career pathway programs, with the goal being the achievement of universal access for all of the state’s high school students early college programs, vocational/technical education programs, innovation pathway programs, STEM tech career academies, and other similar programs and courses of study; Requires the workforce skills cabinet and DESE to conduct a study of the barriers that exist to creating greater student access to meaningful work-based learning opportunities in the state’s public schools; Requires every public school district to create a plan for implementing the MassCore curriculum as a requirement for graduation.

SD990 - An Act to improve sickle cell care

Sponsor:

Sen. Liz Miranda (D)

Summary:

Makes a number of amendments and additions to existing law to enhance detection of and treatment of sickle cell disease (an inherited blood disorder marked by defective hemoglobin, often found in minority populations). In particular: Defines terms like “iatrogenic infertility” (which is medically induced infertility, when a person becomes infertile due to a medical procedure done to treat another problem, most often chemotherapy or radiation for cancer) and outlines coverage criteria based on evidence-based standards of care. Directs the Division of Medical Assistance to apply for a Medicaid waiver to implement coverage for fertility preservation services before January 1, 2024, subject to approval; Mandates that health insurance policies subject to specific chapters must cover medically necessary expenses for standard fertility preservation services when medical treatment may cause iatrogenic infertility; Prohibits discrimination in health insurance coverage based on various factors, including age, sex, sexual orientation, or marital status; Establishes a Statewide Steering Committee on Sickle Cell Disease within DPH, and requires the committee to study and make recommendations on enhancing access to services, establishing a sickle cell disease registry, coordinating healthcare services for pediatric to adult transitions, and engaging with communities through outreach and education; Directs DPH to provide certain information on the sickle cell trait to individuals and families, including its health impacts, mode of transmission, and implications for pregnancy; Establishes a program within DPH to promote screening and detection of sickle cell disease, especially among underserved populations; Includes a statewide education and outreach campaign, grants to approved organizations for screening services, data compilation, and healthcare professional education programs; Establishes a system for reporting information on sickle cell disease and its variants, including a central registry; Mandates reporting of certain information by healthcare facilities, laboratories, and healthcare providers; Requires notification and counseling for parents when sickle cell trait is detected in newborn screening; Establishes a central registry for sickle cell trait patients, with follow-up consultations recommended at specific intervals; Requires the implementation of a sickle cell disease quality strategy, including measurable goals, provider network capacity, care coordination, provider training, and exceptions to prior authorization for pain medications; Requires an annual sickle cell disease management and accountability report to legislative committees.

SD992 - An Act to establish a perinatal behavioral health care workforce trust fund

Sponsor:

Sen. Liz Miranda (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD994 - An Act allowing certain minors to consent to supportive services

Sponsor:

Sen. Adam Gomez (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD996 - An Act relative to the primary care workforce development and loan repayment grant program at community health centers

Sponsor:

Sen. Liz Miranda (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD999 - An Act designating September as PCOS Awareness Month

Sponsor:

Sen. Liz Miranda (D)

Summary:

No summary necessary.

SD1014 - An Act creating a municipal and public safety building authority

Sponsor:

Sen. Joanne Comerford (D)

Summary:

Adds a new GL Chapter 40X to establish a new independent state authority, the Massachusetts Municipal and Public Safety Building Authority, to be chaired by state treasurer; specifies membership and operating rules for authority; establishes a separate Municipal and Public Safety Building Modernization and Reconstruction Trust Fund financed with cannabis sales tax revenue to assist municipalities with the construction of or improvements to public safety or municipal office buildings.

SD1022 - An Act relative to railroad crew transportation

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael D. Brady (D)

Summary:

Adds significant new responsibilities to the MassDOT Rail and Transit Division relative to regulating railroad crew transportation, insurance requirements for railroads, employee rights, safety investiations and enforcement, revocation of the ability to provide crew transport, and data collection; establishes standards for disqualification from operating crew transports.

SD1036 - An Act to improve Massachusetts home care

Sponsor:

Sen. Patricia D. Jehlen (D)

Summary:

Enacts three new sections into GL Chapter 111 (Public Health) to require licensure for home care agencies; requires certain measures be included in regulations, including background checks, wage and labor compliance, and training requirements; allows for fines for the operation of an unlicensed home care agency or violations of regulations; establishes a home care worker and consumer abuse stakeholder advisory committee and a home care oversight advisory council; articulates the qualifications for members; requires each to review and report on the home care industry and status of home care licensure; applies employer non-discrimination statutes to individuals using a personal care attendant.

SD1043 - An Act authorizing the University of Massachusetts Building Authority to purchase and construct a hospital in the town of Norwood to be operated by UMass Memorial Health Care, Inc

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael F. Rush (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1070 - An Act modernizing school construction

Sponsor:

Sen. Brendan Crighton (D)

Summary:

Amends various provisions related to school construction financing; increases the sales tax and storage, use and consumption tax allocated to the school modernization and reconstruction trust fund from one percent to two percent; allows school districts with a disproportionate share of school buildings in need of renovation, replacement or repair, use up to 1 percent of allocated school aid for costs associated with renovation or replacement; limits reimbursement dollar amounts per square foot to at least the average of the actual construction cost per square foot of all approved school projects from the previous 3 fiscal years. Additionally modifies the formula used to determine the grant percentage for approved school projects; establishes a new school integration percentage as part of the formula; grants up to 10 percentage points to project applications that present clear and convincing evidence that the proposed school building project will significantly improve inter-district or intra-district racial integration of students; prohibits the Massachusetts School Building Authority from disqualifying a proposed project for the Accelerated Repair Program due to the submitted estimated total budget unless it is less than $100,000; authorizes the department of elementary and secondary education to allow extraordinary maintenance projects to qualify as net school spending in amounts up to a total cost per project per school of $500,000.

SD1073 - An Act relative to access for after school and out-of-school time programs

Sponsor:

Sen. Brendan Crighton (D)

Summary:

Adds new Section 63 to GL 7 establishing the After School and Out-of-School Time Opportunity Fund, to be administered by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to support the establishment of and increase access to and the quality of afterschool and out of school time programs; provides that the Fund consist of 3 percent of the receipts of the marijuana excise tax; defines eligibility for funding.

SD1083 - An Act relative to the training, assessment, and assignment of qualified school interpreters in educational settings

Sponsor:

Sen. Brendan Crighton (D)

Summary:

Directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to develop and administer a system for training, assessing and determining qualifications for interpreters in educational settings; requires use of tier 3 interpreters for all specialized meetings, tier 2 or tier 3 interpreters for all standard meetings and tier 1 interpreters during spontaneous, unannounced meetings or communications when tier 2 or tier 3 interpreters are unavailable; requires DESE to develop and make available educational coursework and field experience to ensure an interpreters competency and knowledge, as well as publicly available methods for identifying tier 3 interpreters; additionally requires DESE to adopt regulations to administer a system for training, assessing, and determining qualifications of interpreters in school settings; rquires the system to include language proficiency assessments, required hours of supervised field experience for tier 3 interpreters, and implementation of the publicly accessible mechanism for identifying and securing tier 3 interpreters.

SD1091 - An Act relative to drowsy driving awareness

Sponsor:

Sen. Patricia D. Jehlen (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1096 - An Act responding to the threat of invasive species

Sponsor:

Sen. Patricia D. Jehlen (D)

Summary:

Submits a framework for the control and mitigation of invasive species in the commonwealth; establishes and regulate the use of the Invasive Species Trust Fund, for use by the newly created invasive species committee; establishes and regulates the membership and operation of the comprehensive invasive species office within the executive office of energy and environmental affairs; charges the office with controlling invasive species and coordinating land and waterway management efforts across the state; regulates the contents of the statewide strategic management plan relating to early detection and rapid response, control, enforcement, and education of the public with respect to all taxa of invasive species; establishes and regulates the membership and operation of the invasive species advisory committee to provide information, advice and guidance to the invasive species office; directs the committee to undertake the listed responsibilities, including maintain oversight of invasive species, recommend legislation and administrative policies, prioritize remediation activities, and identify and establish new revenue sources for the trust fund.

SD1097 - An Act relative to sudden cardiac arrest awareness

Sponsor:

Sen. John Velis (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1101 - An Act concerning the Massachusetts Probation Service

Sponsor:

Sen. Patricia D. Jehlen (D)

Summary:

Makes technical amendments across the General Laws by replacing the probation department with the Massachusetts Probation Service.

SD1107 - An Act relative to immigration detention and collaboration agreements

Sponsor:

Sen. Adam Gomez (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1115 - An Act dignifying individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Sponsor:

Sen. Patricia D. Jehlen (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1122 - An Act supporting seniors’ financial stability

Sponsor:

Sen. Patricia D. Jehlen (D)

Summary:

Adds a new Section 79 to GL Chapter 10, directing the office of the State Treasurer to periodically review and update model curriculum to support seniors' financial literacy and stability.

SD1123 - An Act relative to child fatality review

Sponsor:

Sen. Adam Gomez (D)

Summary:

Adds new provisions to GL c.18C (Office of the Child Advocate) that establishes a state child fatality review team and local child fatality review teams to address preventable child fatalities and near fatalities. In particular: The State Child Fatality Review Team is to include the Child Advocate, Commissioner of Public Health, Chief Medical Examiner, and other enumerated officials. The team is to provide recommendations and reports on findings to the government and the public. The Local Child Fatality Review Teams are to be comprised of the various district attorneys, the chief medical examiner in each county, and representatives from various other departments with designated expertise. The aim is to coordinate data collection, promote cooperation among agencies, understand local child fatality causes, and advise the state team on relevant changes. Information shared among the teams is confidential, subject to exemptions from disclosure. Members cannot be questioned in legal proceedings regarding team discussions. Information, documents, and records of the teams are not subject to subpoena or introduction as evidence, ensuring confidentiality. The bill also repeals GL 38:2 which currently regulates state and local multidisciplinary child fatality review teams. Finally, amends GL 38:3 relative to the duty of various persons to report on the death of a person to the Chief Medical Examiner, or to designated medical examiners, by including the State Child Fatality Review Team in the case of the death of a child.

SD1124 - An Act clarifying the child advocate’s authority to access juvenile records

Sponsor:

Sen. Adam Gomez (D)

Summary:

Amends GL Chapter 18C (Office of the Child Advocate); gives the Child Advocate access to probation records and criminal justice information service records; gives the Child Advocate discretion to determine which court records the Advocate may have access to; adds childhood trauma, education, coordination of services among executive state agencies, the availability of reliable data, juvenile contact with criminal justice agencies and contracted services to the jurisdiction of the Advocate; gives the Advocate access to data on adult and juvenile arrests, arraignments, adjudications and dispositions; clarifies that the Advocate may obtain criminal offender record information.

SD1138 - An Act establishing an office of unsolved homicides

Sponsor:

Sen. Liz Miranda (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1139 - An Act relative to equity in public contracting in honor of Bruce C. Bolling

Sponsor:

Sen. Liz Miranda (D)

Summary:

Amends provisions of GL Chapter 7 and GL Chapter 149 to achieve minority business enterprise and women business enterprise contracting goals within the state procurement reflective of diverse racial, ethnic, and gender make-up of the population; directs construction projects, located in low income communities to have a workforce that reflects the demographic diversity of the host community. In particular, the bill requires that any entity awarded a contract under the provisions of GL Chapter 7 (Executive Office for Administration and Finance) must provide written verification with every invoice submitted to the awarding authority detailing the portion of the payment that will be allocated to minority business enterprises and women business enterprises, and reporting the racial, ethnic and gender make-up of the awardees' workforce in Massachusetts.

SD1143 - An Act protecting cannabis equity businesses by enforcing ownership limits

Sponsor:

Sen. Liz Miranda (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1177 - An Act to increase access to menstrual products in public buildings

Sponsor:

Sen. Patricia D. Jehlen (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1184 - An Act increasing access to universal dental care

Sponsor:

Sen. Lydia M. Edwards (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1191 - An Act designating June 7 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day

Sponsor:

Sen. Cindy Friedman (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1201 - An Act relative to a livable wage for human services workers

Sponsor:

Sen. Cindy Friedman (D)

Summary:

Directs the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, or the Department of Housing and Community Development to increase the rate of reimbursement for human services providers according to the listed timeframe in order to eliminate the difference in salary between human service workers and direct support workers employed by the commonwealth; requires elimination of the disparity by July 1, 2025; directs the included departments to submit reports with recommendations for improving recruitment and retention, as well as the current disparity amount and annual increases necessary to eliminate the disparity starting in July 2020 and continuing until the disparity is eliminated.

SD1202 - An Act to advance health equity

Sponsor:

Sen. Pavel Payano (D)

Summary:

This omnibus DEI legislation establishes a new Executive Office of Equity under the Governor's Cabinet, led by a Secretary of Equity, to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion across state government. It mandates incorporating health equity into the Health Policy Commission and the Center for Health Information and Analysis and certain other health related agencies. In particular, among other things: Sets primary care and behavioral health expenditure targets. Evaluates legislative impacts on healthcare costs biennially. Creates a special commission to address health inequities with measurable benchmarks. Establishes an Advisory Board with diverse representation. Requires annual reports on equity objectives and outcomes. Establishes a Health Equity Zone Trust Fund for areas with documented health disparities. Amends recruitment initiatives to support individuals from priority populations. Requires health equity training for healthcare licensees. Establishes programs for individuals ineligible for Medicaid due to immigration status. Please note that HD3226 and SD1202 are identical, but HD138, although very similar, is not.

SD1208 - An Act relative to affirming and maintaining equal access to public education for all children

Sponsor:

Sen. Pavel Payano (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1213 - An Act to establish a Massachusetts public bank

Sponsor:

Sen. James B. Eldridge (D)

Summary:

Adds a new GL Chapter 10A, creating the Massachusetts Public Bank; requires the bank to provide a safe depository for a portion of the public funds in the Commonwealth and to support the economic well-being of the Commonwealth, its cities and towns, its residents, its businesses and its state and municipal institutions; defines duties of the bank, including creating access to affordable financing, enabling the commonwealth to obtain benefits from the federal reserve, financing economic activity, strengthening state-chartered banks, supporting public and quasi-public institutions, supporting small and medium size businesses, increasing affordable housing and more; regulates the operations, governance and powers and duties of the bank, including acceptance and use of deposits; guarantees deposits with the full faith and credit of the Commonwealth.

SD1225 - An Act to require disclosure of conflicts of interests in academic institutions

Sponsor:

Sen. Jason M. Lewis (D)

Summary:

Adds a new Section 30B to GL Chapter 69 (Powers and Duties of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) to direct the board of education to require each higher education institution to maintain a written conflict-of-interest policy to minimize potential conflicts that may arise for any faculty or staff member and is to be published online. Further, any faculty or staff member who has a financial relationship with any entity other than his or her primary employer is required to disclose this relationship publicly. The state ethics commission is directed to issue guidelines to assist institutions in developing and implement such policies.

SD1226 - Resolve increasing representation of all Massachusetts residents in the state house art collection

Sponsor:

Sen. Joanne Comerford (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1235 - An Act relative to food literacy

Sponsor:

Sen. Jason M. Lewis (D)

Summary:

Adds a new Section 1U to GL Chapter 69 establishing food literacy educational standards for public schools in the commonwealth; provides for these standards to address nutrition and personal health, culinary skills, food production, the food system and the environment, hunger, food justice, racial inequities, and potential careers in the food system; directs DESE to make educational resources available to schools, and report annually on the implementation of the standards; and establishes a Food Literacy Trust Fund to support the implementation of food literacy programs in schools.

SD1238 - An Act relative to the protection of vulnerable adults from sexual assault committed by mandated reporters, persons in a position of trust and providers of transportation

Sponsor:

Sen. Jason M. Lewis (D)

Summary:

Adds a new Section 22D to GL Chapter 265, mandating punishment of any mandated reporter, individual with supervisory authority or disciplinary authority over vulnerable adults or individuals responsible for transporting vulnerable adults for sexual intercourse or unnatural sexual intercourse with, or commits indecent assault and battery upon any vulnerable adult; imposes a term of imprisonment up to 20 years for initial cases of sexual intercourse with a vulnerable adult; imposes a term of imprisonment for an indeterminate number of years for second and subsequent offenses; imposes a term of imprisonment up to ten years for assault and battery on a vulnerable adult, and a term of imprisonment up to twenty years for second and subsequent offenses; prohibits consent of the vulnerable adult to sexual intercourse as a defense; defines vulnerable adults as individuals fourteen years of age or older who are admitted to a mental health facility or to a community based or residential facility, who are receiving community based services through the Department of Developmental Services or the Department of Mental Health or the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, or are residents of a long-term care facilities; defines sexual assault of vulnerable adults as offenses subject to the sex offender registration.

SD1242 - An Act to protect the privacy of 911 callers

Sponsor:

Sen. Jason M. Lewis (D)

Summary:

Adds a new Section 18M to GL Chapter 6A (Executive Offices) by adding a section prohibiting the public release of an audio recording of a 911 telephone call without the written consent of the caller, or without a finding by a court that the public interest in the audio recording outweighs the privacy interests of the caller or of any person involved in the circumstances that precipitated the 911 call; authorizes audio recordings be disseminated to law enforcement agencies for investigative purposes and used for public safety and emergency medical services training purposes.

SD1248 - An Act establishing a municipal building assistance program and building authority

Sponsor:

Sen. Edward Kennedy (D)

Summary:

Adds a new GL Chapter 40X establishing the Massachusetts Municipal Building Authority responsible for supporting the planning and construction of municipal facility space; additionally, creates a Municipal Building Modernization and Reconstruction Trust Fund financed with a portion of sales and use tax revenue collected under GLs 64H and 64I.

SD1249 - An Act establishing a public safety building authority and assistance program

Sponsor:

Sen. Edward Kennedy (D)

Summary:

Adds new GL 22F establishing the Massachusetts Public Safety Building Authority responsible for overseeing a public facilities building program and providing assistance for the construction or renovation of police stations, fire stations, and other public safety facilities; additionally, creates a Municipal Building Modernization and Reconstruction Trust Fund financed with a portion of sales and use tax revenue collected under GLs 64H and 64I.

SD1253 - An Act incentivizing the awarding of industry-recognized credentials

Sponsor:

Sen. Brendan Crighton (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1277 - An Act requiring instruction in CPR and the use of defibrillators for high school graduation

Sponsor:

Sen. Bruce E. Tarr (R)

Summary:

Amends GL 69:1L (Health education grants) to include training in external defibrillator use and hands-on practice of CPR in the curriculum of health programs eligible for grants under the section.

SD1278 - An Act relative to dropout prevention and student recovery

Sponsor:

Sen. Pavel Payano (D)

Summary:

Repeals SES 1965:741 which requires school attendance for children up to the age of sixteen, instead requiring attendance up to the age of 18 for children who have not graduated highschool; directs DESE to establish a 3-year pilot to support dropout prevention and recovery programs in highschools with above average dropout rates; requires these programs to utilize alternative education, graduation coaches, or supports for students raising or expecting children; requires DESE to establish guidelines to review the progress of districts participating in the program, and to submit its findings to the legislature.

SD1282 - An Act for the end of Common Core, and establishing certain other curriculum standards

Sponsor:

Sen. Jason M. Lewis (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1289 - An Act to promote comprehensive and inclusive curriculum in schools

Sponsor:

Sen. Adam Gomez (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1291 - An Act relative to third party delivery data reporting

Sponsor:

Sen. Brendan Crighton (D)

Summary:

Adds new section 13 to GL Chapter 159B to mandate that third party delivery platforms submit monthly data reports to the division and lists specific data to provide in the report; directs the division to annually post on its website delivery data by city or town; permits the division to engage in confidential data-sharing agreements for the purposes of congestion management, transportation planning, or emissions tracking; and provides penalties for violations of confidential data-sharing agreements.

SD1303 - An Act relative to college in high school

Sponsor:

Sen. Brendan Crighton (D)

Summary:

Adds new Section 39A to GL Chapter 15A requiring public institutions of higher education to develop procedures to accept for course credit successful completion of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and dual enrollment courses; requires said policies to include conditions for granting credit, minimum exam scores, whether credit shall be granted for general education, major, or elective requirements, and transferability of credit to other institutions. Additionally, adds two sections to GL Chapter 69 establishing the Massachusetts Office of College in High School, responsible for administering high school programs that expand student access to college and post-secondary opportunities; creates a Massachusetts College in High School Trust Fund; directs the Office to establish standards for approving and designating college in high school programs; limits designations as a college in high school program to an initial period of five years, subject to review after the first three; details program requirements as they pertain to student preparation and advancement in higher and professional education; directs the department to set multi-year goals for the commonwealth for the attainment of college degrees and industry-recognized certificates for students participating in college in high school programs; and implements reporting requirements for college in high school programs.

SD1313 - An Act relative to social media, algorithm accountability, and transparency

Sponsor:

Sen. John Velis (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1319 - An Act relative to assisted living and the frail elder waiver

Sponsor:

Sen. Patricia D. Jehlen (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1321 - An Act to maximize participation in federal nutrition programs and improve customer service

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael O. Moore (D)

Summary:

Directs EOHHS to file a report to the Legislature concerning the resources DTA would need to improve access to SNAP benefits and customer service.

SD1355 - An Act promoting racially and culturally inclusive K-12 curriculum

Sponsor:

Sen. Brendan Crighton (D)

Summary:

Amends GL 69:1E (Curriculum frameworks) by strengthening the existing statutory language requiring said frameworks to avoid perpetuating gender, cultural, ethnic or racial stereotypes; requires the frameworks for all academic subjects to be designed to: (i) build racially and culturally responsive knowledge; (ii) combat racial and cultural bias; (iii) elevate the history, achievements, and key writings of members of communities of color and other marginalized communities; and (iv) reflect sensitivity to different learning styles and impediments to learning; directs the Board of Education to develop procedures for updating, improving, or refining said frameworks and to have a meaningful process for soliciting and incorporating input from stakeholders, including educators, students, and members of communities of color and other marginalized communities, in their development.

SD1385 - An Act to promote victim service funding

Sponsor:

Sen. Mark C. Montigny (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1390 - An Act relative to supported decision-making agreements for certain adults with disabilities

Sponsor:

Sen. Joan B. Lovely (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1394 - An Act relative to creating the Massachusetts Against Discrimination Fund

Sponsor:

Sen. Adam Gomez (D)

Summary:

Adds a new section to GL Chapter 10 establishing the Massachusetts Against Discrimination Fund to be used by the commission against discrimination to offset costs associated with its investigation, prosecution and adjudication of claims of unlawful discrimination, and to assist with its training of public and private entities and individuals to prevent and remediate unlawful discrimination; establishes sources of revenue for said Fund, including a voluntary contribution of all or part of any refund to which a taxpayer is entitled.

SD1395 - An Act establishing a commission on the status of children and youth

Sponsor:

Sen. Joan B. Lovely (D)

Summary:

Establishes a permanent commission on the status of children and youth consisting of 20 members from diverse racial, ethnic, religious, sexual orientation, and socio-economic backgrounds to study all matters concerning children and youth; enumerates the powers and responsibilities of the commission, as well as ways for the commission to work towards protecting children and youth; further establishes an advisory council to the commission consisting of at least 23 members, including 3 co-chairs. No specific duties or responsibilities are outlined regarding the advisory council.

SD1398 - An Act enhancing the issuance of citations for cruel conditions for animals

Sponsor:

Sen. Mark C. Montigny (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1401 - An Act empowering students and schools to thrive

Sponsor:

Sen. Adam Gomez (D)

Summary:

Amends GL Chapter 69 (Elementary and Secondary Education) to strike sections 1J and 1K, which establish procedures for the Board to place a school district in receivership; provides instead for the Board to convene a local stakeholder group to develop a support and improvement plan for the school to last not longer than 4 years; amends MCAS requirement to provide that a student may demonstrate required subject matter mastery by satisfactorily completing coursework that has been certified by the student’s district; amends MCAS requirement by making history, social sciences and foreign languages optional parts of test; establishes a special commission to study and make recommendations for a more authentic and accurate system for assessing students, schools and school districts.

SD1411 - An Act relative to enhancing hiring practices to prevent sexual abuse

Sponsor:

Sen. Joan B. Lovely (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1428 - An Act to promote American manufacturing

Sponsor:

Sen. Joan B. Lovely (D)

Summary:

Amends GL 7 and GL 30B (Bidding on public contracts) to require that contracts for the construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, improvement or maintenance of a public building or public works made by a public agency to contain a provision that the iron, steel, fabricated steel, and manufactured goods used pursuant to the contract shall be manufactured in the United States.

SD1445 - An Act to provide a DNA exception for statute of limitations on sex offenses

Sponsor:

Sen. Mark C. Montigny (D)

Summary:

Amends GL 277:63 (limitation of criminal prosecutions) to allow prosecution of sex offenses at any time, including after the expiration of a statute of limitations, if forensic evidence was collected and preserved, can be subjected to DNA testing, and that positively identifies the defendant.

SD1457 - An Act relative to the integrity of state data systems

Sponsor:

Sen. Brendan Crighton (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1458 - An Act relating to public access to historical records

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael Barrett (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1459 - An Act relative to the Massachusetts fund for vulnerable countries most affected by climate change

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael Barrett (D)

Summary:

Establishes a new 10:35EE, creating and regulating the use of the Massachusetts Fund for Vulnerable Countries Most Affected by Climate Change; requires use of the fund to further the mission of the United Nations Least Developed Countries Fund; authorizes a tax return-enabled contribution option for income taxes under GL 62, allowing those filing individual and joint income tax returns to voluntarily contribute all or part of a refund to the MFVC.Additionally creates a new GL 62:6P regulating the placement of tax return-enabled contributions on the personal income tax return; requires legislative authorization of any questions included on the return, and the removal of any questions which fail result in sufficient contributions; establishes financial thresholds for inclusion on the return in subsequent years; limits the number of tax return-enabled contributions on a personal tax return to between 3 and 9 options; requires clear identification of the beneficiary of such contributions; requires entities that receive such contributions to comply with annual reporting requirements detailing expenditures and disbursements; directs the state auditor to audit accounts or funds associated with tax-return enabled contributions at least once every 5 years.

SD1466 - An Act to enhance the alignment and career focus of college and career pathway programs

Sponsor:

Sen. Pavel Payano (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1473 - An Act to promote student college and career success and civic engagement

Sponsor:

Sen. Jason M. Lewis (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1474 - An Act regulating alternative healing therapies

Sponsor:

Sen. Mark C. Montigny (D)

Summary:

Amends existing laws relating to the licensure of massage therapists (GL 112:227 - 235) to include the licensing and registration of bodywork therapists; establishes and regulates the membership and operation of a 7 person board of registration in massage therapy and bodywork to be appointed by the governor; requires the board to administer and enforce laws related to the licensure of massage therapists and bodyworks therapists, the practice of massage therapy, bodyworks and the operation of massage schools and bodyworks schools, including those for continuing education and investigation of unauthorized practice; exempts practices that are otherwise regulated or licensed by an existing organization or credentialing body. Defines bodywork therapy as the use of touch, words or directed movement to deepen awareness of patterns of movement in the body, or the affectation of the human energy system or acupoints or Qi meridians of the human body; prohibits any person from claiming to be a massage therapist, bodywork therapist or bodyworker or otherwise practice massage, massage therapy, bodyworks or bodyworks therapy without a valid license; exempts individuals licensed in other states, who provide bodywork therapy exclusively for family members, who holds a related license in which bodywork is within the scope of practice or licensed individuals from other states incidentally in the commonwealth for an emergency response team from licensing requirements and other uncompensated massage offered as part of a sporting, health or other event under the supervision of a licensed professional; allows municipalities to adopt additional ordinances or bylaws relative to health and safety, that are consistent with or exceed existing state laws. Regulates the licensure process for obtaining a bodywork therapy license, including presenting two letters of reference, as well as evidence of completion of a relevant course of study, possession of liability insurance and that they have not been convicted in any jurisdiction of a sexually-related crime or a crime involving moral turpitude during the ten years prior to an initial application; authorizes and regulates investigation of complaints related to the practice of massage therapy or bodyworks therapy, including unauthorized practice, inappropriate touching, offering medical opinions or diagnoses or negligence; requires the board to establish requirements for continuing education; requires massage therapy or bodyworks schools to teach at least one hour in domestic violence and sexual assault. Authorizes law enforcement officials to enter bodywork therapy establishments upon appropriate legal process; directs the board to start accepting applications for licenses by July 1, 2023.

SD1491 - An Act protecting transportation network driver data privacy and integrity

Sponsor:

Sen. John Cronin (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1495 - An Act relative to traffic regulation using road safety cameras

Sponsor:

Sen. William N. Brownsberger (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1503 - An Act relative to executive compensation for mutual companies

Sponsor:

Sen. Mark C. Montigny (D)

Summary:

Enacts a new section in the GL c.175 (Insurance) to require the Commissioner of Insurance to promulgate regulations with the express purpose of increasing transparency, and in particular, by requiring a mutual or mutual holding company to provide full and accurate disclosure of all compensation to the named executive officers or directors, whether paid or accrued and of all conflicts of interest, whether direct or indirect; and requiring that, at least once every 3 years, a proxy or consent or authorization or solicitation or notice of an annual meeting include a separate resolution subject to a non-binding vote to approve or disapprove the compensation of the named executive officers or directors.

SD1509 - An Act supporting family caregivers

Sponsor:

Sen. Joanne Comerford (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1510 - An Act relative to juvenile offenders

Sponsor:

Sen. Patrick O'Connor (R)

Summary:

Amends GL 119:52 and 54 to amend the statutory definition of delinquent child to lower the threshold age to 9; current law establishes that age as 12.

SD1516 - An Act relative to LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum

Sponsor:

Sen. Julian A. Cyr (D)

Summary:

Amends the statewide education goals in GL 69:1D to add education on the history and contributions of LGBTQ+ people in the US and Massachusetts.

SD1527 - An Act to provide additional funding for animal welfare and safety programming

Sponsor:

Sen. Mark C. Montigny (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1533 - An Act reducing the financial penalty imposed on customers who shift to heat pumps, electric appliances, and electric vehicles

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael Barrett (D)

Summary:

Amends several sections of GL Chapters 25 and 164 to adjust the structure of certain fixed charges imposed by gas and electric companies on consumers, including fees that fund energy efficiency programs and the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust Fund, and recover costs associated with DPU assessments; requires that said fixed charges utilize a tiered structure that places a reduced burden on low-income ratepayers; additionally, requires that gas and electric company rates, prices, charges, or schedules be structured in such a way as to advance compliance with the Commonwealth’s emission limits; and authorizes DPU to promulgate regulations implementing these provisions.

SD1538 - An Act relative to updating the licensure of optometrists

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael O. Moore (D)

Summary:

The bill amends various provisions amendments primarily focus on licensing requirements, qualifications, and regulations related to optometry practice in Massachusetts. Current law makes various distinctions as to whether pharmacists are licensed to prescribe therapeutic pharmaceutical agents and diagnostic pharmaceutical agents, and this bill introduces additional distinctions. In particular the bill: Completely rewrites and streamlines the definition of the “practice of optometry”; Adds a requirement that optometrists licensed before January 1, 1984, and who haven't taken the board-approved testing by January 1, 2022, must retake and pass an applicable licensing examination for the use of diagnostic pharmaceutical agents; Adds a requirement that optometrists licensed before January 1, 1994, must retake and pass an applicable licensing examination for the use of therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, including glaucoma and oral medications if they haven't taken the board-approved testing by January 1, 2022; Adds a requirement that optometrists licensed before January 1, 2021, must take and pass an applicable licensing examination for the use of therapeutic pharmaceutical agents if they haven't taken the board-approved testing by January 1, 2025; Specifies the requirements for recording certificates of registration, displaying them, and providing purchase information to customers. Replaces “habitual drunkenness” with “substance misuse” in provisions related to character; Authorizes optometrists to practice and advertise under a trade or service name (but requiring prominent display of the optometrist's name at practice locations and in advertisements); Sets penalties for unauthorized practice of optometry and deceptive advertising; Regulates advertising of eyeglasses, contact lenses, and eyeglass frames and specifying permissible terms for optometrist advertising.

SD1549 - An Act to establish home energy efficiency ratings

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael Barrett (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1552 - An Act relative to full funding of regional school district transportation

Sponsor:

Sen. John Cronin (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1578 - An Act to ban discriminatory admissions practices at higher education institutions

Sponsor:

Sen. Mark C. Montigny (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1581 - An Act providing for the creation of a permanent commission relative to the education of American Indian and Alaska Native residents of the Commonwealth

Sponsor:

Sen. Liz Miranda (D)

Summary:

Adds a new Section 159A to GL Chapter 6 to establish a 17-member permanent commission on American Indian and Alaska Native education; articulates the qualifications and terms of commission members; directs the commission to investigate the use of resources from both the public and private sectors to enhance and improve the ability of state agencies to provide educational opportunities and improve educational outcomes for all American Indian and Alaska Native students in order to further tribal self-determination and to help ensure that students have an opportunity to learn their heritage languages and histories and to receive complete and competitive educations that prepare them for college, careers, and productive satisfying lives; requires the commission to file an annual report with the legislature.

SD1588 - An Act to strengthen justice and support for sex trade survivors

Sponsor:

Sen. Cindy Friedman (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1596 - An Act promoting and enhancing the sustainability of birth centers and the midwifery workforce

Sponsor:

Sen. Joan B. Lovely (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1600 - An Act modernizing the governance of Port Authority parks in East Boston

Sponsor:

Sen. Lydia M. Edwards (D)

Summary:

Amends provisions of a 1986 act (An Act Providing for the Development of Facilities Within Boston Harbor for the Lobster Fishing Industry and Further Providing for the Revitalization of the East Boston Peers Property). Some of these are technical changes, such as updating references to the Metropolitan District Commission to the Department of Conservation and Recreation or the Division of Capital Planning and Operations to the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, but others are more substantive, including contracting the project from Piers 1-5 in East Boston to Piers 1-4, and dividing the plan into three phases. The legislation also makes changes to the membership and governance of the Project Advisory Committee; establishes that any construction of a park under the act is considered a public works project, and prevailing wage laws apply; includes an exception for Phase III park if leased to a nonprofit corporation for conservation purposes; removes references to a lobster facility; establishes that MassPort is responsible for funding the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the parks, with the exception of Phase III, which requires bonds to be issued by the Commonwealth for construction. The Authority must enter into a contract with the PAC regarding the operation, security, and maintenance of the parks, with penalties for non-compliance.

SD1615 - An Act relative to student financial literacy

Sponsor:

Sen. Patrick O'Connor (R)

Summary:

Amends GL 69:1Q (Powers and duties of the department of elementary and secondary education) to require school districts, charter schools, approved private day or residential schools and collaborative schools to incorporate financial literacy standards into existing curriculum including, but not limited to, mathematics, history and social sciences, technology or business; adds new section 98 to GL 71 (Public schools) to require that financial literacy be taught as a required subject; provides that such instruction include (i) loans; (ii) interest and interest accrual; (iii) credit card debt; (iv) online commerce; (v) rights and responsibilities of renting or buying a home; (vi) saving, investing and planning for retirement; (vii) the role of banking and financial services; (viii) balancing a checkbook; (ix) state and federal taxes; (x) charitable giving; (xi) evaluating media content, including online content, that relates to personal finance matters; and (xii) saving, investing and planning for higher education or professional training; allows department to apply for federal, state or other funding, including funding available through the Economic Empowerment Trust Fund to implement the law.

SD1617 - An Act relative to unsolved homicides

Sponsor:

Sen. Liz Miranda (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1619 - An Act relative to transparency and accountability in procurement

Sponsor:

Sen. Liz Miranda (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1626 - An Act relative to growing resources to optimize the utilization of group therapeutic care

Sponsor:

Sen. John Velis (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1630 - An Act creating an independent correctional oversight office to facilitate the recommendations of the Special Legislative Commission on Structural Racism in Correctional Facilities of the Commonwealth

Sponsor:

Sen. Liz Miranda (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1637 - An Act establishing the fourth Thursday in March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day

Sponsor:

Sen. Cindy Friedman (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1644 - An Act relative to fair investment

Sponsor:

Sen. Cindy Friedman (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1653 - An Act providing for phone free schools

Sponsor:

Sen. Brendan Crighton (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1680 - An Act to facilitate student financial assistance

Sponsor:

Sen. Joanne Comerford (D)

Summary:

Amends GL 69:1D relative to statewide educational goals and academic standards to add provisions to promote the maximization of federal and state postsecondary financial aid options for graduating students. In particular, it requires students to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before graduating from high school, with exemptions available if the parent or guardian authorizes the student to decline, or if the student is 18 years old or older or legally emancipated. DESE will be required to develop two forms, one to be signed by a parent, guardian or the student and the other to be filed by the school district on behalf of students under 18. School districts must ensure compliance and provide support to students. The commissioner will provide guidance, and districts must report annually on FAFSA completion and exemptions. In addition, establishes and regulates the FAFSA Trust Fund, which will be administered by the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, which may be used for implementation and execution of training, workshops, collaboration with stakeholders, and community organizations.

SD1691 - An Act establishing the human service transportation (HST) consumer advisory board

Sponsor:

Sen. Robyn Kennedy (D)

Summary:

Establishes within the executive office of health and human services the human service transportation (HST) consumer advisory board to advance the quality of nonemergency transportation to medical, community and other health and human services for persons with disabilities and to identify challenges and solutions to address the experience and concerns of consumers using this service; specifies membership and duties of board.

SD1693 - An Act regarding families and children in need of assistance

Sponsor:

Sen. Robyn Kennedy (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1697 - An Act to improve oral health for all Massachusetts residents

Sponsor:

Sen. Jason M. Lewis (D)

Summary:

Modifies numerous provisions of the general laws to promote improved oral health for all residents of the commonwealth; requires public schools to notify parents and guardians of the importance of public health on a form developed by the department of public health; allows a licensed dental therapist under the supervision of a practitioner to possess and distribute controlled substances.Establishes a comprehensive system for the licensing of dental therapists under GL Chapter 112; requires applicants to have a master's degree in dental therapy program that includes both dental therapy and dental hygiene, to pass a comprehensive examination in dental therapy approved by the board of registration in dentistry, and to have liability insurance; requires applicants to have practiced under the direct supervision of a supervising dentist for at least two years or 2,500 hours before practicing under general supervision under a collaborative management agreement; directs the board to approve the exam by January 1, 2020; regulates the licensure process, including for individuals licensed in other states.Defines the scope of practice for licensed dental therapists; allows licensed dental therapists to perform all acts of a public health dental hygienist and those in the commission on dental accreditation dental therapy standards, including performing oral evaluations, assessments of disease, development of treatment plans, and dispensing non-narcotic analgesics, anti-inflammatories and antibiotics; prohibits dental therapists from supervising more than two dental hygienists and two dental assistance; prohibits them from overseeing other dental therapists; regulates the scope of their practice; allows performance of advanced procedures after completing 2,500 hours and under the direct supervision of a supervising dentist, including simple extractions, fabrication and placement of crowns and pulp capping.Directs the Department of Public Health to evaluate the impact of dental therapists practicing under general supervision, and to make recommendations on whether they should be able to perform advanced procedures under general supervision; requires the board of registration in dentistry to establish regulations that implement the relevant scope of practice and working conditions recommended by DPH for dental therapists; regulates the permissible patient panel of a dental therapist; defines areas of consideration for DPH in its study of the impact of dental therapists; requires completion of the study within three years of the first graduating class of dental therapists.

SD1706 - An Act relative to student assessment data

Sponsor:

Sen. Patricia D. Jehlen (D)

Summary:

Amends GL 71:89 regarding the approval of new charter schools in school districts of the Commonwealth; changes the evaluation criteria resulting in approval of at least 2 new charter schools in school districts and increasing district funding of charter schools to between 9 and 18 percent; prohibits using statewide assessment system results and performance in the lowest 10% statewide as the metric for determining eligibility for new charter school approval or additional funding of charter schools; requires use of student growth in the lowest 10% as the metric for new charter school approval and additional district funding.

SD1710 - An Act establishing a program for local art and community engagement

Sponsor:

Sen. Robyn Kennedy (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1713 - An Act relative to creating a voluntary do-not-sell list

Sponsor:

Sen. Robyn Kennedy (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1716 - An Act ensuring access to behavioral health services for children involved with state agencies

Sponsor:

Sen. Brendan Crighton (D)

Summary:

Amends GL 19:21 to specify the Department of Mental Health’s responsibilities for individuals requiring specialized mental health services to include inpatient services, community-based services, mobile crisis intervention, intensive residential programs, and crisis stabilization services; amends GL Chapter 119 to direct the Department of Children and Families to develop an emergency response plan for medical and behavioral health crises in congregate care settings, which includes de-escalation strategies, suicide prevention, and peer support; mandates that congregate care programs implement emergency response plans; allows for children in the department’s care or custody to return to their congregate care program following a leave of absence if it is deemed appropriate by department’s emergency team; orders the department to create a plan addressing the access to mental and behavioral health services for children in state custody or care; outlines plan requirements; establishes a special commission to study children and adolescents with behavioral health needs whose needs are not adequately met through the department’s inpatient hospitalizations, community-based treatment, or residential treatment; lists commission membership requirements and directs their findings to be submitted by January 1, 2024.

SD1723 - An Act relative to the membership of the forensic science oversight board

Sponsor:

Sen. Jason M. Lewis (D)

Summary:

Amends GL 6:184A to add appointees of the Massachusetts Organization of State Engineers and Scientists (MOSES) and the union representing the Boston Police Department Forensic Group to the forensic science oversight board.

SD1740 - An Act establishing an office of restorative justice

Sponsor:

Sen. Robyn Kennedy (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1743 - An Act relative to constables in the commonwealth

Sponsor:

Sen. Robyn Kennedy (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1752 - An Act relative to expanding access to healthy food choices in vending machines on state property

Sponsor:

Sen. Jason M. Lewis (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1757 - An Act relative to language access and inclusion

Sponsor:

Sen. Sal N. DiDomenico (D)

Summary:

Adds new GL chapter 6F, requiring any public-facing agency (defined as a Massachusetts executive office, department, or division that provides assistance, services or information to the public) to provide timely, culturally competent oral language services to all LEP persons or auxiliary aids and services to deaf or hard of hearing persons who seek to access state services, programs, or activities or those of outside service providers; specifies requirements for written communications, websites, personnel, staffing, training and reporting requirements of such public-facing agencies; requires such agencies to develop language access plans, community needs assessments and internal agency assessments; establishes a language access advisory board specifying its composition and duties; establishes a private right of action for enforcement; codifies Governor's office of access and opportunity; sets out schedule for agency implementation.

SD1761 - An Act promoting high-quality comprehensive literacy instruction in all Massachusetts schools

Sponsor:

Sen. Sal N. DiDomenico (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1762 - An Act ensuring high quality pre-kindergarten education

Sponsor:

Sen. Sal N. DiDomenico (D)

Summary:

Amends GL Chapter 15D (Early Education and Care) to add provisions to require the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop and administer the High Quality Pre-Kindergarten Education grant program for high quality pre-kindergarten programs for children between the ages of 9 months to 2 years. The grants are to be used to invest in a high quality, mixed delivery early education system in order to reduce the achievement gap and improve third grade reading scores. Grants are to be awarded in the first year to districts designated as underperforming or chronically underperforming. In the second year, grants may be awarded to districts designated as 'Level 3' pursuant to DESE's accountability rankings and with 3rd grade proficiency scores of 25 through 46 inclusive. In the third year, grants may be awarded to districts with an accountability ranking of Level 3 or Level 2 and a 3rd grade reading proficiency score of 47 through 54. In subsequent years, the criteria for grant awards become progressively less strict.

SD1769 - An Act relative to school library standards

Sponsor:

Sen. Jake Oliveira (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1770 - An Act to encourage retirement planning

Sponsor:

Sen. Sal N. DiDomenico (D)

Summary:

Adds a new section in GL c. 10 (Department of the State Treasurer) that establishes and regulates the Massachusetts Secure Choice Savings Program Act, with both a savings fund and an administrative fund. In particular: Requires the savings fund to be administered and controlled by a seven person board; Establishes and regulates the membership and operation of the board; Directs the board to ensure that the program focuses on participation, savings, sound investment practices, ease of use, efficient enrollment and portability; Regulates investment option under the program; Directs the board to evaluate different investment options and hire qualified parties, including investment managers, financial institutions and auditors, to run the program and fund; Requires the Board to distribute information about the program to eligible employers; Requires employers to establish a payroll system for employee contributions and to automatically enroll employees who do not opt out of the program; Regulates employee options for participation; Requires annual audited financial reports by the board; Imposes penalties on employers who fail to enroll employees in the program; and Details administrative requirements for implementation of the program. Please note that this substantive bill is substantially similar to but not identical to HB996.

SD1774 - An Act to reduce waste and recycling costs in the commonwealth

Sponsor:

Sen. Sal N. DiDomenico (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1777 - An Act relative to healthy youth

Sponsor:

Sen. Sal N. DiDomenico (D)

Summary:

Adds new Section 1E½ to GL Chapter 69 to require school districts and other schools to file an annual report with DESE regarding their sex education policy; provides for the reports to be made public and submitted to DPH. Amends GL 71:32A (Sex education) to further outline the requirements of school districts and charter schools to notify parents of their sex education instruction and the right to opt out. Establishes a new GL 71:32B requiring that any district or charter school providing sex education to provide it in a medically accurate, age appropriate, and comprehensive fashion; outlines the components of such, including human development, anatomy, and reproduction, the benefits of abstinence, the prevention of STIs and unintended pregnancy, the options for pregnancy including parenting, adoption, and abortion, how to effectively discuss safe sex and consent, healthy relationships, recognizing and preventing violence, affirmative recognition of gender identity, sexual orientation, and gender expression, and social media use; requires any district or charter school that follows the Massachusetts curriculum framework to offer such sex education.

SD1785 - An Act establishing a Massachusetts children’s cabinet

Sponsor:

Sen. Sal N. DiDomenico (D)

Summary:

Adds new provisions to GL Chapter 6A (Executive Offices) to establish and regulate a "Children's Cabinet." The cabinet is to include several secretaries and commissioners, and is, among other things, intended to develop and implement a shared and cohesive vision using integrated services to improve child, youth, and family outcomes, including issues relating to child poverty, educational preparedness, mental health, homelessness, foster care, juvenile justice, and the health, safety and welfare of children. In addition, the Governor is to appoint an advisory committee that will meet not less six times a year. The Children’s Cabinet is to provide an annual report concerning its activities, by November 1 of each year.

SD1797 - An Act promoting healthcare access and affordability for patients

Sponsor:

Sen. Sal N. DiDomenico (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1803 - An Act relative to financial technology services

Sponsor:

Sen. Sal N. DiDomenico (D)

Summary:

Enacts a new Chapter 140F into the General Laws, entitled Licensing of Earned Wage Access Services Providers. The new chapter regulates employer-integrated wage access services, which is the business of delivering to consumers access to earned but unpaid income that is based on employment, income, or attendance data obtained directly or indirectly from an employer. The chapter outlines requirements for obtaining a license, exempts certain entities like banks and credit unions, and permits participation in multi-state licensing systems. It details application procedures, including background checks and investigation fees. Additionally, the chapter clarifies that earned wage access services are not considered loans, money transmission, or debt collection under state law. Fees paid by consumers are not deemed interest or finance charges. Existing providers can continue operations until July 1, 2025, provided they apply for a license before January 1, 2025, and comply with the chapter's provisions.

SD1820 - An Act establishing a loan repayment program for human services workers

Sponsor:

Sen. Sal N. DiDomenico (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1828 - An Act relative to the licensure of behavior analysts

Sponsor:

Sen. Sal N. DiDomenico (D)

Summary:

Establishes and regulates the membership and operation of a Board of Registration of Applied Behavior Analysts under the Division of Professional Licensure; directs the board to create rules and regulations for the licensing of applied behavior analysts and assistant applied behavior analysts; repeals provisions placing the licensing of applied behavior analysts under the Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions; imposes penalties for the unauthorized practice of behavior analysis; authorizes license revocation and other penalties for violation of conduct standards.

SD1839 - An Act relative to a future blue economy

Sponsor:

Sen. Dylan Fernandes (D)

Summary:

Directs the Department of Environmental Protection, the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to establish funds to keep keeps material, products, and services in circulation for as long as possible, to improve ocean health and the responsible use of the ocean, and to expand ocean sector jobs in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.

SD1842 - An Act relative to the sex offender registry

Sponsor:

Sen. Sal N. DiDomenico (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1852 - An Act relative to amending certain use restrictions for the Foxborough State Hospital

Sponsor:

Sen. Paul Feeney (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1873 - An Act making October 25th Dwarfism Awareness Day in the Commonwealth

Sponsor:

Sen. Paul Feeney (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1875 - An Act designating October 15 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day

Sponsor:

Sen. Paul Feeney (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1897 - An Act establishing a commission on quality patient outcomes and nurse staffing

Sponsor:

Sen. Bruce E. Tarr (R)

Summary:

Adds a new Section 220 to GL Chapter 6 to establish a 15 member Commission on nurse staffing in hospitals located within, but not subject to the control of, EOHHS; directs the Commission to work to develop safe staffing levels for all hospital units; articulates the qualifications, term and responsibilities of Commission members; requires the Commission to file an annual report with the Joint Committee on Public Health by March 1 each year.

SD1907 - An Act relative to expungement of juvenile and young adult records

Sponsor:

Sen. Cynthia Stone Creem (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1909 - An Act promoting economic development with emerging artificial intelligence models and safety

Sponsor:

Sen. Barry Finegold (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1910 - An Act enhancing health care market oversight and pharmaceutical access

Sponsor:

Sen. Cindy Friedman (D)

Summary:

This bill, comprising 155 sections and 118 printed pages, is substantially similar to Chapter 343 of the Acts of 2024, which was the “market review” bill that overhauled the oversight of hospitals and other stakeholders in the health care system (especially in the wake of the Stewart Hospital system bankruptcy). As such, this bill would either duplicate or alter the carefully negotiated comprise that was worked out between the House and Senate, and culminated in HB5159, the conference committee report that was not laid before the Governor until 12/30/2024.

SD1911 - An Act to ensure equitable access to education, including special education services, for all students in Massachusetts

Sponsor:

Sen. Cynthia Stone Creem (D)

Summary:

Directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to annually analyze and publish information pertaining to school performance, corporal punishment of students, student punishments, school bullying, activities of school resource officers, charter school operations, school census data, standardized testing results, student class assignments, reports of superintendents and more. Requires school performance data collected and provided by school districts to include measurements on children receiving special education, including their demographic breakdown, services provided, use of assistive technology, behavioral supports and interventions, and transition services; defines statistically significant increases in the rates of students with disabilities assigned to substantially separate classrooms for any racial or ethnic group as prima facie denial of equal educational opportunities.

SD1913 - An Act to promote Yes in My Back Yard

Sponsor:

Sen. Brendan Crighton (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1931 - An Act relative to funding of the Massachusetts State House police memorial

Sponsor:

Sen. Nicholas P. Collins (D)

Summary:

Adds new Section 35CC to GL 10 (Department of the State Treasurer) establishing the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial Fund to be used by the Department of Public Safety for the purpose of making annual payments to the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial to honor law enforcement personnel killed in the line of duty; credits revenues received by the Commonwealth from the sale of low-speed vehicle registration plates to the Fund.

SD1935 - An Act to establish a downtown vitality fund to strengthen local business districts and main streets

Sponsor:

Sen. John Cronin (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1939 - An Act relative to a business entity

Sponsor:

Sen. Nicholas P. Collins (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1941 - An Act relative to the employment of persons with disabilities

Sponsor:

Sen. Nicholas P. Collins (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1961 - An Act to promote energy and economic resilience through clean energy education and job pathway programs

Sponsor:

Sen. Edward Kennedy (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD1967 - An Act establishing Building Trades Recovery Week

Sponsor:

Sen. Nicholas P. Collins (D)

Summary:

Adds a new Section 15JJJJJJ to GL Chapter 6, directing the Governor to annually issue a proclamation setting apart the last full week in April as Building Trades Recovery Week, for the Buildings Trades Employers Association to promote awareness of the dangers of opioids and substance misuse among workers in the construction industry and to facilitate discussions and events to combat the opioid epidemic and promote mental health in the Commonwealth's building construction industry.

SD1984 - An Act creating a climate bank in Massachusetts

Sponsor:

Sen. Paul W. Mark (D)

Summary:

Adds a new Section 15 to GL Chapter 23J (Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center) by adding provisions relative to a new Massachusetts Climate Bank. As proposed, the bank would (1) evaluate, coordinate and facilitate innovative financing solutions for climate and clean energy innovations in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, in line with achieving the commonwealth’s greenhouse gas emissions limits and sub-limits pursuant to GL Chapter 21N; (2) provide loans and technical assistance or risk management to qualified climate and clean energy innovations; (3) foster the development and consistent application of transparent underwriting standards, standard contractual terms, and measurement and verification protocols for qualified climate and clean energy innovations; (4) ease the economic effects of transitioning from a carbon-based economy to a clean energy economy; (5) facilitate job creation through the construction and operation of climate and clean energy innovations; (6) facilitate and accelerate the deployment of climate and clean energy innovations and promote climate resilience in disadvantaged and low-income communities; and (7) work to eliminate the use of fossil fuels and carbon emitting fuels throughout the Commonwealth and across all sectors. The bank is to be governed by a board of directors known as the Massachusetts Climate Finance Board, consisting of 11 members; the bank may not invest in or hold common stock or another equity investment in natural gas and utility scale biomass projects; funding for the bank in any single fiscal year is to be available, without the need for further appropriation, in a total amount of not less than $10 million from (1) money generated by all cap and trade pollution control programs; (2) amounts from alternative compliance payments established and administered under 225 CMR 14.00; and (3) other funds that the secretary may provide through fees from enforcement of market-based compliance mechanisms under GL Chapter 21N. By request of the governor, the state treasurer may also issue and sell up to $750,000,000 in bonds within a given fiscal year to capitalize the bank. NOTE: GL 23J:15 already exists; it was created by SES 2022:179:21.

SD2010 - An Act relative to the dental licensure compact in Massachusetts

Sponsor:

Sen. Paul W. Mark (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2012 - An Act improving accessibility in the creative economy

Sponsor:

Sen. Paul W. Mark (D)

Summary:

Amends GL 6:186 (The Governor, Certain Officers Under the Governor, etc.) to establish a new Accessibility in the Creative Economy Trust Fund and grant program, to be administered by the Office on Disability, for the purpose of supporting projects involving the disabled that are part of the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences sector; requires that no less than .05 of the funds appropriated for EOHHS is to be designated for the ACE grant program.

SD2014 - An Act relative to transformative development initiatives in rural communities

Sponsor:

Sen. Paul W. Mark (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2036 - An Act authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to convey an easement across certain property in the Dorchester section of the city of Boston to the Boston Gas Company

Sponsor:

Sen. Nicholas P. Collins (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2055 - An Act to promote transparency in prescription drug prices

Sponsor:

Sen. Edward Kennedy (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2058 - An Act to grow and maintain space in cities and towns for the creative economy

Sponsor:

Sen. Liz Miranda (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2062 - An Act relative to student safety in interscholastic athletic activities

Sponsor:

Sen. Paul Feeney (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2064 - An Act establishing a primary seat belt law

Sponsor:

Sen. Paul Feeney (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2072 - An Act prioritizing underserved businesses

Sponsor:

Sen. Adam Gomez (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2076 - An Act establishing an internal special audit unit within the Cannabis Control Commission

Sponsor:

Sen. Michael O. Moore (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2088 - An Act preventing gas expansion to protect climate, community health and safety

Sponsor:

Sen. Adam Gomez (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2096 - An Act to secure housing for returning citizens

Sponsor:

Sen. Adam Gomez (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2101 - An Act relative to modernizing licensure of dietitians and nutritionists

Sponsor:

Sen. Jason M. Lewis (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2111 - An Act establishing a Massachusetts Baby Bonds program

Sponsor:

Sen. Paul Feeney (D)

Summary:

Adds new Section 79 to GL Chapter 10 establishing a Baby Bonds Trust fund administered by the Treasurer to support beneficiaries in pursuing education, housing, or entrepreneurship; sets out eligibility criteria to include individuals born on or after July 1, 2024, and who received assistance under TAFDC or who have been in the care or custody of DCF within the first year of their life; establishes a Baby Bonds Trust Fund Advisory Board and a Massachusetts Baby Bonds Community Advisory Committee to assist in the management of the program; allows beneficiaries to claim their distribution from the fund after turning 18, provided that said distribution will be applied towards an eligible expenditure.

SD2112 - An Act to establish a November holiday honoring President John F. Kennedy, to promote increased voter participation and civic engagement

Sponsor:

Sen. Paul Feeney (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2115 - An Act to promote public safety and better outcomes for youths

Sponsor:

Sen. Brendan Crighton (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2116 - An Act relative to student access and return on investment of college and career pathways programs

Sponsor:

Sen. John Cronin (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2125 - An Act criminalizing sexual assault of a passenger by a rideshare operator

Sponsor:

Sen. Rebecca Rausch (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2130 - An Act promoting equality and respect in the legislature

Sponsor:

Sen. Rebecca Rausch (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2140 - An Act promoting racially integrated schools

Sponsor:

Sen. Brendan Crighton (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2144 - An Act fostering agricultural resilience in Massachusetts

Sponsor:

Sen. Joanne Comerford (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2154 - An Act to promote public procurement and inclusive entrepreneurship

Sponsor:

Sen. John Cronin (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2159 - An Act providing oversight of youth sports and combat sports in the Commonwealth

Sponsor:

Sen. Barry Finegold (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2171 - An Act enhancing the safety of first responders

Sponsor:

Sen. Paul W. Mark (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2174 - An Act relative to healthy school lunches

Sponsor:

Sen. Jason M. Lewis (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2181 - An Act relative to protecting the residents of the Commonwealth from dangerous persons

Sponsor:

Sen. Bruce E. Tarr (R)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2186 - An Act relative to protecting the people of the Commonwealth from danger

Sponsor:

Sen. Bruce E. Tarr (R)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2187 - An Act promoting governmental efficiency

Sponsor:

Sen. Rebecca Rausch (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2191 - An Act to strengthen laws combatting human trafficking and protecting survivors of modern-day slavery

Sponsor:

Sen. Mark C. Montigny (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2197 - An Act relative to celebrating and teaching Native American culture and history

Sponsor:

Sen. Rebecca Rausch (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2206 - An Act regarding information governance

Sponsor:

Sen. Rebecca Rausch (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2210 - An Act establishing a commission to study reparations in Massachusetts

Sponsor:

Sen. Liz Miranda (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2218 - An Act enhancing child welfare protections

Sponsor:

Sen. Robyn Kennedy (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2220 - An Act to regulate the use of mobile communication devices in educational institutions

Sponsor:

Sen. Patrick O'Connor (R)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2230 - An Act to improve access, opportunity, and capacity in Massachusetts vocational-technical education

Sponsor:

Sen. Paul Feeney (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2238 - An Act to revitalize agriculture, conditioning and simulcasting

Sponsor:

Sen. Paul Feeney (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2240 - An Act regulating internet gaming

Sponsor:

Sen. Paul Feeney (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2252 - An Act promoting scientific literacy in schools

Sponsor:

Sen. Paul W. Mark (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2274 - An Act to protect the independence of clinical decision making

Sponsor:

Sen. Paul Feeney (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2275 - An Act to promote economic mobility through ESOL

Sponsor:

Sen. Paul Feeney (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2276 - An Act providing nature for all

Sponsor:

Sen. Paul Feeney (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2281 - An Act relative to local preference in affordable housing

Sponsor:

Sen. Brendan Crighton (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2282 - An Act relative to athletic training

Sponsor:

Sen. Barry Finegold (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2285 - An Act regulating screen time and technology privacy in early and K-12 education

Sponsor:

Sen. John Velis (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2288 - An Act ensuring safer and secure communications with radiation limits through the Massachusetts Broadband Institute

Sponsor:

Sen. John Velis (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2305 - An Act promoting a just transition and clean energy workforce standards

Sponsor:

Sen. Paul Feeney (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2312 - An Act relative to setting proportionate penalties for the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and carfentanil

Sponsor:

Sen. Patrick O'Connor (R)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2319 - An Act to improve care and prepare for the new era of Alzheimer’s and dementia

Sponsor:

Sen. Adam Gomez (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2325 - An Act to protect the independence of clinical decision making

Sponsor:

Sen. Bruce E. Tarr (R)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2333 - An Act protecting sensitive personal information from breaches and other cybersecurity incidents

Sponsor:

Sen. Barry Finegold (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2334 - An Act extending the public records law to the Governor and the Legislature

Sponsor:

Sen. Rebecca Rausch (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2341 - An Act establishing Medicare for All in Massachusetts

Sponsor:

Sen. James B. Eldridge (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2342 - An Act relative to juvenile fees, fines, and restitution

Sponsor:

Sen. Adam Gomez (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2351 - An Act relative to school start times for middle and high school students

Sponsor:

Sen. Dylan Fernandes (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2355 - An Act advancing the economic development of the commonwealth through comprehensive data privacy

Sponsor:

Sen. Barry Finegold (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2360 - An Act establishing privacy standards for student and educator data

Sponsor:

Sen. Barry Finegold (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2372 - An Act relative to the teacher leadership program

Sponsor:

Sen. Adam Gomez (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2389 - An Act relative to the creation of an Endometriosis Task Force

Sponsor:

Sen. Robyn Kennedy (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2390 - An Act modernizing the Massachusetts emergency management system

Sponsor:

Sen. Barry Finegold (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2398 - An Act establishing regulations on certain virtual currencies for fraud prevention

Sponsor:

Sen. Barry Finegold (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2403 - An Act to protect Massachusetts public health from PFAS

Sponsor:

Sen. Julian A. Cyr (D)

Summary:

Phases out the sale or distribution of products containing PFAS over several years, including: Firefighting personal protective equipment by January 1, 2026; Child passenger restraints, cookware, fabric treatments, personal care products, rugs and carpets, textiles, textile furnishings, upholstered furniture, and children’s products by January 1, 2027; Food packaging materials by January 1, 2028; and Any remaining consumer products by January 1, 2031. Directs DPH to promulgate regulations enforcing restrictions on the use of PFAS in consumer products; allows for manufacturers to apply for exemptions if certain products necessarily contain PFAS; and establishes a PFAS Public Health Trust Fund financed with fees on manufacturers to support a public awareness campaign on the dangers of PFAS exposure. Additionally, directs the Department of Environmental Protection to: Establish a PFAS Remediation Trust Fund to fund any settlements resulting from claims arising from the manufacture, marketing or sale of products containing PFAS; Amend groundwater discharge permits to include PFAS monitoring requirements; Promulgate regulations phasing out the sale or distribution of sludge (i.e., drinking or waste water treatment residue) without site specific approval; Submit a report by December 31, 2028 outlining its progress towards establishing standards for monitoring PFAS in ambient air; and Conduct said public awareness campaign regarding the health impacts of PFAS exposure. And lastly exempts land owners from relevant tax penalties for removing land from agricultural or horticultural use due to PFAS contamination. New draft of HB2197, substantially rewriting the original bill.

SD2411 - An Act accelerating housing production

Sponsor:

Sen. Barry Finegold (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2413 - An Act to end lifetime parole for juveniles and emerging adults

Sponsor:

Sen. James B. Eldridge (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2414 - An Act relative to endometriosis awareness

Sponsor:

Sen. John Velis (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2430 - An Act providing for consumer protection in a digital economy

Sponsor:

Sen. Barry Finegold (D)

Summary:

Requires the Office of the State Treasurer to develop and periodically update a digital module on cryptocurrencies and digital assets, in order to support Massachusetts residents with overseeing their finances, understanding money management strategies, and protecting their security.

SD2444 - An Act relating to embodied carbon emission reductions in state-funded projects

Sponsor:

Sen. William Driscoll (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2470 - An Act relative to LGBTQ+ health disparities

Sponsor:

Sen. Julian A. Cyr (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2473 - An Act relative to the creation of the office of municipal efficiency and regionalization (OMER)

Sponsor:

Sen. Paul W. Mark (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2474 - An Act relative to solar for state agencies

Sponsor:

Sen. Paul W. Mark (D)

Summary:

SD2476 - An Act updating the public financing law

Sponsor:

Sen. Paul W. Mark (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2494 - An Act to regulate hemp-derived beverages like alcohol

Sponsor:

Sen. William Driscoll (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2498 - An Act relative to Commonwealth building projects

Sponsor:

Sen. Jake Oliveira (D)

Summary:

Amends GL 7C:5 relative to building projects under the control and supervision of the DCAMM Commissioner by increasing the threshold financial cost of a project that the DCAMM Commissioner needs to take charge of from $250,000 to $1,000,000. Under that amount, the state agency whose building it is can retain control of the project. In addition, raises the threshold from $2 million to $10 million under which DCAMM may delegate authority to a state agency, in its own discretion, if they believe that the state agency can manage the project.

SD2507 - An Act relative to the head injury treatment services trust fund

Sponsor:

Sen. William Driscoll (D)

Summary:

Amends various sections of GL Chapter 90 (Motor vehicles) to increase the amount of money collected from motor vehicle fine collections to be deposited into the head injury treatment services trust fund.

SD2517 - An Act to promote transparency and prevent price gouging of pharmaceutical drug prices

Sponsor:

Sen. Mark C. Montigny (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2518 - An Act establishing uniform enforcement and confidentiality provisions relative to certain licensees under the jurisdiction of the division of banks

Sponsor:

Sen. Paul Feeney (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2520 - An Act establishing the Comprehensive Massachusetts Consumer Data Privacy Act

Sponsor:

Sen. William Driscoll (D)

Summary:

Adds a new chapter 93M to the General Laws, entitled Massachusetts Consumer Privacy Act. Under this omnibus legislation, consumers are granted rights to access, correct, delete, and opt out of data processing activities, including targeted advertising and data sales. In particular: Consumers may appoint authorized agents for opt-out requests. Controllers or holder of data must limit data collection, obtain consent for sensitive data processing, and ensure security and non-discrimination. Special protections apply to minors, restricting data collection, sales, and targeted advertising. Processors of data must follow controllers' instructions and adhere to legal obligations. Data protection assessments are required for high-risk processing activities. Controllers handling de-identified and pseudonymous data must prevent re-identification. Enforcement is exclusive to the Attorney General, with violations classified as unfair trade practices under 93A.

SD2540 - An Act relating to threats of suicide while in court custody (Stavri’s Law)

Sponsor:

Sen. Jake Oliveira (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2541 - An Act to require producer responsibility for collection, reuse and recycling of discarded electronic products

Sponsor:

Sen. Jake Oliveira (D)

Summary:

Adds a new GL Chapter 21P, regulating the recycling of discarded electronic products; requires any producer of covered electronics, including televisions and computers, to register with the department of environmental protection; requires the registration to include the brand names of covered electronic products, methods of sale in the commonwealth, existing and future efforts for collection, recovery, reuse or recycling of such products; imposes financial responsibility for collection, transportation, and reuse or recycling on producers, either through reimbursement of collectors or direct collection efforts; regulates implementation of direct collection programs; requires electronics collectors and processors to register with the Department of Environmental Protection; prohibits collectors from charging fees to individuals for the collection of electronic products; allows collectors to use parts from collected computers in making repairs; establishes and regulates the membership and operation of an advisory committee within DEP for electronic waste; requires the committee to make recommendations on implementing electronics products recycling programs.

SD2543 - An Act relative to manufactured housing communities

Sponsor:

Sen. Jake Oliveira (D)

Summary:

Establishes a manufactured housing commission and regulates its membership; establishes a Manufactured Housing Trust Fund, to be financed through licensing revenues collected pursuant the collection of certain fees, and funds are to be expended to support a manufactured housing dispute resolution program; establishes that the fee imposed for each original or renewal license for a manufactured housing community will be for each lot in the community, occupied or vacant, and may not be passed on, directly or indirectly, through a rent increase or otherwise to a tenant, resident or occupant of the community; and establishes that the fee for each original or renewal license for a manufactured housing community have 80% of the fee shall be deposited into the Manufactured Housing Fund and 20% into the general fund of the municipality in which the manufactured housing community is located.

SD2546 - An Act to support disaster response and broadband infrastructure affordability

Sponsor:

Sen. William Driscoll (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2590 - An Act establishing a standardized problem gambling disclaimer and helpline

Sponsor:

Sen. Paul Feeney (D)

Summary:

No summary available yet.

SD2595 - An Act ensuring efficient and effective implementation of behavioral health reform

Sponsor: