Education
An Act establishing a special commission to study the effectiveness of the Massachusetts School Building Authority
This bill establishes a special commission tasked with studying and providing recommendations on two primary aspects: (i) the capacity of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) program to address current and future school facilities needs in the state, and (ii) the equity of the grant funding formula to ensure the inclusivity of all communities in the program. The commission comprises various appointed members, including representatives from legislative leaders, state agencies, and organizations related to education and construction. The commission is mandated to investigate and offer recommendations on several key areas, such as the need for renovating and rebuilding school facilities, modifications to the MSBA's grant formula for fairness, alignment of construction cost reimbursement rates, incentives for specific municipalities, policies supporting environmental goals and healthy school facilities, and other pertinent issues. The Massachusetts School Building Authority and relevant state agencies are required to provide timely access to documents and data for the commission's study. The commission is expected to submit its comprehensive findings and recommendations in a report to the legislative committees and relevant bodies by December 1, 2023.
An Act relative to college athlete compensation and agent regulation
Chapter 78B of the bill introduces regulations governing student-athlete compensation and athlete agent activities in Massachusetts. It defines key terms and addresses various aspects, including name, image, and likeness compensation, professional sports drafts, and contract requirements between student-athletes and agents. The bill imposes notification obligations on athlete agents and student-athletes regarding agency contracts. It establishes the student-athlete's right to cancel contracts within 14 days and outlines prohibited conduct for athlete agents. Penalties for violations include damages for student-athletes and civil penalties for agents. The bill also mandates athlete agent registration with specified requirements and consequences for non-compliance. Overall, it aims to regulate and ensure transparency, fair compensation, and ethical conduct in collegiate sports relationships.
An Act to expand access to computer science coursework
The bill amends Chapter 71 of the General Laws by adding Section 100, requiring every public high school in Massachusetts to offer at least one foundational computer science course. It emphasizes accessibility for every student within a four-year course of study. The course should include rigorous mathematical or scientific concepts and align with standards set by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. This requirement becomes effective for the school year beginning after July 1, 2025.
An Act relative to safety and violence education for students (the SAVE Students Act)
Bill No. S.276
The bill introduces Section 16GG to Chapter 6A of the General Laws, establishing a statewide anonymous reporting program for unsafe or threatening activities in schools. The reporting program allows individuals to anonymously report harmful incidents on school property or involving enrolled students or school personnel. The secretary of health and human services will administer the program, ensuring accessibility through various channels and protecting the anonymity of reporters. Schools must establish safety assessment teams, submit a primary contact to manage the team, and inform students about the program. The bill outlines reporting program requirements, annual reporting, confidentiality of program records, liability limitations, and penalties for knowingly making false reports. Additionally, it mandates the development of a model safety assessment policy for schools and lists evidence-based suicide awareness, prevention, and social inclusion trainings. Local law enforcement agencies must designate contacts for reports requiring a law enforcement response. The bill establishes the Statewide Anonymous Reporting Program Trust Fund for program operation. Finally, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is tasked with developing safety assessment policies and lists of evidence-based trainings, with schools required to report on provided training annually. The effective date is 12 months after passage.
An Act improving students' access to life saving treatments
Bill No. S.279
The bill amends Section 54B of chapter 71 of the General Laws, allowing the Department of Public Health to create regulations for the emergency administration of glucagon by trained school staff members. This applies when a nurse is unavailable, and a student displays severe hypoglycemia symptoms, following the student's Diabetes Medical Management Plan or health provider's orders. The parent or guardian must provide written permission for emergency glucagon treatment. Those administering glucagon in good faith are protected from liability, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct, and disciplinary action is exempted. Trained staff members administering glucagon are not considered to be practicing nursing and must volunteer for the training. The Department of Public Health is required to promulgate these regulations within 180 days of the bill's enactment.
An Act relative to school improvements in the town of Wilmington
Bill No. S.281
The bill amends Item 7010-1192 of section 2 of chapter 126 of the acts of 2022 by replacing the words "improvements at the Wildwood school" with "school improvements." The effective date of this change is upon the passage of the act.