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 providing recommendations of the capacity of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MBSA) to address school facilities needs in the state. The commission is also tasked with watching the equity of the grant funding formula to include all communities in the program. The commission, composed of members from legislative leaders, state agencies, and specialists regarding education and construction are expected to submit their 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
The bill introduces regulations governing student-athlete compensation and athlete agent activities in Massachusetts. It addresses contract requirements between student-athletes and agents, as well as establishing the student-athlete’s right to cancel contracts within 14 days. Overall, this bill is designed 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)
This bill focuses on establishing a statewide anonymous reporting program for unsafe or threatening activities in schools. Schools will also be required to establish safety assessment teams, submit a primary contact to manage the team, and inform all students of the reporting program. Local law enforcement must also designate contacts for reports through the program which requires law enforcement action. Lastly, the bill will create a trust fund used for funding the operation of this program. The effective date of this bill is 12 months after passage.
An Act improving students' access to life saving treatments
This bill allows for students to be given emergency administration of glucagon by trained school staff members. This applies when a school nurse is unavailable, and a student is displaying severe hypoglycemia symptoms. Parents and guardians must provide written permission for the emergency glucagon treatment. Those administering the glucagon treatment are protected by law if they were acting in good faith. School staff members must volunteer for this training and will not be considered nurses after its completion. The Department of Public Health is required to put into effect these regulations within 180 days of the bill’s enactment.
An Act relative to school improvements in the town of Wilmington
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.