Beacon Hill Roll Call records local representatives’ votes on roll calls from the week of Oct. 27 to Oct. 31. There were no roll calls in the Senate last week.
Financial literacy (H 4670)
The House, 155-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would create a Financial Literacy Trust Fund for educating middle- and high-school students on personal financial literacy. The funds would be used for procurement, development and distribution of personal financial literacy educational resources and materials, as well as professional development opportunities, including training, seminars, conferences and materials for educators to use in teaching personal financial literacy.
Provisions include requiring school districts to provide instruction to middle- and high-school students on personal financial literacy, starting in the 2026 school year. The instruction would include earning and spending income; local, state and federal taxes; charitable giving; methods of payment; consumer protection; balancing ledgers and checkbooks; budgeting; long-term saving; simple and compound interest; planning for the future; using credit; making investments; risks of various financial instruments and basic diversification of assets; and rights and responsibilities of renting or buying a home or making other large purchases or investments.
“Too many young people graduate without understanding how credit, loans or savings work,” said Rep. Patrick Kearney, D-Scituate. “This bill gives them the foundation to make informed financial decisions that will impact their entire lives.”
“I taught financial literacy as an elective at Attleboro High School and my point was always long-term planning,” said Rep. Jim Hawkins, D-Attleboro. “Ten years ago, it mattered that students learn about their credit score. It can affect not just buying a house but also car purchases and admission to schools and other programs. Now the economy is a threat since young people may want to buy a house, but with $200,000 in student debt and $1,000 monthly car payments, they may have used up the limits of their indebtedness before even applying for a mortgage. And should they want to save up to a 20% down payment, that would be a challenge with a $2,500-plus monthly apartment.”
A “Yes” vote is for the bill.
- Rep. Natalie Blais — Yes
- Rep. Aaron Saunders — Yes
- Rep. Susannah Whipps — Yes
State Seal of Biliteracy (H 4671)
The House, 155-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that makes it easier for students to receive a State Seal of Biliteracy, which is awarded by school districts to students who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and at least one other language. The seal appears on the transcript or diploma of the graduating senior and is a statement of accomplishment for future college admission and employers.
Under current law, to qualify for the seal, a student must meet criteria established by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), including a specified level of performance on the 10th grade language arts exams of the MCAS, and at least one nationally recognized and readily available assessment that measures literacy in a language other than English.
The bill that the House approved updates these criteria by changing the MCAS requirement to allow another assessment or equivalent alternative to be established by BESE.
“Under the current law, some bilingual students have been unintentionally excluded,” said sponsor Rep. Jack Lewis, D-Framingham. “Until now, the only way to prove English proficiency was by passing the 10th grade English MCAS. That meant if you attended a private school that didn’t administer the MCAS, you were ineligible, even if you earned a five on your AP English exam and a perfect score on the SAT.
“[My] bill addresses this issue,” Lewis continued. “Once it becomes law, all bilingual students, regardless of the high school they attend, will be eligible for this important designation.”
A “Yes” vote is for the bill.
- Rep. Natalie Blais — Yes
- Rep. Aaron Saunders — Yes
- Rep. Susannah Whipps — Yes
Teacher preparation and literacy (H 4672)
The House, 155-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would provide a framework for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to identify and approve a list of high-quality curricula that school districts will select from for kindergarten through third grade literacy. It also allows districts to apply to DESE to use a K-3 literacy instruction curriculum that is not on DESE’s list of high-quality curricula, provided DESE verifies that it uses evidence-based literacy instruction.
Supporters said this bill would define evidence-based early literacy as grounded in scientific research methods and demonstrated to produce significant and positive effects on student learning outcomes. They noted that many school districts in Massachusetts have switched to evidence-based early literacy curricula, and some have been assisted by grants awarded through the state’s Literacy Launch Program. They said some school districts have yet to fully adopt proven literacy curricula, despite it being the most effective way to improve reading outcomes.
Supporters also argued that the bill supports teachers by requiring DESE to provide tools and resources, including online materials and free training modules, to aid districts with professional development aligned with evidence-based literacy instruction for K-3. It also ensures that educator preparation programs are preparing future educators in alignment with evidence-based literacy instruction.
“Currently, fewer than half of Massachusetts third graders are reading at grade level,” said Rep. Alice Peisch, D-Wellesley, a co-sponsor of an earlier version of the bill. “Research shows that children who do not read proficiently by the end of third grade are far more likely to fall behind academically, drop out of school or face limited opportunities later in life. We must ensure that every student in Massachusetts has access to high-quality, evidence-based literacy instruction.”
American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts President Jessica Tang has her doubts about parts of the bill.
“This bill establishes a limited, blanket curriculum that is concerning, particularly to veteran educators who have developed rich and effective evidence-based literacy curriculum over the years,” Tang said. “Even more concerning is that it bans important, proven tools our educators currently use and use successfully, particularly with our English language learners and students with special needs.”
Tang continued, “Even though we have concerns, we are pleased that the bill passed today includes key provisions we were proud to advocate for, including reporting and tracking measures, expanding funding opportunities for critical positions and establishing a commission to continue the important work to advance literacy in the commonwealth. We will continue to work with legislative and state allies on this issue and we look forward to seeing what comes out of the Senate.”
A “Yes” vote is for the bill.
- Rep. Natalie Blais — Yes
- Rep. Aaron Saunders — Yes
- Rep. Susannah Whipps — Yes
Study education workforce in public schools (H 4672)
The House, 132-22, approved an amendment to a bill that would provide a framework for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to identify and approve a list of high-quality curricula that school districts will select from for kindergarten through third grade literacy. The amendment would provide that DESE, the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Association of School Committees and the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents study and make recommendations about the education workforce in public school districts in the area of reading and literacy development.
(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.)
- Rep. Natalie Blais — Yes
- Rep. Aaron Saunders — Yes
- Rep. Susannah Whipps — Yes
School districts must report annually (H 4672)
The House, 133-22, approved an amendment requiring that each school district report annually to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education the number of reading specialists, reading interventionists, literacy coordinators, school librarians, library aides, education support professionals and other staff members who are employed by the district and who directly support student reading and literacy development.
A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.
- Rep. Natalie Blais — Yes
- Rep. Aaron Saunders — Yes
- Rep. Susannah Whipps — Yes
Also up on Beacon Hill
Veterans disability license plate (H 3657)
The House gave initial approval to legislation that would amend the eligibility for disabled veterans to receive a veteran’s plate, without a charge, to include veterans who suffer from a mental disability by reason of service in the armed forces.
“I filed this bill on behalf of a constituent who came to my office with a concern about the current policy on getting a veterans disability plate in Massachusetts,” said sponsor Rep. Rodney Elliott, D-Lowell. “They are a 100% disabled veteran with PTSD, and unable to obtain a plate under the current Registry of Motor Vehicles regulations, as they are not physically handicapped. Our veterans with mental health disorders face daily battles that are not always apparent to the outside world. By providing disability license plates tailored to their needs, we can offer a visible symbol of recognition and support, acknowledging the profound impact of their service.”
Peer-to-peer card games and dominoes (H 3177)
The Revenue Committee held a hearing on a proposal that would create a new regulatory structure for and legalize peer-to-peer cardrooms in which people play against each other rather than the house. The measure would allow licensed “pari-mutuel” facilities, like horse racing tracks, to operate cardrooms featuring poker and dominoes. The regulatory authority would be the Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s Division of Racing, which would oversee licensing, operations and taxation.
Players would use chips instead of cash, with games limited to between two and nine players, and dealers must be non-participating.
The bill would impose a 10% tax on gross receipts and a 15% admission tax, if a separate entry fee is charged. Revenues would be split between the Gaming Local Aid Fund (80%) and the Racehorse Development Fund (20%).
The cardroom operator can charge a participation fee or “rake,” but cannot have a direct economic interest in game outcomes. Cardroom operators must pay a license fee of $1,000 per table. There are occupational licenses for employees and managers, and background checks and fingerprinting would be required.
“I elected to file this bill to start the conversation about the creation of peer-to-peer cardrooms in the commonwealth for games such as poker and dominoes, where players can play against each other instead of a casino,” said sponsor Rep. Adrian Madaro, D-East Boston. “We understand that this industry has the potential to create hundreds of jobs in the commonwealth, as well as to preserve declining jobs at Suffolk Downs, where East Boston residents continue to be employed. These facilities will also generate much-needed tax revenue at a time of increasing uncertainty over continued federal funding.”
Prohibit publishing of names of veterans who owe taxes (H 3869)
A bill heard by the Veterans and Federal Affairs Committee would prohibit cities and towns from publishing the name of a veteran who owes the municipality taxes. Instead, the veterans service officer (VSO) of the city or town would contact the veteran privately and provide him or her with information regarding their overdue tax situation. Many cities and towns currently publish the names of their taxpayers, including veterans, who owe the municipality back taxes.
“[The bill] is a deserving gesture of gratitude to the men and women who have worn the uniform of our country and aims to protect veterans’ privacy and uphold their dignity by preventing the public release of their personal information related to taxes,” said sponsor Rep. Paul McMurtry, D-Dedham. “It ensures that any tax notifications are handled privately and respectfully through a local VSO.”
Expand health insurance access for state employees (S 822)
A bill before the Veterans and Federal Affairs Committee would allow a state employer to offer their employees health insurance on the first day of their new job. Currently, there is a gap in insurance coverage when new state employees begin their jobs.
“New state employees should not have to choose between paying high health care costs out of pocket or foregoing necessary care altogether,” said sponsor Sen. Becca Rausch, D-Needham. “By empowering state employers to offer employees health insurance on day one, we can better attract quality candidates and ensure new workers have the benefits and coverage they deserve.”
Ensure gender parity and ethnic diversity (S 2160/H 3398)
The Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held a hearing on a bill that would require state boards and commissions to have, or explain why they do not have, a minimum percentage of members who are female, LGBTQ or an underrepresented minority. The percentages would change over time to match census data to reflect the population of Massachusetts.
Appointing authorities would be required to work to appoint diverse members, including developing and implementing plans to attract and recruit diverse members. Each public board and commission would report annually on membership information, to measure progress, to the governor’s office, which would publish it.
“Increasing diversity in our state’s workforce and leadership, in both the public and private sectors, is both a moral and an economic imperative for our commonwealth,” said Senate sponsor Sen. Jason Lewis, D-Winchester. “In Massachusetts, we have several hundred public boards and commissions, each with a wide range of responsibilities and powers. Much progress has already been made to represent the diversity of Massachusetts, but more work still needs to be done to increase diversity in our state’s leadership.”
“This bill is about expanding opportunity and making sure we are drawing from the full range of talent and experience across our commonwealth,” said Rep. Tram Nguyen, D-Andover, the sponsor of the House bill. “When our public boards and commissions reflect the diversity of the people they serve, everyone benefits. We are not lowering standards — we are raising them by ensuring our decision-making includes the voices and perspectives that have too often been left out.”
Commission on the Status of People Who Practice Islam (H 3351)
Another bill before the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight would create an 11-member Commission on the Status of People Who Practice Islam.
The commission would be a resource to the state on issues affecting American Muslim communities, including by promoting research and serving as a clearinghouse and source of information on issues pertaining to American Muslims; informing the public and leaders of business, education, human services, health care, state and local governments, and the communications media of the unique cultural, social, ethnic, economic and educational issues affecting American Muslims; serving as a liaison between government and private interest groups on matters of unique interest and concern to American Muslims; and identifying and recommending qualified American Muslims for appointive positions at all levels of government, including boards and commissions.
“Freedom of religion is one of our most fundamental constitutional rights, and no one should face persecution for their beliefs,” said sponsor Rep. Vanna Howard, D-Lowell. “This legislation was filed to address and elevate the serious issues currently affecting the over 131,000 members of our commonwealth’s Muslim community.”