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Bill

S 391

Access to Counsel Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Angela Alsobrooks and 16 co-sponsors

Bill S 391 establishes a fund for K-12 climate literacy education in Massachusetts, prioritizing underserved communities and fostering informed, engaged future citizens.

Introduced in Senate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 391

Summary of Bill S 391: An Act Implementing Elementary and Secondary Interdisciplinary Climate Literacy Education

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 391 aims to enhance climate literacy education in Massachusetts public schools by establishing a comprehensive framework for interdisciplinary climate education from kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12). The bill seeks to equip students with an understanding of climate change, its causes, impacts, and potential solutions, fostering informed and engaged future citizens.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant measures:

Establishment of the Interdisciplinary Climate Literacy Trust Fund

  • Creation of Fund: A dedicated fund will be established to support climate literacy education, funded through state appropriations, private donations, and interest earned.
  • Use of Funds: The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education will manage expenditures from this fund to develop and implement climate literacy programs.

Development of Climate Literacy Plans

  • Interdisciplinary Approach: Schools will be required to create district-level Interdisciplinary Climate Literacy Plans that integrate climate education across various subjects, including science, technology, engineering, arts, and social sciences.
  • Guidelines and Support: The Commissioner, in consultation with an advisory council, will provide guidelines for these plans, ensuring they are developed with input from students and community stakeholders.

Focus on Underserved Communities

  • Prioritization: The bill emphasizes support for underserved communities, including schools with high concentrations of economically disadvantaged students and those in environmental justice areas.

Advisory Council

  • Composition: An Interdisciplinary Climate Literacy Advisory Council will be established, consisting of youth leaders, educators, environmental justice representatives, and climate science experts.
  • Role: This council will assist in developing guidelines and ensuring that climate literacy education is culturally competent and inclusive.

Impact

  • Target Audience: The bill primarily affects K-12 public school students in Massachusetts, educators, and school districts.
  • Educational Outcomes: By implementing this bill, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of climate change, fostering critical thinking and engagement in environmental issues.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Current Status: The bill has been reported favorably by the committee and is currently referred to the Senate Ways and Means Committee.
  • Upcoming Hearing: A hearing is scheduled for September 16, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium.

Conclusion

Bill S 391 represents a significant step towards integrating climate literacy into the educational framework of Massachusetts, aiming to prepare students for the challenges posed by climate change while promoting equity and inclusion in education.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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