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SD 3404

An Act relative to including inflammatory breast cancer awareness in nursing education, Marnie's Law

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dylan Fernandes

Massachusetts nursing schools must include inflammatory breast cancer education in curricula, developed with IBC experts, with private funds allowed to support the program.

Referred to the committee on Public Health
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Bill Summary · SD 3404

Summary: Senate Bill SD 3404 – Marnie’s Law

Quick overview

  • Bill number: SD 3404
  • Title: An Act relative to including inflammatory breast cancer awareness in nursing education, Marnie’s Law
  • Purpose: Require approved nursing schools to educate students about inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and authorize private funding to support that education
  • Status: Referred to the committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently
  • Introduced: November 26, 2025
  • Known as: “Marnie’s Law”

What this bill would do

  • Amend Section 81C of Chapter 112 of the General Laws (as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition) by adding two sentences after the first sentence:
    • “An approved school’s curriculum shall include education on inflammatory breast cancer, which shall be developed in consultation with experts on the study, diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory breast cancer.”
    • “Approved schools may receive funds from private sources for costs related to the inflammatory breast cancer education component.”
  • The act explicitly names the measure “Marnie’s Law.”

Key provisions and changes

  • Curriculum requirement: Approved nursing schools must include education on inflammatory breast cancer in their curricula.
  • Development standard: The IBC-focused education must be developed in consultation with experts in the study, diagnosis, and treatment of IBC.
  • Funding flexibility: Approved schools may obtain private funds to cover costs associated with implementing the IBC education component.
  • Scope: Applies to “approved schools” within the existing framework of Massachusetts nursing education oversight; the bill does not specify penalties or enforcement mechanisms within its text.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Approved nursing education programs/schools in Massachusetts and, by extension, nursing students enrolled in these programs.
  • Other stakeholders: Experts specializing in inflammatory breast cancer, and private donors or organizations eligible to provide funding for education components.
  • Indirect beneficiaries: Patients and communities by enhancing awareness and early recognition of IBC through improved nursing education.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Filed: November 21, 2025
  • Introduced: November 26, 2025
  • Legislative action: Referred to the Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently (standard referral phase pending committee review)
  • No dates for further steps or enacted effective date are provided in the text; the bill would proceed through usual committee and potential floor action if advanced.

Potential implications

  • Educational impact: Incorporates IBC awareness into nursing education, potentially improving early detection and patient education.
  • Funding dynamics: Enables private funding for the IBC education component, which could influence program resources and implementation speed without relying on state funds.
  • Administrative considerations: Schools would need to establish or consult with IBC experts to develop the curriculum segment.

Next steps

  • The Rules Committee will determine whether the bill advances to the full Senate and House for debate and potential vote.
  • If enacted, the timeline for implementation would depend on the approved schools’ curriculum revision processes and any associated funding arrangements.

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

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