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S 412

Relates to granting the legislature the power to direct the attorney-general by concurrent resolution to inquire into matters concerning the public peace, public safety and public justice

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jamaal Bailey and 10 co-sponsors

Creates a permanent state commission to improve AI/AN education in Massachusetts, coordinating across agencies, advising policy, and supporting tribal self-determination and langua

COMMITTED TO RULES
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Bill Summary · S 412

Summary — S.412 (2025): Permanent Commission on American Indian and Alaska Native Education

Note: the bill packet included an inconsistent header; this summary follows the bill text filed by Senator Liz Miranda to establish a permanent commission on American Indian and Alaska Native education.

Purpose

Create an independent, permanent state commission to investigate, coordinate, and recommend policies and programs to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) residents of Massachusetts, support tribal self‑determination, and promote preservation of heritage languages and histories.

Key provisions

  • Establishes a Permanent Commission on American Indian and Alaska Native Education (Chapter 6, new Section 159A).
  • Composition: 17 members appointed as follows:
    • 1 by Department of Early Education and Care
    • 1 by Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
    • 1 by Department of Higher Education
    • 2 by Department of Public Health
    • 1 by Department of Mental Health
    • 1 by Department of Youth Services
    • 1 by Department of Veterans’ Services
    • 1 by Division of Prevention and Wellness
    • 1 by Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness
    • 7 by the Massachusetts Commission on Indian Affairs (appointments made in consultation with tribal governments and intertribal organizations)
  • Members serve 2‑year terms (until successors appointed); are designated special state employees under chapter 268A; receive no salary but are reimbursed for customary expenses.
  • Annual nominations solicited Aug 1–Nov 1 using a uniform, widely distributed application.
  • Governance: commission elects an annual chair (may designate vice‑chairs), may form advisory committees (required: high school education, higher education, human services, youth), create additional committees, enact by‑laws, and appoint regional chapter members.
  • Duties: investigate public and private resource use to enhance educational opportunities; work with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Department of Public Health to develop school‑ and community‑based programs focusing on suicide prevention, violence intervention, and zero‑tolerance for harassment/discrimination of AI/AN students; recommend ongoing policies and programs to relevant agencies (DESE, DPH, Executive Office of Health and Human Services).
  • Reporting: annual report due on or before June 2 to the Governor and clerks of the Senate and House describing findings, activities, and recommendations.
  • Powers: hire an executive director and staff (subject to appropriation), establish offices (subject to appropriation), hold public meetings/hearings, solicit voluntary services, request information from state agencies, and accept gifts/grants/federal funds. Receipts deposited in a separate state treasurer account and expended per law.

Who is affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: American Indian and Alaska Native students and communities in Massachusetts.
  • State agencies (education, public health, higher education, human services) will be subject to information requests and receive commission recommendations.
  • Tribal governments and intertribal organizations will be consulted on appointments and affected by policy recommendations.

Legislative status & timeline (selected)

  • Filed: 01/16/2025; Presented by Senator Liz Miranda.
  • 02/05/2025: Read twice; referred to Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs; introduced in Senate.
  • 02/27/2025: Referred to Committee on Education; House concurred.
  • 05/28–06/04/2025: Reported and advanced to third reading; 06/13/2025: Committed to Rules.
  • 09/16/2025: Public hearing scheduled (Gardner Auditorium).
  • 11/17/2025: Accompanied by new draft S.2689.
  • Related measures: SD 1581 (replaces), prior‑session S.53 and S.5306, companion A.1312.

This bill builds a standing, cross‑agency body to advise and coordinate state efforts aimed at improving educational equity for AI/AN learners, with explicit mechanisms for tribal consultation, public reporting, and potential staffing/funding subject to appropriation.

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

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