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S 918

Relates to lead testing of children participating in the WIC program

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rachel May

Expands and clarifies full tuition and fee waivers for adopted foster children to cover more institutions, not just state-supported ones.

REFERRED TO HEALTH
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Bill Summary · S 918

Summary — S.918 (2025): Expanding higher-education tuition and fee waivers for adopted foster children

Purpose / Intent

S.918 amends Massachusetts General Laws to broaden and strengthen tuition-and-fee waiver protections for children adopted from foster care so that these students receive broader and clearer waiver coverage when pursuing higher education.

Key provisions

  • Amends Section 19 of Chapter 15A of the Massachusetts General Laws (as in the 2022 Official Edition).
  • Removes the word “state-supported” from the statute (striking the limiting term).
    • Effect: the waiver language is no longer explicitly limited to “state‑supported” institutions.
  • Inserts the word “full” after the verb “provide” in the same section.
    • Effect: clarifies that the statute should provide a full (rather than partial) tuition and fee waiver.

Exact bill text changes (as presented):
- Strike out, in line 44, the word “state-supported”.
- Insert after the word “provide”, in line 58, the word “full”.

Who would be affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: children who were adopted from foster care and who seek to enroll in higher-education institutions covered by Chapter 15A.
  • Institutions: any higher-education institution that becomes covered by the revised statutory language (see note on scope below).
  • Fiscal agents: Commonwealth/state budget (and possibly institutions) if expanded waivers increase state or institutional costs.

Likely impact and interpretation

  • Broadening scope: Removing “state‑supported” likely expands eligibility beyond only state‑supported public colleges to include additional institutions referenced under Chapter 15A (subject to statutory interpretation and implementing regulations).
  • Increased benefit level: Adding “full” clarifies legislative intent for a full tuition-and-fee waiver (eliminating ambiguity over partial waivers).
  • Fiscal implications: Potential increased costs (state appropriation or institutional subsidies) depending on which institutions and how many students become newly eligible. Administrative rule changes may be required.
  • Access: Expected to reduce financial barriers for adopted foster youth entering postsecondary education.

Procedural status & timeline (as provided)

  • Senate docketed: 1/14/2025 (Senate Docket No. 827)
  • Introduced in Senate: 3/10/2025 (Read twice; referred to committee)
  • Referred to Committee on Health (current status indicated as REFERRED TO HEALTH)
  • Hearing scheduled: 7/18/2025 (1:00–5:00 PM)
  • Committee favorable report and referral to Senate Ways & Means: 9/08/2025
  • Related/companion measures: SD 827 (replaces), A 7025 (companion)

Sponsors / Filing

  • Presented by Senator Joanne M. Comerford (petition lists Joanne M. Comerford and Jason M. Lewis).
  • Note: a list of additional names in the materials appears inconsistent with Massachusetts sponsorship conventions; verify the official docket for the authoritative sponsor list.

Notes / Recommendation

  • The posted title at the top of the materials references lead testing of WIC participants, which appears inconsistent with the actual bill text (which concerns tuition waivers). The legislative text and Chapter/section references here are specific to higher-education waivers. Verify the official bill text on the Massachusetts Legislature website or the Senate clerk’s office for final language, scope (which institutions are covered), and fiscal estimates.

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

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