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March 30, 2026 Clouds | 42°F
The 194th General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Bill S.950 194th (Current)

An Act to advance fairness, integrity, and excellence in higher education admissions

By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 950) of Pavel M. Payano for legislation to require higher education institutions to issue an annual report to the attorney general and department of higher education on their prior year admissions preference. Higher Education.

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Bill Information

Presenter:
Pavel M. Payano
Special Attachments:
Committee - Senate member votes
This bill seeks to increase transparency and equity in college admissions across Massachusetts. It requires four-year degree-granting institutions to report annual data on admissions practices, including the use of legacy preferences, donor-related admissions, and early decision policies. The bill prohibits institutions from considering legacy status or donor relationships in admissions unless they contribute a public service fee based on their endowment size, which would be allocated to a newly established Higher Education Opportunity Trust Fund to support public colleges and universities. It also mandates public disclosure of admissions data and enforces penalties for non-compliance. By prioritizing fairness and merit, the bill aims to create a more equitable admissions process that reduces preferential treatment for wealthy and connected applicants while reinvesting in public higher education.
* The bill summary was created by the Primary Sponsor of the bill; no committee of the General Court certifies the accuracy of its contents.

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