Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-803-R1

Redraft OTH 803

Addressing Antisemitism

Mr. Velis, Ms. Creem, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Lewis, Tarr, O'Connor, Moore, Feeney, Finegold, Collins, Cyr and Montigny and Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 49 the following section:-

“SECTION 49A. Chapter 71 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 98 the following section:-

Section 98A. The department shall make available to school districts, charter schools, approved private day or residential schools and collaborative schools resources relative to antisemitism and societal bias, which shall include, but not be limited to: (i) model and evidence-based curricula; (ii) guidance to assist in the selection of materials and a curriculum; and (iii) professional development and trainings on antisemitism, ethnic, racial and religious hate and discrimination.”; and

by inserting after section 106 the following section:-

“SECTION 106A. (a) There shall be a special commission on combatting antisemitism in the commonwealth. The commission shall: (i) report on trends and data related to incidents of antisemitism in the commonwealth; (ii) make recommendations for the implementation of the United States national strategy to counter antisemitism; (iii) identify and evaluate existing efforts to combat antisemitism in the commonwealth; (iv) identify best practices from efforts to combat antisemitism in other states and jurisdictions; (v) evaluate the commonwealth’s hate crime statutes and whether any amendments would better protect residents from antisemitism and other similar forms of hatred; and (vi) recommend strategies, programs and legislation to combat antisemitism in the commonwealth. The commission shall submit a report of its study and recommendations to the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate and the senate and house committees on ways and means not later than November 30, 2024.

(b) The commission shall consist of: 3 persons appointed by the senate president, 1 of whom shall have expertise in combatting antisemitism and 1 of whom shall represent a Jewish community organization in the commonwealth; 3 persons appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, 1 of whom shall have expertise in combatting antisemitism and 1 of whom shall represent a Jewish community organization; 2 persons appointed by the governor, 1 of whom shall have expertise in legal issues related to civil rights and civil liberties; 2 persons appointed by the Massachusetts Municipal Association, Inc.; the attorney general, or a designee; the chair of the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, or a designee; the commissioner of higher education, or a designee; the commissioner of elementary and secondary education, or a designee; 1 person appointed by the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association; 1 person appointed by the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association Incorporated; and 1 member appointed by the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, Inc. The senate president and the speaker of the house of representatives shall each designate a co-chair from their respective appointees.”.