Bill > S2067

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework to support bilingual education and incentivize bilingual educators in Massachusetts. The legislation creates a Bilingual Education Trust Fund, which will be financed through portions of sports wagering and marijuana sales taxes, and aims to address the state's need for multilingual educational opportunities. The bill introduces several key provisions, including establishing new endorsement requirements for bilingual educators, requiring them to pass language tests, complete field-based experience, and meet specific qualifications. It also creates a bilingual educator incentive program that provides annual stipends ranging from $10,000 to $16,000 for educators working in approved bilingual education programs, with additional financial incentives for those who attain a state seal of biliteracy or are graduates of Massachusetts public schools. The legislation establishes a task force to develop best practices for licensure reciprocity with other states and territories, with the goal of increasing the number of bilingual educators in Massachusetts. Furthermore, the bill mandates annual reporting on the progress of bilingual education initiatives and sets a measurable goal for certified bilingual educators by 2035, ultimately seeking to honor linguistic diversity and provide enhanced educational opportunities for multilingual students.

Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2067