Bill > S997

This bill establishes the Massachusetts Service Alliance Commission (MSA), referred to as the MSA, to develop and implement a statewide plan for promoting volunteer involvement and citizen participation, acting as a liaison for national and state programs focused on community service and volunteer opportunities. The MSA will coordinate efforts among state departments and agencies, and its duties include fulfilling requirements of the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, advising other agencies, conducting studies on service programs, advocating for volunteers, and expanding corps opportunities to address needs in areas like education, environment, and public safety. The bill also mandates the integration of "community service-learning," a pedagogical approach that combines classroom study with real-world community problem-solving, into public schools and higher education institutions, with the goal of improving student learning, enhancing civic engagement, and addressing community needs. Furthermore, it expands the state employees voluntary program to include more community needs and establishes programs like student loan repayment, scholarships, and housing vouchers to encourage participation in community service. Finally, the bill clarifies that members of the "commonwealth student corps," a program to coordinate student activities for community benefit, are not considered state employees and that municipalities are not liable for claims arising from community service programs.