reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MA Gen L ch 15a § 33 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part I - Administration of the Government|Title II - Executive and Administrative Officers of the Commonwealth|Chapter 15a - Public Education|Section 33 - Report Assessing Overall Faculty Productivity and Teacher Effectiveness

Section 33. The council shall publish a report, on or before January first, nineteen hundred and ninety-five, and every four years thereafter, assessing overall faculty productivity and overall teacher effectiveness within the public system of higher education. Said report may include narrative research and statistical data which the council deems appropriate. Any data or information gathered for said report is not intended to be and shall not be used for the evaluation of the performance of any individual faculty member and the identity of individual faculty members shall be confidential. Said report shall also include information gained from students, both present and former, and shall further include information obtained from the commonwealth's business community relative to work force preparation. The report shall draw comparisons between institutions and types of institution, as well as between the commonwealth's public higher education system and those in other states, to the extent feasible.
MA Gen L ch 15a § 34 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part I - Administration of the Government|Title II - Executive and Administrative Officers of the Commonwealth|Chapter 15a - Public Education|Section 34 - Benchmark Study of Public Higher Education System

Section 34. It is hereby declared the policy of the commonwealth to provide and ensure an accurate and objective study of the public system of higher education in order to fulfill the goals and purposes of this chapter. Subject to appropriation a benchmark study of the public system of higher education shall be undertaken to determine the strengths and weaknesses of said system and to propose strategies and directions for the board of higher education and the system as a whole to take in order to fulfill its mission more effectively. Said benchmark study shall be conducted by a panel of nationally recognized objective experts in the field of higher education whose members shall be selected by the council, through the consultation with the joint committee on education, the arts and humanities, and the ways and means committees of the house and senate. Said benchmark study shall be filed with the clerks of the senate and the house of representatives no later than December first, nineteen hundred and ninety-nine, and shall be made available to the public.  The aforementioned study shall be conducted at least every seven years, subject to appropriation.
MA Gen L ch 15a § 35 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part I - Administration of the Government|Title II - Executive and Administrative Officers of the Commonwealth|Chapter 15a - Public Education|Section 35 - Professional Development Schools Grant Program

Section 35. There is hereby established a professional development schools grant program. The board of education shall award grants to exemplary public schools and to cooperating public or private institutions of higher education in the commonwealth to establish collaborative programs for the purpose of fostering improved teacher training and professional development. In order to be eligible for a professional development school grant a school in cooperation with one or more public or private institutions of higher education shall jointly submit a program application which shall include, but not be limited to, a statement of program objectives covering a three year period, a program plan with specific timelines for implementation, and a plan for program evaluation. The program designated in the application must be approved by the faculty of the institution of higher education, the teachers, administrators and other professional staff of the public school, the superintendent of schools and by majority vote of the school committee and school improvement council. The board of education shall give priority to those programs in which the teacher training and professional development activities will take place in the public school.  Grants awarded under this section, to the extent that said funds are allocated to the public school, shall be deposited with the town, city, or regional district treasurer in a separate account to be expended, without further appropriation, by the school committee for the purposes of the professional development schools grant.  The board of education may contract with any public institution of higher education or nonprofit corporation, which has the requisite knowledge and experience in teacher training for the purpose of administering the professional development schools grant program.
MA Gen L ch 15a § 36 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part I - Administration of the Government|Title II - Executive and Administrative Officers of the Commonwealth|Chapter 15a - Public Education|Section 36 - Public Schools' Eligibility for Funds Through Professional Development Schools Grant Program

Section 36. No public school shall receive funds through the professional development schools grant program if, (1) said school is within a city, town, or regional school district in which the share of local expenditures allocated to the support of the public schools has declined in any fiscal year commencing on July first, nineteen hundred and eighty-five, or (2) any schools receiving professional development school grants have received average per pupil support less than that received on average by all other schools of the same classification and grade level in the district, or (3) the absolute level of financial support for the public schools in the city, town or regional school district has decreased in any year since fiscal year nineteen hundred and eighty-six. In the case of a school district which fails to meet the aforementioned criteria, the board of education shall consider as eligible those schools in which the per pupil educational portion of local expenditures, adjusted for inflation and other factors, has not declined in any year since fiscal year nineteen hundred and eighty-six.
MA Gen L ch 15a § 38 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part I - Administration of the Government|Title II - Executive and Administrative Officers of the Commonwealth|Chapter 15a - Public Education|Section 38 - Military Recruiters; On-Campus Recruiting

Section 38. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, all public institutions of higher education shall offer the same student information and on-campus recruiting opportunities to representatives of the state or United States armed services as is offered to non-military recruiters.
MA Gen L ch 15a § 39 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part I - Administration of the Government|Title II - Executive and Administrative Officers of the Commonwealth|Chapter 15a - Public Education|Section 39 - Secondary Education Students Qualified to Enroll in Higher Education Institutions

Section 39. A qualified student enrolled in a public secondary school may enroll as a student in Massachusetts public institutions of higher education. The student shall earn both secondary school and college credits. Students may enroll either full time or for individual courses. The board of education in consultation with the board of higher education, shall define which students may qualify for this program, establish criteria for admission, and otherwise administer this program. For the purpose of encouraging the enrollment of nonpublic secondary school students in the system of public institutions of higher education, such students shall be eligible to participate in the program established by this section; provided, however, that the crediting of such attendance for the purpose of receiving a high school diploma shall be in the sole discretion of the nonpublic school.
MA Gen L ch 15a § 41 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part I - Administration of the Government|Title II - Executive and Administrative Officers of the Commonwealth|Chapter 15a - Public Education|Section 41 - Fees for Approval of Articles or Certificates; Revenue

Section 41. The board of higher education may establish fees to be charged to independent institutions of higher education which seek approval of articles of organization, articles of amendment, or foreign corporation certificates pursuant to sections 30, 30A, 31, and 31A of chapter 69 and which transfer records to the board of higher education pursuant to section 31B of said chapter 69. The revenue received from the collection of the fees shall be retained by the board of higher education in a revolving trust fund and shall be expended solely for carrying out said sections. Fees shall not be greater than the costs incurred by the board of higher education in implementing said sections. The board of higher education shall report annually to the house and senate committee on ways and means the amount of funds collected and any expenditures made from the funds.
MA Gen L ch 15a § 43 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part I - Administration of the Government|Title II - Executive and Administrative Officers of the Commonwealth|Chapter 15a - Public Education|Section 43 - Immunity From Academic or Financial Penalties for Postsecondary Students Performing Military Service on Behalf of the United States

Section 43. (a) No student at a postsecondary institution shall incur academic or financial penalties by virtue of performing military service on behalf of the United States. A student who enrolls in an academic course at any of the institutions in subsection (b) but is unable to complete an academic course because that student is called to or enlists in active duty, as defined in section 1 of chapter 15E, shall have the option to complete the course at a later date without penalty or withdraw from the course with a full refund of fees and tuition paid. If the academic course is no longer available upon the student's return from active duty, the student shall be permitted to complete a replacement course for equivalent credit without penalty. If the student chooses to withdraw from the course, the student's record shall reflect that the withdrawal is due to active duty.  (b) This section shall apply to all postsecondary institutions including: (i) the system of public institutions of higher education, established in section 5; (ii) private occupational schools, as defined in section 263 of chapter 112; and (iii) private colleges, universities and other institutions of higher learning.
MA Gen L ch 15a § 44 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part I - Administration of the Government|Title II - Executive and Administrative Officers of the Commonwealth|Chapter 15a - Public Education|Section 44 - Readmission Protections, Privileges and Immunities for Members of Armed Forces Attending Educational Institutions Within the Commonwealth; Calculation of Cumulative Length of Absence; Exemption From Academic or Financial Penalty

Section 44. (a) As used in this section, the following words shall, unless context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:—  ''Armed forces'', the armed forces of the commonwealth as defined in section 10 of chapter 33, including a state defense force or similar organization composed as permitted by law or of the armed forces of another state or territory.  ''Service in the uniformed services'' shall have the same definition as provided in 34 C.F.R. section 668.18 (b) and shall include either voluntary or involuntary service in the armed forces of: (i) in the armed forces of the commonwealth, including a state guard or similar organization composed as permitted by law, when engaged in duty under chapter 33 or Title 32 of the United States Code; or (ii) another state or territory ordered to perform service under appropriate state or federal authority, without regard for the number of consecutive days of duty.  (b) Members of the armed forces of the commonwealth ordered to state active duty pursuant to chapter 33 or of the armed forces of another state or territory ordered to state active duty under appropriate authority who attend an educational institution within the commonwealth shall be entitled to all rights, protections privileges and immunities afforded under the federal regulation providing readmission requirements for service members pursuant to 34 C.F.R. section 668.18.  (c) Any service performed pursuant to chapter 33, similar authority of another state or territory or Title 32 of the United States Code, when in support of a critical homeland security or emergency management operation as determined by the adjutant general, shall not be included in the calculation of a student's cumulative length of absence from an educational institution.  (d) No student shall incur any academic or financial penalty by virtue of performing service in the uniformed services. A student who enrolls in but is unable to complete an academic course in order to perform service in the uniformed services shall have the option to complete the course at a later date without penalty or withdraw from the course with a full refund of fees and tuition paid. If the academic course is no longer available upon the student's return from service in the uniformed services, the student shall be permitted to complete a replacement course for equivalent credit without penalty. If the student chooses to withdraw from the course, the student's record shall reflect that the withdrawal is due to active military service.
MA Gen L ch 15a § 45 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part I - Administration of the Government|Title II - Executive and Administrative Officers of the Commonwealth|Chapter 15a - Public Education|Section 45 - Establishment and Implementation of Comprehensive Training Program

Section 45. (a) The board shall establish and implement a comprehensive training program for members of the boards of trustees of public institutions of higher education under section 5. The board shall provide instruction and training to the members on the proper governance of a public institution of higher education. Instruction and training shall include, but not be limited to, an overview of: (i) sections 18 to 25, inclusive, of chapter 30A; (ii) clause Twenty-sixth of section 7 of chapter 4 and chapter 66; (iii) chapters 268A and 268B; (iv) state procurement laws; (v) state finance provisions under chapter 29; (vi) fraud prevention; and (vii) fiduciary responsibilities. In developing instruction and training programs under this section, the board shall consult with the attorney general and the inspector general.  Members of a board of trustees of a public institutions of higher education shall complete the comprehensive training program within 4 years of the date of the member's last training; provided however, that the board shall establish a schedule that ensures that all appointed or elected members of the boards of trustees of said public institutions complete the comprehensive training program. Membership on a board of trustees of public institutions of higher education shall terminate and a vacancy shall exist if a member fails to complete the comprehensive training program within the period of time established by the board or fails to complete a training program within 4 years of the date of the member's last training. A vacancy on a board that exists as a result of this section shall be filled for the remainder of the term in the same manner as the prior appointment and be consistent with section 21 and section 1A of chapter 75.  (b) Annually, each public institution of higher education shall post on its website the institution's financial report required pursuant to section 13 of chapter 73, however termed, together with a summary of the report in a format understandable by the general public.
MA Gen L ch 15c § 1 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part I - Administration of the Government|Title II - Executive and Administrative Officers of the Commonwealth|Chapter 15c - Massachusetts College Student Loan Authority|Section 1 - Policy and Purpose

Section 1. It is declared that for the benefit of the people of the commonwealth, the increase of their commerce, welfare and prosperity and the improvement of their health and living conditions, it is essential that this and future generations of youth be given the fullest opportunity to learn and to develop their intellectual capacity and skills. It is declared further that the people of the commonwealth have a direct interest in promoting the education of its citizens and in maintaining and strengthening its system of higher education and that such actions are likely to result in a higher standard of living and higher levels of employment for citizens of the commonwealth. It is recognized that costs connected with undergraduate and graduate higher education are increasingly burdensome and that it is essential that students attending institutions for higher education in the commonwealth and residents of the commonwealth attending institutions for higher education outside the commonwealth, as well as parents and others responsible for paying the costs thereof, be provided with lower cost financial assistance and with convenient and effective savings programs in order to provide for such costs. It is also recognized that educational institutions for higher education within the commonwealth should be provided with appropriate additional means to provide financial assistance to qualified students and to parents and others responsible for paying the costs of education. It is also recognized that, in order to achieve these objectives, it is desirable for the commonwealth to make such financial assistance and savings programs available on a reciprocal basis to students in and residents of other states. Accordingly, it is the purpose of this chapter and the policy of the commonwealth to provide financial assistance, including loans and savings programs, for the benefit of residents of and students in the commonwealth, their parents and others responsible for the costs of their education and alternative methods to enable institutions for higher education in the commonwealth to assist qualified students, and to make such benefits available on a reciprocal basis to students and institutions in and residents of other states, all to the public benefit and good, to the extent and in the manner provided herein.
MA Gen L ch 15c § 2 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part I - Administration of the Government|Title II - Executive and Administrative Officers of the Commonwealth|Chapter 15c - Massachusetts College Student Loan Authority|Section 2 - Short Title

Section 2. This chapter may be referred to and cited as the ''Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority Act''.
MA Gen L ch 15c § 5b (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part I - Administration of the Government|Title II - Executive and Administrative Officers of the Commonwealth|Chapter 15c - Massachusetts College Student Loan Authority|Section 5b - Powers and Duties of Authority for Implementation and Administration of Savings Programs

Section 5B. For the purposes of implementing and administering savings programs, pursuant to paragraph (f1/2) of section five, the Authority shall have, in addition to all other powers and duties provided by this chapter, the following additional powers and duties:  (a) To create and supervise a marketing and distribution system for bonds or other units of participation in savings programs, either or both of which shall be referred to for purposes of this section as ''units'', and to establish proper books of record and account to record the identity of the purchasers and the named beneficiaries, the amounts payable as principal and interest, the receipts and expenses of the Authority with respect to the program and other matters necessary to the administration of the program.  (b) To establish minimum and maximum unit amounts with respect to the savings programs, procedures for the crediting of interest accrued with respect to the units, procedures with respect to payment of the balance due on the final maturity date of a unit or otherwise, procedures with respect to the determinations of eligible beneficiaries, and procedures to accommodate the acquisition of units through payroll savings plans and other similar programs.  (c) To employ financial, marketing, legal and other consultants and advisors for the purpose of consulting with the Authority on the implementation and ongoing administration of the savings programs and to enter into contracts and agreements necessary in connection therewith.  (d) To provide for the terms and conditions of participation in savings programs by participating institutions and to prescribe the form of, from time to time, and to execute such contracts and agreements with the participating institutions as shall be appropriate to reflect such terms and conditions.  (e) To enter into one or more contracts and agreements for marketing, distribution and administration services in connection with savings programs.  (f) To obtain by purchase, lease or license such equipment and facilities, including computer software and hardware, and to employ staff necessary or convenient to carry out the savings programs.  (g) To establish a schedule of fees and charges, including premiums in connection with the sale of units of savings, sufficient to provide for the estimated costs of the program incurred by the Authority.  (h) To take such further actions and establish such further procedures as shall be appropriate to carry out the purposes of the savings programs.
MA Gen L ch 15c § 5c (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part I - Administration of the Government|Title II - Executive and Administrative Officers of the Commonwealth|Chapter 15c - Massachusetts College Student Loan Authority|Section 5c - Comprehensive State-Supported Supplemental Education Loan Program; Development

Section 5C. The authority is hereby authorized to develop and establish a comprehensive state-supported supplemental education loan program. Such program shall consist of medium and long-range fixed rate and variable rate loan programs, programs structured to operate as a line of credit, and other programs and options as the authority may determine to be useful and feasible. Such programs shall be at effective rates of interest and other terms, to the extent feasible and to the extent funds are appropriated by the commonwealth therefor, more attractive than prevailing rates and more attractive than other terms available from conventional supplemental education lenders.  The authority's program shall be developed and operated in conjunction with participating institutions of higher education and shall be designed to assist such institutions in attracting and retaining students. Such program shall be designed so as to maximize the amount of funds available for loans by leveraging amounts appropriated by the commonwealth with private sector financing and by operating in conjunction with such private activity tax-exempt bond cap as may be allocated by the commonwealth. Such program shall include, to the maximum extent feasible and subject to the appropriation of funds by the commonwealth, loans available on affordable terms to families or individuals who, because of a high debt-to-income ratio, may otherwise be ineligible for credit-based supplemental education loans.  The authority shall design such comprehensive program, and make the public aware of it, in such manner as to provide assistance to as many qualified students and to as many institutions of higher education as possible. Funds appropriated by the commonwealth to the authority for the purpose of this section shall be applied by the authority solely to the reasonable and necessary development costs of its programs and to the funding of reasonable and necessary reserves and other security arrangements for its programs, all, to the extent feasible, in such manner as to develop over time a self-replenishing permanent source of education loan funding.