H 4406
An Act banning legacy and donor preferences in higher education
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- Passed House
- Passed Senate
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Bill overview
This bill prohibits colleges and universities in Massachusetts from considering a student’s family connections to an institution or its donors when making admissions decisions. It also directs the Department of Higher Education to review and recommend changes to admissions policies, particularly regarding ‘binding early decision’ policies, with a focus on equity and diversity. The law takes effect for admissions starting in the 2026-2027 school year.
Key provisions
- Public colleges and universities cannot consider a student’s familial relationship to an institution or its donors in admissions.
- The Department of Higher Education will conduct a review of admissions policies, including ‘binding early decision’ policies.
- The review will assess the impact of these policies on equity and diversity.
- The review will consult with various stakeholder groups, including educational organizations and the Attorney General.
- The Department must publish its review and recommendations by 2026.
- The bill aims to reduce the advantage given to students from wealthy families or with connections to donors.
- The bill defines ‘Binding early decision admission policy’ and ‘Institution of higher education’ for clarity.
- The law takes effect for admissions decisions starting in the 2026-2027 school year.
Who is affected
- Students applying to higher education institutions in Massachusetts
- Public colleges and universities in Massachusetts
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Higher Education
Cosponsors
Francisco E. Paulino
Michael J. Moran
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Bill H.4406 194th (Current)
An Act banning legacy and donor preferences in higher education
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Higher Education Status: Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
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Bill History Cosponsors Committee Vote Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 3 actions for Bill H.4406
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 8/28/2025 | House | Reported from the committee on Higher Education |
| 8/28/2025 | House | New draft of H1425 and H1452 |
| 8/28/2025 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means |
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