H 500 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act concerning Asian Pacific Islander Desi American history education

This bill requires Massachusetts public schools to include the history of Asian Pacific Islander Desi Americans in their curriculum starting with the 2023-2024 school year. It mandates that the state update its history and social science frameworks to cover the political, economic, and cultural contributions of this diverse group while also addressing historical racism and prejudice. To support these changes, the legislation establishes a dedicated trust fund financed by donations and fines from hate crimes to assist schools and provide teacher training. The law also directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to help districts access quality educational materials and ensures that instruction promotes diverse perspectives and anti-racist practices.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Feb 2024
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Apr 8, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
7
Key actions
2
Committee
1
Feb 29, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Education
lower
0 primary · 15 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.