H 543 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to health programs in schools

This bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to update the state's health curriculum, which has not been revised since 1999. The updated framework will focus on promoting healthy eating and physical activity while removing content that requires students to track their food intake, as this practice may negatively impact mental health and encourage disordered eating habits. The legislation also mandates that the department include specific guidance on recognizing and addressing disordered eating behaviors in school health programs. By June 30, 2024, the department must submit a report to the joint committee on education outlining these proposed changes.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Jul 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
5
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Education
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Tram Nguyen
Tram Nguyen
DDemocratic
MA
18th Essex