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

An Act to provide a sustainable future for rural schools

This bill defines rural school districts in Massachusetts as those with low student density and below-average income to ensure they receive targeted support. It requires a state center to annually review these districts' health insurance plans and provide cost-saving recommendations, such as joining purchasing groups, while offering assistance to implement those changes. Additionally, the bill creates a new office of shared services to help rural districts form regional unions and manage shared resources, and it gives special education paraprofessionals priority for certain licensure grants.
Bill status Introduction 0 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor