S 80 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act creating an electronic backpack for foster children’s educational records

This bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to create a digital system called an "electronic backpack" for every child in foster care. The system will store and share key educational records, such as transcripts, attendance logs, and individualized education plans, to help ensure stability as these students move between schools. Access to this information will be granted to teachers, authorized decision-makers, and medical providers who need it to support the child's well-being. The law mandates that the department and the Department of Children and Families work together to set up the system and establish rules for its use within one year of the bill's passage.
Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
May 2024
House Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Jun 6, 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
8
Key actions
3
Committee
1
May 21, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Mar 28, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
upper
1 primary · 7 co-sponsors

Sponsors