This bill requires all Massachusetts public school staff - including educators, health providers, and new hires - to complete biennial suicide prevention training using evidence-based methods. It mandates schools to have at least one mental health professional for every 400 students by January 2027. The training must be integrated into existing professional development, and schools must provide suicide prevention materials to new staff within 30 days of hiring. These provisions directly affect school districts, educators, and students by standardizing suicide prevention resources and staffing ratios.
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 417) of Patrick M. O'Connor, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., Joanne M. Comerford, Vanna Howard and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to mandatory recess for elementary and middle school students. Education.
By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 283) of Pavel M. Payano for legislation to expand licensure opportunity for school counselors. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
By Representative Doherty of Taunton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 557) of Carol A. Doherty and James K. Hawkins relative to excused absences from school. Education.
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1595) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to enable trained school personnel to administer life saving epinephrine treatment. Public Health.
HD 2223 establishes the Whole Child Grant Program to fund public school districts in Massachusetts for student and educator wellbeing. The bill creates a dedicated fund administered by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, providing $150 per pupil for districts with 20%+ low-income students, $100 for 10-20%, and $50 for under 10%. Funds must be used for specific, allowable purposes including hiring school nurses, counselors, social workers, and psychologists (following state and national staffing recommendations), implementing mental health programs, and developing policies on student safety and technology use. School districts must submit plans detailing fund allocation, agree to supplement existing funding (not replace it), and report annually on expenditures and progress. The program directly affects all public school districts, with increased support targeted to those serving higher concentrations of low-income students.
This bill (HD 1468) allows school nurses employed in Department of Education-approved schools to count prior nursing work experience toward their retirement credit if they are already in a teacher's, municipal, or state retirement system. To qualify, nurses must pay 10% of their annual salary for each year of service plus interest (paid in a lump sum or installments), after completing 10 years in the retirement system, with a maximum of three years of creditable service allowed. Nurses must apply within 90 days of being notified of eligibility by the retirement board.
By Representatives Doherty of Taunton and Hamilton of Methuen, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 554) of Carol A. Doherty and James K. Hawkins for legislation to establish school counseling programs. Education.
This bill requires all public school children in Massachusetts to receive a mental health wellness examination by a licensed professional within 12 months prior to kindergarten entry or within 30 days of the school year start. Parents must provide certification of this exam to school health staff, with religious exemptions available via written request. Private school students (meeting specific non-discrimination criteria) may opt-in through parental request, and private schools not conducting exams must inform parents and recommend they arrange them. The bill mandates detailed written reports from examiners to schools and parents, including diagnoses, treatment plans, and educational adjustments. It also adds funding provisions to support mental health wellness exams in underserved school districts.
HD 3399 creates a Junior Operator’s License Fund to cover driver education costs for young drivers from disadvantaged backgrounds, defined as those eligible for programs like free school meals, MassHealth, or food assistance. The bill shortens the required time for completing driver education from six months to 90 days and mandates that course providers give written notices of course requirements and timeframes, with refunds if they fail to complete on time and the student’s permit expires. The Registrar of Motor Vehicles will manage the fund and collect data on enrollments and permit expirations, while the Attorney General enforces refund rules and issues fines up to $1,000 for non-compliance. This law directly affects young drivers seeking licenses, driver education providers, and state agencies handling the program.
