This bill (HD 2479) requires school leaders (principals, superintendents) to first try alternative approaches like mediation or restorative justice before suspending or expelling a student. It mandates documenting why these alternatives weren't used for specific incidents, unless the student poses an immediate threat of serious harm to others. The law also requires schools to implement broader, school-wide programs focused on re-engaging students, such as trauma-sensitive learning models. Exceptions allowing immediate suspension remain only for documented safety risks or severe disruptions to learning.
This bill (HD 2628) allows trained school staff to administer glucagon to students experiencing severe low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when a nurse is unavailable, directly affecting students with diabetes and their school staff. It requires written parental permission and mandates that schools train non-nurse staff to provide this emergency treatment without them facing liability for good-faith actions (except gross negligence). The bill also clarifies that such staff are not practicing nursing when administering glucagon. The Department of Public Health must issue these regulations within 180 days of the bill's enactment.
This bill (HD 2074) prohibits Massachusetts public school districts and charter schools from suspending students solely for violating dress or grooming rules. It requires all such rules to be non-discriminatory (based on gender identity, race, religion, disability, etc.), clear and objective, and bans physical enforcement or requiring students to undress in front of others. The law also explicitly states that schools may still require specific clothing colors and address bullying or harassment. The changes take effect 60 days after passage.
This bill (S 450) creates a new "school safety resource officer" position within the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The officer would provide schools with safety information and evaluate school safety plans. It directly affects all public schools in Massachusetts by establishing a dedicated state resource to support their safety planning efforts. The key mechanism is the commissioner designating an individual to serve in this role, offering guidance and reviewing safety measures. The bill does not fund new programs or change existing safety requirements.
By Representatives Kushmerek of Fitchburg and Philips of Sharon, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 623) of Michael P. Kushmerek, Edward R. Philips and Marcus S. Vaughn relative to equipping public elementary and secondary schools with panic alarms or emergency mechanisms. Education.
By Representative Smola of Warren, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 705) of Todd M. Smola that school administrators consider alternatives to suspension or expulsion of certain students. Education.
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 419) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to create a school resource officer grant program and fund. Education.
This bill (HD 131) decriminalizes non-violent student conduct within school settings by removing criminal penalties for K-12 students. It amends two sections of state law: Section 40 (disturbing assemblies) and Section 53 (disorderly conduct), explicitly stating that students cannot be charged, adjudicated, or convicted for alleged violations related to conduct in school buildings, on school grounds, or during school events. The law maintains penalties for adults but exempts students from prosecution for minor disruptions like verbal arguments or non-violent interruptions. It does not change school disciplinary procedures but prevents the criminal justice system from handling such incidents involving students. This directly affects all K-12 students in public and private schools within the state.
SD 163 requires school boards to establish curriculum standards teaching students non-violent methods for resolving interpersonal conflicts across all grade levels. The bill directly affects public schools and students by mandating the inclusion of conflict resolution frameworks that discourage violence and abuse. Key provisions specify that these standards must be integrated into the curriculum to promote productive dispute resolution. The law aims to equip students with peaceful conflict management skills as part of their education.
This bill requires public schools to update their substance use prevention policies to include specific education about opioid dangers and legal protections for reporting overdoses. Schools must teach students about addictive substances' risks, particularly opioids, and explain immunities under state law that encourage overdose reporting. It also mandates schools to assess their programs, share effective strategies with other districts, and collaborate with health departments to improve prevention efforts. The policy directly affects all public schools and their students in Massachusetts, aiming to strengthen education and reporting around substance use.
