Bill > S344

This bill seeks to promote the education success of court-involved children by amending sections of Chapter 71 of the Massachusetts General Laws. Key provisions include: - Narrowing the definition of "dangerous weapon" that can lead to expulsion from school, excluding pocket knives under 2.5 inches. - Clarifying the language around student assaults, requiring "willful assault with intent and means to harm." - Enhancing due process protections for students facing suspension or expulsion, including the right to representation, access to evidence, and parent/guardian involvement in hearings. - Requiring school principals to exercise discretion, consider ways to re-engage the student, and avoid expulsion until other remedies have been employed. - Expanding the language around students being "suspended or expelled" to include both suspension and expulsion. - Modifying the conditions under which a student can be suspended or expelled based on a felony charge or conviction, with additional due process requirements. The overall goal of the bill is to promote educational success for court-involved children by limiting exclusionary discipline practices and ensuring fair and equitable procedures.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S344