Bill > S365

This bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to install video and audio cameras in self-contained and sub-separate special education classrooms, as well as audio recording devices in the restrooms of these classrooms. A "self-contained classroom" is defined as a classroom where a majority of students receive special education instruction. The bill mandates that each public school receive these recording devices, with the school principal or assigned administrator serving as the custodian of the recordings. The cameras must be capable of monitoring and recording all areas of the classroom (except changing areas and restrooms), and the audio devices must be placed in restrooms with clear signage indicating their presence. Recordings must be retained for at least one year and can only be reviewed under specific circumstances, such as investigating an alleged incident of bullying, abuse, harm, or neglect. The recordings cannot be used for teacher evaluations or any purpose other than student safety, and schools must take precautions to protect student privacy by blurring faces of uninvolved students. The bill also provides a process for requesting and reviewing recordings, with strict guidelines about who can access them and under what conditions. Additionally, the State Board of Education is required to create regulations within 90 days to clarify the implementation of these requirements and address potential unforeseen issues.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S365