Bill > H551

This bill introduces new requirements for school districts regarding parental notification and involvement in students' health and well-being. The legislation mandates that school committees create procedures to notify parents about any changes in their child's mental, emotional, or physical health services or monitoring. Schools must encourage students to discuss well-being issues with their parents and cannot prevent parents from accessing their child's educational or health records. The bill prohibits instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through third grade and requires schools to notify parents at the beginning of each school year about healthcare services offered, with an option to decline specific services. For students in kindergarten through third grade, schools must obtain parental permission before administering well-being questionnaires or health screening forms. The bill also establishes a complaint resolution process, allowing parents to appeal to the Commissioner of Education or pursue legal action if they believe the school is not complying with these requirements. Schools must respond to parental concerns within 30 days and can be subject to damages and attorney fees if found in violation. By June 30, 2027, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must review and update counseling frameworks and guidelines to align with these new provisions.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H551