Bill > H2048

This bill proposes to decriminalize non-violent and verbal student misconduct by modifying two sections of Massachusetts law. Specifically, it amends Chapter 272 to prevent K-12 students from being charged, convicted, or adjudicated for disruptive behavior that occurs within school buildings, on school grounds, or during school-related events. Under the first section, the bill removes the potential for students to be punished with imprisonment or fines for wilfully interrupting or disturbing an assembly, which previously carried a penalty of up to one month in jail or a $50 fine. The second section similarly modifies the law regarding disorderly persons, eliminating the possibility of charging students with a criminal offense for disruptive behavior, while maintaining the existing penalties for adults. This legislative change aims to prevent students from facing criminal consequences for minor infractions, potentially reducing the school-to-prison pipeline and recognizing that student misconduct is better addressed through educational disciplinary processes rather than criminal prosecution.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2048