Bill > H730

This bill modifies school exclusion policies in Massachusetts by making several key changes to existing education laws. The bill narrows the conditions under which students can be suspended or expelled by requiring principals to have a "specific, documentable concern about the infliction of serious bodily injury" before taking such actions, rather than the previous broader standard of having a "substantial detrimental effect on the general welfare of the school." It also strengthens due process protections by mandating that students receive written notification of charges, have the right to a hearing before the principal, and be provided with detailed reasons for any suspension or expulsion. The bill eliminates references to expulsion in several sections of the law, suggests that students on diversion are not eligible for suspension, and stipulates that long-term suspensions cannot extend beyond the school year in which they are imposed. Additionally, the bill modifies language about school exclusion related to possession of dangerous devices or controlled substances, explicitly excluding marijuana from the list of substances that could lead to exclusion. The overall intent appears to be reducing harsh disciplinary practices and ensuring more fair and transparent procedures for student disciplinary actions.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H730