Bill > S2610

This bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to conduct a comprehensive study on recovery high schools, which are specialized educational institutions designed to support students struggling with substance abuse. Specifically, the department must work with the principals of the state's five recovery high schools to: (1) examine the costs of sending students to these schools, (2) calculate the average per-pupil expenditure at recovery high schools, and (3) consult with the Department of Public Health to determine whether a medical diagnosis of "substance use disorder or dependency" (as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV-TR) should be a requirement for enrollment. The department is mandated to complete this study and submit its findings to several legislative committees, including the Ways and Means Committees, the Education Committee, and the Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery Committee, by June 30, 2026. This bill aims to better understand the operational and medical aspects of recovery high schools to potentially inform future policy decisions.

Budget and Finance

Committee on Education (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2610