Bill > H1623

This bill aims to decriminalize certain non-violent and verbal misconduct by students, particularly in school settings. It proposes to amend Chapter 272 of the General Laws by modifying Section 40, which deals with disturbing assemblies, and Section 53, which covers disorderly persons and disturbers of the peace. Specifically, the bill adds a provision stating that K-12 students cannot be charged, adjudicated, or convicted for violating these sections if their conduct occurs within school buildings or grounds, or during school-related events. This means that actions like verbally disrupting a lawful assembly or being a general disturber of the peace, when committed by a student in a school context, will no longer be treated as criminal offenses for them. The existing penalties for these offenses, such as fines and potential imprisonment, remain for adults and for students outside of school-related contexts.