Bill > S346

This bill proposes to amend existing Massachusetts law to establish a skin cancer and sun safety education program in public schools. Specifically, it will insert language into the General Laws to include education on the detection and prevention of skin cancer. Furthermore, the bill directs the department of education, in partnership with the department of public health, to create a task force responsible for developing a model curriculum for all grades, from kindergarten through twelve, focused on skin cancer prevention. This curriculum will cover fundamental information about skin cancer, including the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation from sources like sunburns and tanning, and will outline strategies and behaviors to lower the risk of developing the disease. The curriculum will also incorporate educational materials and policies from the "Sunwise Program," a program run by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is a government agency focused on environmental protection. Once developed, a copy of this curriculum will be distributed to school district superintendents across the commonwealth, and school districts will be encouraged to adopt it or a modified version.