Bill > S842

This bill aims to decriminalize certain non-violent and verbal misconduct by elementary and secondary school students, meaning they would no longer face criminal charges, adjudication, or conviction for such actions when they occur within school buildings, on school grounds, or during school-related events. Specifically, it amends 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. The changes ensure that students are not prosecuted under these sections for conduct that would otherwise be considered a violation, such as wilfully interrupting an assembly or being a disturber of the peace, thereby shifting the focus away from criminal penalties for these specific student behaviors within the educational context.