H 541 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act enhancing learning in the early school years through a ban on school exclusion in public prekindergarten through 3rd grade

This bill bans suspensions and expulsions for students in public prekindergarten through third grade in Massachusetts. It directly affects young students in these grades by prohibiting school exclusion for discipline infractions, aiming to support learning during critical early education years. The law requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide schools with guidance on alternatives like restorative justice and conflict resolution. The provision takes effect one year after enactment, with future expansions to include fourth and fifth grade (effective two years later) pending further legislative action.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Nov 2025
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Nov 17, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Nov 17, 2025
Lower · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on Education
lower
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors

Sponsors