Text of the House amendments to the Senate Bill to promote student learning and mental health (Senate, No. 2581) (being the text of House document numbered 5349, published as amended). April 8, 2026.
Text of amendments, recommended by the committee on Ways and Means, to the Senate Bill to promote student learning and mental health (Senate, No. 2581, amended). April 7, 2026.
This bill amends Massachusetts education laws to formally include health education as part of the required curriculum in public schools. It mandates that health education standards be age-appropriate and medically accurate, covering topics such as physical development, nutrition, mental health, substance use prevention, and community health. The legislation also requires school districts to notify parents when implementing sexual education curricula and allows parents to request exemptions for their children without penalty. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the state's health curriculum framework serves as a guide for local districts and explicitly states that health education will not be tested on the MCAS exam.
This bill limits school resource officers' (SROs) roles in schools by prohibiting them from handling routine discipline or replacing counselors. It requires SROs to only intervene in serious criminal incidents (like physical harm, malicious property damage, or theft of significant value) and mandates de-escalation training. Schools must annually report costs, mental health budgets, and detailed data on student interactions with SROs (including arrests and referrals), with the education department collecting and publishing this data. The bill also creates grants to help schools adopt non-law enforcement safety practices, such as conflict resolution and culturally affirming approaches.
Senate, February 9, 2026 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 359) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to promote a healthy culture and climate within schools; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 368) of Adam Gomez, Michael J. Barrett, Joanne M. Comerford, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the Senate for legislation to reduce exclusionary discipline for grooming and dress code violations; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 376) of Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation to promote the education success of court involved children; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 380) of Patricia D. Jehlen and James B. Eldridge for legislation to establish statewide targets for addressing persistent disparities in achievement and suspension and expulsion in public schools; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 387) of Robyn K. Kennedy for legislation relative to safer schools, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2955).
By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 283) of Pavel M. Payano, Joan B. Lovely, Jason M. Lewis, Brendan P. Crighton and other members of the Senate for legislation to expand licensure opportunity for school counselors. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
Senate, November 19, 2025 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 283) of Pavel M. Payano, Joan B. Lovely, Jason M. Lewis, Brendan P. Crighton and other members of the Senate for legislation to expand licensure opportunity for school counselors, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2706).
This bill requires public schools (grades 6-12) and colleges/universities to include the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline phone and text number on all new or replacement student ID cards. It directly affects schools and higher education institutions that issue student IDs, mandating the inclusion of this lifeline contact information. The requirement applies to IDs issued on or after July 1, 2025, with existing non-compliant cards allowed to be used until depleted. The law aims to make crisis support more accessible to students by integrating it into routine student identification.
By Mr. Brady, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1787) of Michael D. Brady for legislation relative to credible service for school nurses. Public Service.
This bill requires Massachusetts public school food service providers to ensure at least 50% of weekly lunch entrées are "fiber-rich" (made with whole grains, vegetables, fruits, or legumes) and limits ultra-processed foods to no more than 20% of weekly entrées. It defines "ultra-processed" as foods containing industrial additives like high-fructose corn syrup or artificial preservatives. Food service companies must publicly report monthly nutrition data to verify compliance, with a three-year phase-in period ending by 2033-2034. The law directly affects food service management companies contracted with schools, aiming to improve student nutrition within federally reimbursable meal programs.
