MA H2048

K-12 students would be exempt from criminal charges under the "disturbance of assemblies" law (Chapter 272, Section 40) for conduct occurring within school buildings, on school grounds, or during school-related events

Elementary and secondary students would similarly be exempt from "disorderly persons and disturbers of the peace" charges (Chapter 272, Section 53) for school-based conduct

The exemptions specifically prohibit charging, adjudicating, or convicting students under these provisions for qualifying school-related behavior

Existing penalties for non-students remain unchanged: up to 1 month imprisonment or $50 fine for disturbance of assemblies, and up to $150 fine for first-offense disorderly conduct ($200 and/or 6 months imprisonment for subsequent offenses)

Filed by Representative Bud L. Williams (11th Hampden) on January 6, 2025; similar legislation was introduced in the 2023-2024 session as House Bill 1817