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MA H524
Bill
Status
2/27/2025
Primary Sponsor
Antonio Cabral
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AI Summary
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Raises mandatory school attendance age to 18, replacing the current board of education-determined age range with a fixed requirement for children ages 6-18 until they complete 12th grade or pass a high school equivalency test
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Students over age 16 would not face criminal penalties for failing to attend school through the mandatory attendance age
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Establishes a "High School Graduation Commission" chaired by the Secretary of Education to investigate barriers to graduation and recommend interventions for at-risk students
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Commission membership includes commissioners from higher education and elementary/secondary education, 4 gubernatorial appointees (including nominees from MTA and AFT Massachusetts), plus 1 appointee each from the House Speaker and Senate President
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Commission must report findings within 6 months, addressing dropout risk factors such as grades, attendance, disciplinary issues, teen parenthood, limited English proficiency, and disabilities, along with evidence-based support services
Legislative Description
To require school attendance up to age 18 or until graduation
Last Action
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
9/15/2025