SECTION 1. Whereas, Massachusetts’ out of school student suspension rate is 4.3% in 2012-13, yet blacks students were at risk 10.0%, Latino students were at risk 8.4%, and students with disabilities were at risk 8.5%

Therefore, the new Chapter 222 “Student Discipline” Law (M.G.L. c. 71, § 37H ¾) is amended to insure that Emergency Removal of suspended/expelled students are safe, healthy and have appropriate transportation.

SECTION 2. Section 37H ¾ of Chapter 71 as appearing in the 2014 Official Edition of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding after paragraph (f) the following paragraph:-

(g) Students who are suspended or expelled in an emergency situation shall be kept safe and have transportation that is provided directly by the school district and not by another agency so that the chain of custody is not interrupted or broken. If the student qualifies for meals, meals must be provided by the school district prior to emergency removal.

SECTION 3. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education shall promulgate regulations relative to paragraph (g) of Section 37H ¾ of Chapter 71.