HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 118 FILED ON: 1/6/2017
HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 256
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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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PRESENTED BY:
Colleen M. Garry
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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:
The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:
An Act regarding surveys in public schools.
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PETITION OF:
Name: | District/Address: | Date Added: |
Colleen M. Garry | 36th Middlesex | 1/6/2017 |
HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 118 FILED ON: 1/6/2017
HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 256
By Miss Garry of Dracut, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 256) of Colleen M. Garry for legislation to require parental notification prior to the taking of student surveys in the public schools regarding personal or private issues. Education. |
[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION
SEE HOUSE, NO. 382 OF 2015-2016.]
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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In the One Hundred and Ninetieth General Court
(2017-2018)
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An Act regarding surveys in public schools.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
Chapter 71 of the General Laws is hereby revised as follows, with the addition of Section 32B:
Section 32B. Student surveys regarding personal or private issues; Requirements for parental notification and consent.
No student in any public elementary or secondary school, without the prior written consent of the parent or guardian, shall be requested or required to submit to a survey, analysis, or evaluation concerning personal issues including, but not limited to: (1)emotional and psychological concerns or issues, whether concerning the student or his family (including mental health screenings); (2) sexual behavior and attitudes; (3)illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behaviors; (4) feelings of victimization; (5) suicide attempts or ideation, or self-abuse; (6) birth control or abortion; (7) critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondent has family relationships; (8) legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those with lawyers, physicians, therapists, and ministers; (9) political affiliations; or (10)income. This will apply to all such surveys whether from a state or federal agency, whether administered in a classroom setting, by a school counselor, a school nurse, or school based health center staff member. All such screenings, surveys, analyses, and evaluations shall be shall be made reasonably available with adequate advance notice to parents, guardians, educators, school administrators, and others for inspection and review prior to being administered.