HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 4158        FILED ON: 2/13/2023

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 3887

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

James K. Hawkins and Tram T. Nguyen

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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 to include climate education in the Massachusetts elementary and secondary school curriculum.

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PETITION OF:

HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 4158        FILED ON: 2/13/2023

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 3887

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Third General Court
(2023-2024)

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An Act to include climate education in the Massachusetts elementary and secondary school curriculum.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1. Said chapter 69 is hereby further amended by inserting after section 1T the following section:-

Section 1U. (a) Environmental science and environmental protection standards established pursuant to section 1D shall promote an understanding of climate change including, but not limited to: (i) the human impact on the carbon cycle; (ii) the effect of climate change on life that exists on Earth; (iii) the effects of the environment on health, economics, and agricultural systems; (iv) the impact of climate change on the water cycle; and (v) the impact of the environment on natural disasters and weather.

(b) A school district, charter school, approved private day or residential school, or collaborative school may incorporate the climate change standards established pursuant to section 1D and subsection (a) into the existing curriculum including, but not limited to, science, history and social sciences, technology or business.

(c) The department may make resources available to school districts, charter schools, approved private day or residential schools, and collaborative schools to assist in the selection of materials and curriculum on climate change. The department may identify and offer information on resources for professional development activities and instruction on climate change. The department may consult with private or non-profit experts in the field of environment or related disciplines and government stakeholders to identify such resources.

(d) The department may apply for federal, state or other funding.