WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HD 4400

An Act relative to prohibit sex offenders from entering on to public or private school property for any reason

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Colleen Garry

Ban sex offenders from any public or private school property in Massachusetts, with up to 2.5 years in jail, a $1,000 fine, and police enforcement.

Reported, referred to the committee on Joint Rules, reported, rules suspended and referred to the committee on The Judiciary
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 4400

Summary: HD 4400 — An Act relative to prohibit sex offenders from entering onto public or private school property for any reason

What the bill does

  • Prohibits any sex offender from being on public or private school property for any reason.
  • Establishes enforcement mechanisms and penalties for violations.

Key provisions and definitions

  • Legislative addition: Chapter 265 of the Massachusetts General Laws would be amended by adding Section 59 at the end.
  • Definition: A “sex offender” is defined as in section 178C of chapter 6.
  • Prohibition: A sex offender shall not be allowed on public or private school property for any reason (including schools' buildings and grounds).
  • Penalties: Violation punishable by imprisonment in the house of correction for up to 2.5 years, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
  • Enforcement: A police officer or official authorized to serve criminal process may arrest, without a warrant, any person whom there is probable cause to believe has violated this section.

Scope and affected parties

  • Applies to both public and private school properties in Massachusetts.
  • Affects individuals listed as sex offenders under state law (as defined by ch. 6, §178C).
  • Implications for school communities, administrators, staff, volunteers, contractors, and visiting personnel who might otherwise access school premises.

Legislative history and status

  • Introduced: March 24, 2025 (House): Filed by Rep. Colleen M. Garry of Dracut.
  • Initial reference: Referred to the House Rules (HD 4400 filing details).
  • Subsequent actions: Reported, referred to the Joint Rules committee; after rules actions, referred to The Judiciary.
  • Related measure: Similar matter previously filed in 2023-2024 as House No. 1510.

Procedural timeline

  • Filed/introduced: February 12, 2025 (House Docket details show initial filing date).
  • March 24, 2025: Referred to the House Rules committee.
  • May 19, 2025: Reported and characterized with rules suspended and referred to The Judiciary, indicating progression through legislative committees.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Safety rationale: Designed to reduce potential access of sex offenders to school environments, enhancing student safety.
  • Compliance and logistics: Schools may need to verify property access and coordinate with law enforcement for enforcement or exemptions.
  • Legal considerations: The broad prohibition (“for any reason”) could raise questions about exceptions (e.g., contractors, volunteers, authorized visits) and rights of individuals; enforcement could raise due process and balancing considerations with existing sex offender laws and court orders.
  • Implementation: If enacted, the measure would require clear guidance for school systems and law enforcement on identifying violators and handling exclusions.

Bottom line

HD 4400 proposes a straightforward, statewide prohibition on sex offenders being on school property, backed by criminal penalties and police enforcement, with the bill currently advancing through Massachusetts’ committee process.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.