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H 688

An Act relative to public school workplace security

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Lindsay Sabadosa

Protect educators from retaliation for reporting misconduct; shift administrator investigations to the Attorney General, with district review boards and annual reporting.

Hearing scheduled for 06/17/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in B-2
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Bill Summary · H 688

Summary: H 688 — An Act relative to public school workplace security

Quick overview

  • Bill number: H 688
  • Title: An Act relative to public school workplace security
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Sponsor: Representative Lindsay N. Sabadosa (by request)
  • Committee: Referred to the House Committee on Education (02/27/2025)
  • Hearing: Scheduled for June 17, 2025, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM, in Room B-2
  • Status: Hearing scheduled; related actions indicate House consideration and Senate concurrence

Purpose

The bill aims to protect educators and school staff from unjust, antagonistic, or harmful treatment by school administrators and to establish formal accountability mechanisms for administrative conduct within Massachusetts public schools. It also shifts the handling of conflicts of interest away from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to the Office of the Attorney General (AG).

Key provisions

1) Protections against retaliation

  • Educators may not face disciplinary action, harassment, or retaliation for reporting misconduct or advocating for student well-being.
  • Educators have the right to appeal disciplinary actions alleged to result from vindictive actions.

2) Review Board

  • Establishment of a Review Board within each school district to investigate educator complaints against administrators.
  • The Board is described as anonymous and includes teachers, administrators, and community representatives to provide a balanced perspective.

3) Accountability and reporting

  • Administrators found to engage in retaliatory actions may face disciplinary measures, including suspension, termination, or removal of licensure.
  • An annual report must be submitted to the state legislature detailing complaints, investigation outcomes, and actions taken against administrators.

4) Attorney General oversight

  • Complaints against school administrators would be investigated by the AG’s office rather than DESE, due to concerns about potential conflicts of interest within the department.
  • The AG would be empowered to investigate and penalize administrators found to have conflicts of interest or to have engaged in aggressive or unjustly harmful actions.

Implementation and effects

  • Effective date: Immediate upon passage, with school districts required to implement training and awareness programs for educators and administrators.
  • Severability: If any provision is invalid, the remainder remains in effect.

Who is affected

  • Educators and school staff in public schools
  • School administrators and district leadership
  • DESE (transition of certain investigative responsibilities)
  • Office of the Attorney General (new investigative role)
  • School districts and governance bodies
  • The general public, via annual legislative reporting

Next steps

  • Monitor the June 17, 2025 hearing for discussion and potential amendments.
  • Track any movement in the House and Senate, including potential floor votes and conference actions.

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

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