An Act relative to school choice

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Barrett and 3 co-sponsors

The bill allows districts with middle/high school tuition agreements to exempt incoming elementary school choice students from those secondary-tuition terms.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means

Overview

House Bill No. 5502, An Act relative to school choice, proposed in the 194th General Court of Massachusetts, would modify existing tuition agreement provisions to give elementary-level school choice students an option regarding participation in certain tuition agreements. The bill was reported favorably by the House Committee on Education on June 15, 2026 and referred to the House Ways and Means.

Main purpose and intent

To adjust how municipal school districts that operate under a tuition agreement for middle and high school education may treat incoming elementary-level school choice students.

Specifically, it introduces a potential exemption from participation in the existing tuition agreement for incoming elementary school choice students in districts that otherwise operate under a tuition agreement for grades beyond elementary.

Key provisions and changes

Amends Section 12B of Chapter 76 of the Massachusetts General Laws (as of the 2024 Official Edition).

New language to be inserted after the word “sections” states:

For municipal school districts that operate under a tuition agreement for middle and high school education (and are not regional school district agreements), there may be an exemption for incoming elementary-level school choice students from participation in such tuition agreement.

In practical terms, this means:

Districts can choose to exclude incoming elementary school choice students from being bound by the applicable tuition agreement that governs tuition-sharing or arrangements for middle and high school students.
The exemption would apply only to elementary-level entrants and only in districts that are currently operating under a tuition agreement for secondary education (middle/high), not those under regional school district agreements.

Who/what would be affected

Elementary-level incoming school choice students in municipal school districts that are operating under a tuition agreement for middle and high school education (and that are not under regional school district agreements).

The affected districts would have the option to grant an exemption from the secondary-level tuition agreement for these incoming elementary students.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill was referred to the Committee on Education, which reported the bill favorably on June 15, 2026.

It was then referred to the Committee on House Ways and Means for consideration (as part of the standard legislative process).

The text indicates a new draft version (H 4867) accompanied the committee report, suggesting potential amendments or clarifications during the legislative process.

Potential impact and considerations

The exemption could increase school choice flexibility for families, allowing elementary students to participate in school choice without being bound by the district’s existing tuition agreement for secondary education.

It may affect how tuition-sharing arrangements are implemented for districts currently relying on middle/high school tuition agreements, potentially impacting budgeting and district revenue streams.

The exact scope, eligibility criteria, and implementation details (e.g., effective date, transition rules, and any conditions) would be clarified in the final enacted language and accompanying fiscal notes.