WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 740

An Act relative to school mascot name changes

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Marcus Vaughn

H.740 requires a public hearing with affected group representatives before school branding changes referencing protected characteristics, plus state rules to implement it.

Hearing scheduled for 06/17/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in B-2
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 740

Summary: H.740 An Act relative to school mascot name changes (Massachusetts)

Overview

House Bill 740, introduced February 27, 2025, proposes a new provision to Chapter 71 of the General Laws adding Section 37S. The measure would require a public hearing before certain school branding changes are made, specifically when the current branding references protected characteristics. A hearing is to be held by the local school committee, with participation by affected groups, and the state education commissioner would adopt implementing rules.

  • Bill number: H.740
  • Title: An Act relative to school mascot name changes
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Current status: Hearing scheduled for June 17, 2025 (1:00 PM–5:00 PM) in hearing room B-2
  • Filed: January 3, 2025 (House Docket No. 66)
  • Referred to: House Committee on Education
  • Related: Similar matter previously filed as House No. 605 in 2023-2024; related HD 66

Purpose and intent

The bill aims to ensure community input and transparency when a school brands itself in ways that reference protected characteristics. By requiring a public hearing and active participation from representatives of impacted groups, the bill seeks to promote inclusive decision-making around school mascots, names, logos, and other branding elements.

Key provisions

  • Definition of “school branding”: Section 37S defines branding to include any name, symbol, image, mascot, nickname, logo, letterhead, team name, slogan, motto, or other identifier used by a school.
  • Hearing requirement: Before any change in school branding that references any person, group of persons, organization, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity, the local school committee must hold a hearing. The hearing must be open to the public.
  • Representation and participation: At least one representative of the referenced group must attend the hearing and be given the opportunity to speak about the proposed branding change.
  • Regulatory framework: The Massachusetts Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education is tasked with adopting rules and regulations to implement Section 37S.

Who would be affected

  • Local school committees/districts undertaking branding changes
  • Students, staff, alumni, and communities associated with school branding elements
  • Groups or identities explicitly referenced in branding proposals
  • The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, which would issue implementing regulations

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Filing and referral: Filed January 3, 2025; referred to Education on February 27, 2025
  • Legislative actions: 0) 2025-02-27 – Referred to committee; 2) Senate concurrence noted; 3) 2025-06-06 – Hearing scheduled for 2025-06-17
  • Implementation: Requires rulemaking by the Commissioner to operationalize the hearing requirements and related processes
  • Interaction with prior/related measures: Related to, and previously filed as, House No. 605 in the 2023-2024 session; similar matter appears as HD 66

Potential impact and considerations

  • Positive impacts: Promotes community engagement and inclusivity; provides formal mechanism for affected groups to participate in branding decisions; increases transparency around branding changes.
  • Administrative considerations: Adds procedural steps for districts, potential scheduling and staffing for hearings; need for clear rules on who qualifies as a “representative” of a referenced group.
  • Scope considerations: Applies only when branding changes reference protected characteristics listed in the bill; does not impose a general veto but requires a hearing before changes.

Summary

H.740 would insert a new Section 37S into Chapter 71, mandating a public hearing before branding changes that reference protected characteristics, with participation from representatives of those groups, and directing the Commissioner to issue implementing regulations. The measure emphasizes participatory decision-making in school branding while outlining a defined procedural framework for districts and the state to follow.

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

Sign in to ask a question.