WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 619

An Act relative to youth skin health

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michelle Badger and 1 co-sponsor

The bill allows students, parents, and school personnel to possess and use FDA-regulated topical sunscreen at school or school events without a prescription or physician note.

Accompanied H600
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 619

Summary: H.619 An Act relative to youth skin health (Massachusetts, 2025-2026)

Overview

  • Bill number and title: H.619, An Act relative to youth skin health
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Status: Accompanied by H.600
  • Related bill: HD 3712 (replaces)
  • Primary sponsor: Rep. Patrick Joseph Kearney
  • Committee assignment: Referred to the Committee on Education (February 27, 2025)
  • Legislative actions to date include scheduled hearings and accompaniment to another bill

Purpose and intent

The bill adds a clear statewide provision allowing the possession and use of topical sunscreen by students, parents, and school personnel in schools and at school-related events, without need for a physician’s note or prescription, to prevent sun overexposure. It clarifies sunscreen is not considered an over-the-counter medication for the purposes of this section and addresses implementation considerations within school settings.

Key provisions

  • Section added to Chapter 71 (after Section 99), designated as Section 100:
    • Any person (including students, parents, and school personnel) may possess and use topical sunscreen on school property or at school-related events/activities to avoid sun overexposure.
    • Eligibility criterion: the sunscreen product must be regulated by the FDA for over-the-counter use.
    • Sunscreen is not deemed an over-the-counter medication for the purposes of this section.
    • No requirement for school personnel to assist students with applying sunscreen.
    • School districts may encourage schools to educate students on sun safety precautions.

Affected parties

  • Students and their families
  • School personnel (teachers, staff, administrators)
  • School districts and school sites
  • Potentially vendors/suppliers of sunscreen used in schools

Implementation and timing

  • Legislative history indicates referral to the Education Committee on February 27, 2025.
  • A hearing was scheduled for July 21, 2025 (Gardner Auditorium) as part of the normal committee process.
  • The bill is accompanied by H600, indicating parallel or related legislative action.
  • The “Related Bills” note HD 3712 (replaces) suggests this bill may be substituted or consolidated during the legislative process.

Practical implications

  • Increases accessibility to sunscreen in schools without medical paperwork.
  • Supports sun safety education at schools through district encouragement.
  • Provides a clear semantic distinction that sunscreen is not an OTC medication for regulatory purposes within this section.
  • Leaves discretion to individual school districts regarding policies and education efforts.

Notes

  • The text explicitly states that school personnel are not obliged to apply sunscreen for students.
  • The bill focuses on permission and access, rather than a mandate for staff-assisted application or new medical administration procedures.

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

Sign in to ask a question.