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HD 3712

An Act relative to youth skin health

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Patrick Kearney

Allows students, parents, and staff to possess and use OTC sunscreen at school or school events without doctor's notes, promoting sun safety on campus.

Senate concurred
0
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Bill Summary · HD 3712

Summary: House Bill HD 3712 – An Act relative to youth skin health

Overview

  • Bill: HD 3712 (House Docket No. 3712), titled An Act relative to youth skin health.
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Status: Senate concurred; referred to the Committee on Education on introduction date.
  • Context: The bill adds a new provision to Chapter 71 of the Massachusetts General Laws concerning sunscreen use in schools.

Purpose and Intent

  • The primary aim is to remove barriers to sunscreen use for students and school personnel, enabling sun protection on school property or at school-related events without requiring medical documentation.
  • It seeks to promote sun safety and reduce overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation among youth during school activities.

Key Provisions

  • New Section 100 added to Chapter 71, following Section 99:
    • Any person (including students, parents, or school personnel) may possess and use a topical sunscreen product on school property or at a school-related event or activity without a physician’s note or prescription, provided the product is regulated by the FDA for over-the-counter (OTC) use.
    • For purposes of this section, sunscreen is not considered an OTC medication.
    • The measure does not require school personnel to assist students in applying sunscreen.
    • School districts may encourage schools to educate students on sun safety precautions.

Scope and Impact

  • Applies to the school environment: on school property and at school-sponsored events or activities.
  • Affects students, parents, and school personnel directly, by permitting possession and use of OTC sunscreen without medical documentation.
  • Clarifies that sunscreen is not treated as a medication under this section, potentially affecting how it is stored or handled in schools.

Implementation and Education

  • Allows districts to promote sun safety education, though it does not mandate staff to apply sunscreen for students.
  • Leaves room for local implementation practices related to education and awareness campaigns.

Legislative History and Timeline

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Legislative actions: Referred to the Committee on Education on the introduction date; Senate concurred on February 27, 2025.
  • No specific effective date or implementation timeline is stated in the provided text.

Potential Considerations

  • Aligns with public health goals to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage among youth.
  • Depends on local school policies for storage and distribution of sunscreen, though the act itself emphasizes OTC status and educational components rather than distribution requirements.

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

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