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Bill

S 399

An Act to promote equity in school attendance requirements

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Sal DiDomenico and 3 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill promoting equitable school attendance policies to reduce disparate enforcement against disadvantaged students while addressing underlying barriers to regular participation.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · S 399

Legislative bill overview

S 399 aims to address disparities in school attendance enforcement by promoting more equitable application of attendance requirements across Massachusetts schools. The bill seeks to examine and potentially reform how attendance policies affect different student populations, particularly those facing systemic barriers to regular school participation.

Why is this important

School attendance directly impacts student academic outcomes, graduation rates, and long-term economic opportunities. Current attendance enforcement practices have been documented to disproportionately affect low-income students, students of color, and those with disabilities, sometimes resulting in legal consequences rather than educational support. Reforming these policies could help close achievement gaps while keeping vulnerable students in school rather than in the criminal justice system.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Schools may require additional resources (counselors, social workers, transportation assistance) to address root causes of absenteeism rather than punishment-based enforcement
  • Parental accountability vs. systemic barriers: Disagreement over whether attendance problems stem from parental negligence or from genuine obstacles (poverty, health issues, unsafe conditions) that schools should help remove
  • Standardization concerns: Creating uniform equity standards across diverse districts with varying needs and capacities may prove administratively challenging or one-size-fits-all ineffective

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

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