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H 718

An Act to reduce out-of-school suspensions

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Josh Tarsky

The bill expands in-school suspension (ISS) as an alternative to out-of-school suspensions, requiring qualified staff and ensuring academic progress during ISS.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 718

Summary: House Bill 718 – An Act to Reduce Out-of-School Suspensions

Overview

  • Bill number and title: H 718, An Act to reduce out-of-school suspensions.
  • Sponsor: Representative Joshua Tarsky (Needham).
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Current status: Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the House Ways and Means Committee.
  • Legislative actions to date:
    • Referred to Education in the House on 2025-02-27.
    • Hearing scheduled (as of record) for July 8, 2025.
    • Reported favorably by committee and referred to Ways and Means on 2025-09-15.
  • Related bill: HD 2054 (replaces).

Purpose and intent

The bill aims to reduce the use of out-of-school suspensions by expanding the use of in-school suspension (ISS) and ensuring ISS is effectively implemented with appropriate staffing and resources. The core idea is to keep students in a structured school environment while addressing disciplinary needs, thereby minimizing academic disruption.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definition of in-school suspension (ISS):

    • ISS is removal from regular classroom activities but not from the school premises, for no more than 10 consecutive school days, or no more than 10 days cumulatively for multiple infractions in a school year.

  • Offer of ISS option:

    • Schools must offer, where appropriate, an option for a student to participate in in-school suspension.

  • Academic progress during ISS:

    • Students in ISS must have the opportunity to earn credits (as applicable) and complete makeup work (assignments, tests, papers, etc.) to maintain academic progress during the period of removal from the classroom.

  • Staffing and monitoring requirements:

    • ISS must be monitored by at least two qualified staff members:
    • One staff member with a standard educator certificate or provisional certificate (per §38G) with experience teaching science or mathematics.
    • One staff member with a standard educator certificate or provisional certificate (per §38G) with experience teaching humanities or social sciences.
    • Crucially, one staff member may fulfill both roles.

  • Funding and staffing support:

    • The Department of Education must provide funding or staff to a school that demonstrates insufficient funding or staffing to maintain an ISS program, as determined by the department.

Who is affected

  • Students: Those subject to disciplinary actions could be eligible for ISS as an alternative to out-of-school suspension, preserving instructional time and academic progress.
  • Schools and districts: Schools would need to implement ISS programs, ensure appropriate staffing, and potentially adjust schedules and resources.
  • Educators and staff: Requires oversight by credentialed teachers with specified subject-matter expertise to monitor ISS.
  • Massachusetts Department of Education: Responsible for evaluating funding/staffing needs and providing support where necessary.

Implementation and timeline considerations

  • Effective language: The bill would add subsection (g) to existing Section 37H¾ of Chapter 71 (Mass. General Laws) to codify ISS definitions, treatment, and staffing standards.
  • Funding timeline: The department would allocate funding or staffing as needed to schools lacking resources for ISS, though specific funding amounts or timelines are not detailed in the text provided.
  • Procedural status: The bill is progressing through the House with referrals to Education and then Ways and Means, with anticipated committee hearings.

Notes

  • The bill’s objective is to reduce out-of-school suspensions by formalizing and resourcing in-school discipline options with qualified staff, while safeguarding students’ academic progress.

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

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