WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 336

Judicial Elections

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Thomas Alexander and 2 co-sponsors

Requires MA standards to include LGBTQ+ histories and contributions in U.S. and Commonwealth history, prompting districts, DESE, and publishers to align curricula and materials.

Signed By Governor
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 336

Summary — S.336 (2025): An Act relative to LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum

Overview / Purpose

S.336 is a Massachusetts Senate bill introduced January 30, 2025 (Senate Docket No. 1516) that would require Commonwealth education standards to explicitly include instruction on LGBTQ+ histories and contributions. Its stated intent is to ensure K–12 curricular frameworks reflect the histories, roles, and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people in U.S. and Massachusetts history.

Note: the bill metadata provided contains some inconsistencies (the header lists “Relates to grand jury proceedings” and there are multiple, overlapping referral entries and sponsors from different levels of government). The summary below is based on the bill text as filed.

Key provision (text)

The bill amends the third paragraph of section 1D of chapter 69 of the Massachusetts General Laws by inserting after the second sentence the following sentence:

  • “The standards shall include sufficient instruction on the histories, roles, and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people in the history of this country and this Commonwealth.”

What would change

  • The statutory statewide frameworks/standards (the materials to which local curricula are aligned) would explicitly require inclusion of LGBTQ+ histories and contributions.
  • The change is directive language for the content of standards; it does not, in this bill text, specify grade levels, assessment changes, model curriculum, or funding.

Who would be affected

  • Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE): would incorporate this requirement when setting or revising statewide standards/frameworks.
  • Local school districts and curriculum committees: would be responsible for aligning district curricula, instructional materials, and professional development to the revised standards.
  • Students and teachers in public K–12 schools: curricula would include instruction reflecting LGBTQ+ histories and contributions.
  • Vendors/publishers: instructional materials and textbooks may be updated to meet the revised standards.

Implementation, fiscal and procedural notes

  • The bill text does not specify an effective date, implementation timeline, or provide dedicated funding for curriculum revision, materials, or teacher training.
  • No enforcement, assessment, or penalty mechanism is specified; compliance would likely be through DESE standards adoption and standard district accountability processes.
  • Legislative status (as provided): introduced 1/30/2025; read twice and referred to committee(s) (Finance, Education/Codes in various entries); hearings and companion/replacement bills are noted (hearing scheduled 09/16/2025 in one entry).

Related bills & sponsors

  • Related/companion measures listed (e.g., HR 1849, SD 1516, A.4670) and prior-session similar bills are cited.
  • Petitioners listed include State Senators Julian Cyr and James B. Eldridge. A larger sponsor list in the provided data includes names from various legislative bodies—verify official sponsorship via the Massachusetts Legislature website.

Considerations

  • The bill establishes a content requirement but leaves many implementation details to DESE and local districts.
  • Fiscal impacts (costs for curriculum revision, materials, training) are not addressed in the bill text and would likely be considered during committee review or budget deliberations.

For the official bill text, current status, and any amendments, consult the Massachusetts Legislature’s bill tracking page for S.D. 1516 / S.336.

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

Sign in to ask a question.