Leadership Greer Senate Res

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Corbin

Allows students, parents, and staff to possess and use sunscreen on school grounds or at school events without a physician's note, boosting youth sun protection.

Introduced and adopted

Purpose

This bill adds a new section (Section 100) to Chapter 71 of the Massachusetts General Laws to ensure students (and others on school grounds or at school events) may possess and use sunscreen without a physician’s note or prescription. The intent is to increase access to sun protection and reduce overexposure to ultraviolet radiation among youth.

Key provisions

Adds Section 100 to Chapter 71, M.G.L.

Allows any person — including students, parents, or school personnel — to possess and use a topical sunscreen product on school property or at school-related events or activities without a physician’s note or prescription, provided the product is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for over‑the‑counter (OTC) use.

States that, for the purposes of this section only, sunscreen is not treated as an over‑the‑counter medication.

Clarifies that nothing in the section requires school personnel to assist pupils in applying sunscreen.

Permits (but does not require) school districts to encourage schools to educate pupils on sun‑safety precautions.

Who is affected

Primary: K–12 students in Massachusetts public schools (use/possession of sunscreen on school property and at school events).

Secondary: Parents and guardians; school administrators and staff (policy updates, education efforts).

School districts: will likely need to review and potentially revise student handbook and medication-administration policies to reflect that sunscreen possession/use does not require physician authorization.

Procedural status & timeline (as provided)

Introduced: January 30, 2025

Committee referrals and actions (entries show multiple referrals/changes): referred to various committees; reported and committed to Finance (reported favorably later and referred to Senate Rules).

Hearing scheduled (per record): July 21, 2025, Gardner Auditorium.

Note: several entries in the provided action history are duplicated or inconsistent; consult the official Massachusetts legislative website for the current live status.

Potential impact and implementation notes

Removes a common barrier (requirement for a physician’s note) that some districts impose for students to carry/apply sunscreen, likely increasing routine sun protection and potentially reducing sunburns and long‑term skin cancer risk.

Because sunscreen is explicitly not classified as an OTC medication for this section, it sidesteps student‑medication rules that often require documentation — easing access without altering broader medication protocols.

Does not require districts to provide sunscreen, train staff, or assist with application; schools may choose to add sun‑safety education.

Fiscal impact is minimal to none at the state level; districts may incur small administrative costs updating policies and communications.

Notes / Data inconsistencies to verify

The bill text provided addresses sunscreen and youth skin health, but top-line metadata (title) and the sponsor/action lists include items that appear inconsistent or from different jurisdictions. Before relying on procedural details, verify final status and sponsor list on the official Massachusetts Legislature website or Legislative Records.

Bill