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Bill

H 3949

State anthem

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Adam Duncan and 2 co-sponsors

Requires districts to preserve the district school-year schedule and structured learning time during public employee strikes, ensuring ongoing instruction for students.

Signed By Governor
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 3949

Summary of H.3949: An Act Relative to Teacher Strikes

Purpose and intent

H.3949 proposes a targeted statewide rule to address the effects of teacher strikes on public school operations. The bill would require school districts to preserve instructional time and the established school-year schedule when a strike by public school employees occurs.

Key provision

  • Adds a new subsection to Section 9A of Chapter 150E (General Laws):
    • (c) Whenever a public employee or public employees engaged in a strike are public school employees, the school district that employs them shall:
    • (i) not reduce or eliminate the hours established by the district’s school year schedule under 603 CMR 27.03; and
    • (ii) maintain structured learning time requirements under 603 CMR 27.04.

In plain terms, if teachers or other public school employees go on strike, the affected district must keep the regular instructional hours and the mandated structured learning time, rather than cutting or reallocating time in response to the strike.

Affected parties

  • Public school employees who participate in strikes.
  • School districts (superintendents, school committees, and administrators) responsible for scheduling and instructional time.
  • Students and families, who may experience more consistent instructional time during disruptions.

Regulatory context

  • The bill references existing Department of Education regulations:
    • 603 CMR 27.03 (school year schedule)
    • 603 CMR 27.04 (structured learning time)
  • By tying the rule to these regulations, the bill aims to maintain compliance with established standards for instructional time.

Legislative timeline and status

  • Introduced: March 31, 2025
  • Filed: January 17, 2025
  • Referred to: Labor and Workforce Development (March 31, 2025)
  • Status: Read second and ordered to a third reading (as reported)
  • Related bill: HD 3746 (replaces)
  • Notable actions (from the record):
    • Acknowledgments of committee reporting and scheduling activity.
    • Hearings and subsequent legislative actions have occurred, with the bill progressing through standard committee and floor processes.

Potential implications

  • Benefits: Helps ensure continuity of instruction during strikes and protects the school calendar from disruption.
  • Considerations: May affect districts’ flexibility to adapt schedules in response to labor actions and could interact with existing labor negotiations and strike dynamics.

Overall, H.3949 seeks to limit the instructional time impact of teacher strikes by mandating that districts maintain established hours and learning time in line with current regulatory standards.

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

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