An Act to require school attendance up to age 18 or until graduation
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill proposes to extend mandatory school attendance in Massachusetts until a student’s 18th birthday or graduation from high school. Currently, the legal school leaving age in Massachusetts is 17. The bill aims to ensure that all young people have access to further education and potential opportunities beyond that age. It seeks to align Massachusetts’ requirements with those of other states and improve educational outcomes for older students.
Key provisions
- Requires school attendance until age 18 or graduation.
- Applies to all students currently enrolled in Massachusetts public schools.
- Addresses the issue of students leaving school before age 18.
- The bill was referred to the House Committee on Education.
- The Senate concurred with the House version of the bill.
- A hearing is scheduled for July 8, 2025.
Who is affected
- Students in Massachusetts public schools
- Parents and guardians of students
- School districts in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Department of Education
Notable changes
- Currently, students in Massachusetts can legally leave school at age 17; this bill would raise that age to 18.
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
3 on record
Primary sponsor
Antonio F. D. Cabral
Cosponsors
Antonio F. D. Cabral
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