H 524
An Act to require school attendance up to age 18 or until graduation
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- Passed House
- Passed Senate
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Bill overview
This bill proposes to extend mandatory school attendance in Massachusetts until a student’s 18th birthday or until they graduate high school. Currently, the age at which students are required to attend school is not explicitly defined in state law. This legislation aims to ensure that all young people have access to education and opportunities for further learning and development until they reach adulthood. It seeks to standardize the system and provide a clear timeline for educational requirements.
Key provisions
- Requires school attendance until age 18 or graduation.
- Addresses the lack of a specific age limit for mandatory school attendance.
- Applies to all students in Massachusetts public schools.
- The bill was referred to the House Committee on Education.
- The Senate concurred with the bill.
- A hearing is scheduled for July 8, 2025.
Who is affected
- Students in Massachusetts public schools
- Parents of students in Massachusetts public schools
- School districts in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Department of Education
Notable changes
- Establishes a clear age limit for mandatory school attendance.
- Addresses a gap in existing state law regarding school attendance requirements.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Antonio F. D. Cabral
Cosponsors
Antonio F. D. Cabral
Priscila S. Sousa
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.524 194th (Current)
An Act to require school attendance up to age 18 or until graduation
By Representative Cabral of New Bedford, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 524) of Antonio F. D. Cabral and Priscila S. Sousa relative to requiring school attendance up to age 18 or until graduation. Education.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Antonio F. D. Cabral Status: Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote
Bill History
Displaying 4 actions for Bill H.524
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Education |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 6/25/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 07/08/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in B-2 |
| 9/15/2025 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means |
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