Massachusetts · 194th Legislature (2025-2026) · Bill
H 557: An Act expanding reasons for excused absences from school to include mental or behavioral health
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
H 557 is a bill introduced in the Massachusetts House on February 27, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: An Act expanding reasons for excused absences from school to include mental or behavioral health. Primary sponsor: Carol A. Doherty. It lists 1 additional sponsor. Most recent recorded action (July 10, 2025): Hearing scheduled for 07/21/2025 from 11:00 AM-05:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
By Representative Doherty of Taunton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 557) of Carol A. Doherty and James K. Hawkins relative to excused absences from school. Education.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carol A. Doherty | Primary sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
| Jim Hawkins | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 2nd Bristol |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Hearing scheduled for 07/21/2025 from 11:00 AM-05:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium
- Senate concurred
- Referred to the committee on Education