Massachusetts H691: An Act relative to the long-term fiscal health and sustainability of special education in the Commonwealth

What the bill says

From the introduced text, February 27, 2025:

SECTION 1. (a) There shall be a special commission to study Chapter 71B and make recommendations toward the long-term fiscal health and sustainability of Special Education throughout the Commonwealth, and make recommendations to consider all matters pertaining to the improvement of fiscal health and educational outcomes. The commission shall examine the impact and efficacy of special education funding in the Commonwealth. (b) The commission’s review shall evaluate the commonwealth’s current special education financing structure and make recommendations to achieve the following goals: (1) special education funds shall be sufficient to allow all schools to provide a high quality education in the least restrictive environment that meets the unique needs of each eligible student; (2) special education funds provided to school districts shall recognize the variation in the resources that are required to provide students with different disabilities a high quality education; (3) districts with more students receiving special education services shall equitably receive more state special education assistance funding than districts with fewer students receiving special education services; (4) districts with less local resources shall equitably receive more state special education assistance funding than districts with more local resources; (5) special education funds shall be relatively predictable and stable to enable school districts to budget effectively and implement multi-year plans; Circuit Breaker reimbursement not less than 90%. (6) the special …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Adam Scanlon (D, 14th Bristol) · primary sponsor
• John Barrett (D)
• Nick Collins (D, First Suffolk)
• Kristin Kassner (D)
• Lisa Field (D, 3rd Bristol)
• Puppolo, Jr., Angelo J. (D, 12th Hampden)
• Adrianne Ramos (D)
• Priscila Sousa (D)
• Whipps, Susannah M. (I, 2nd Franklin)
• Sean Reid (D)
• Michelle Badger (D)
• Marjorie Decker (D, 25th Middlesex)

Latest actions

1. April 8, 2026: Committee recommended ought to pass and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
2. March 23, 2026: Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently
3. February 17, 2026: Reporting date extended to Friday, March 18, 2026
4. November 18, 2025: Hearing rescheduled to 11/18/2025 from 01:00 PM-03:25 PM in B-1 and Virtual<br> <span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Hearing updated to New End Time</span>
5. November 10, 2025: Hearing scheduled for 11/18/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in B-1
6. February 27, 2025: Senate concurred
7. February 27, 2025: Referred to the committee on Education

Votes

• Committee Vote - Joint Committee on Education (March 18, 2026): 11 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is H691?

H691 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act relative to the long-term fiscal health and sustainability of special education in the Commonwealth.

What is the status of H691?

In committee as of April 8, 2026. Latest action: Committee recommended ought to pass and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means (April 8, 2026).

Who sponsored H691?

Adam Scanlon (D, 14th Bristol), with 11 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for H691?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H691