By Bob Katzen

This bill would require high schools and colleges with programs that allow students to study abroad to prioritize health, safety and security in program development, implementation and management of study abroad programs.

These programs would be required to conduct risk assessments for different portions of the program; establish protocols in case of an emergency; and provide statistics on any assaults, injuries or deaths that occur in these programs. Parents would be able to access this information to better understand whether a program is right for their child.

“Study abroad programs provide valuable lessons and lifelong memories for students across our state, but we must ensure schools are responsible and care for our children’s safety,” said sponsor Sen. Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett). “By establishing safety and transparency protocols, I am confident that passing this legislation will help protect Massachusetts students learning abroad.”