Public Comment about Proposed Amendments to Regulations on Special Education, 603 CMR 28.00

We thank you for offering to provide public comment on Proposed Amendments to Regulations on Special Education to Conform to State Law, 603 CMR 28.00. Your comments may be submitted by completing this survey, or by emailing the BESERegulationComments@Mass.gov, or by submitting written comment via mail to:
 
The deadline to submit public comment is April 24, 2026 at 5:00 pm. The Board is expected to vote on the proposed amendments at its regular monthly meeting scheduled for June 23, 2026. 

Key information:
 

• The proposed amendments and additional details can be read in full here.
• A memorandum from Commissioner Pedro Martinez states: "As required by the Protect Education Equity Act, I am proposing amendments to the Special Education regulations that incorporate certain provisions of federal law relating to discipline procedures for students with disabilities. Among other things, these amendments address when and how school personnel may remove a student with a disability who violates a code of student conduct from their current placement. The proposed amendments to the Special Education regulations also include a technical correction to the definition of an individualized education program (IEP) at 603 CMR 28.02(11). Consistent with the Protect Education Equity Act, the proposed amendment clarifies the definition of an IEP to include that it is developed and approved in accordance with state law."
• Survey Instructions: Space will be provided to write comments on each section separately with some small sections combined. You may skip over sections in which you do not have comments to share. Space will also be provided for general comment. If you wish to share any supporting documentation, there will be an option to upload files at the end of this survey.