By Mr. Donato of Medford, petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 413) of Paul J. Donato relative to establishing a task force within the Department of Education to examine hygienic procedures pertaining to band instruments.  Education.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PETITION OF:

Paul J. Donato

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In the Year Two Thousand and Seven.

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An Act establishing a task force within the Department of Education to examine hygienic procedures pertaining to band instruments.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

SECTION 1.  (a) The department of education shall establish a task force to examine hygienic procedures pertaining to band instruments. The task force shall examine policies to prevent the spread of contagious diseases such as Tuberculosis.

(b) The department shall determine the membership of the task force.  The task force shall consult with individuals and groups concerned with such issues, which may include, but not be limited to, representatives from the Massachusetts Teacher’s Association, representatives of patient and consumer organizations, band equipment manufacturers, medical organizations, and school nurse organizations.  Members of the task force shall serve without reimbursement.  The department shall appoint a chair of the task force.

(c) The task force shall report its findings and any recommendations for legislation to the joint committee on public health on or before August 1, 2008.