H 623
An Act relative to equipping public elementary and secondary schools with panic alarms or emergency mechanisms
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- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill seeks to require Massachusetts public elementary and secondary schools to install panic alarms or other emergency mechanisms to enhance student and staff safety. The goal is to provide a quicker and more direct way for individuals to alert authorities in the event of an emergency, such as a lockdown or active shooter situation. The bill would mandate that schools develop and implement a plan for utilizing these systems and ensure appropriate training for staff.
Key provisions
- Requires public elementary and secondary schools to install panic alarms or similar emergency mechanisms.
- Mandates the development of a school-wide emergency response plan utilizing these systems.
- Requires training for school staff on the proper use of the panic alarms.
- Specifies that the emergency mechanisms must be accessible and easy to use.
- Directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide guidance and support to schools.
- Requires schools to report on the implementation and effectiveness of the systems.
Who is affected
- Public elementary schools
- Public secondary schools
- Students
- School staff
- School administrators
Notable changes
- This bill introduces a statewide requirement for emergency mechanisms in schools.
- It builds upon previous attempts to address school safety, including similar bills introduced in prior legislative sessions.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Michael P. Kushmerek
Cosponsors
Edward R. Philips
John J. Marsi
Marcus S. Vaughn
Michael P. Kushmerek
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.623 194th (Current)
An Act relative to equipping public elementary and secondary schools with panic alarms or emergency mechanisms
By Representatives Kushmerek of Fitchburg and Philips of Sharon, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 623) of Michael P. Kushmerek, Edward R. Philips and Marcus S. Vaughn relative to equipping public elementary and secondary schools with panic alarms or emergency mechanisms. Education.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenters: Michael P. Kushmerek , Edward R. Philips Status: Referred to Joint Committee on Education
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners
Bill History
Displaying 3 actions for Bill H.623
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Education |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 5/2/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 05/12/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
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