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Bill

HD 1975

An Act relative to equipping public elementary and secondary schools with panic alarms or emergency mechanisms

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Kushmerek and 2 co-sponsors

Mandates silent panic alarms in every MA public school, linked to local police for rapid response; funded by MSBA with DESE oversight.

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Bill Summary · HD 1975

Summary: An Act relative to equipping public elementary and secondary schools with panic alarms or emergency mechanisms (HD 1975)

Purpose and intent

This bill would require public elementary and secondary schools in Massachusetts to be equipped with a panic alarm system or an approved emergency mechanism. The aim is to provide a silent, rapid connection to local law enforcement during life-threatening or emergency situations (e.g., lockdowns, active shooter events) to facilitate a faster police response while preventing disruption or tipping off individuals inside the building.

Key provisions

  • Section 98 establishes a mandatory requirement for at least one panic alarm in each public elementary and secondary school building. The alarm must be silent inside the building and directly linked to local law enforcement or to a designated authority if no municipal police department exists.
  • Definition of “panic alarm” as a silent security signal activated manually to indicate a life-threatening or emergency situation.
  • Alarm linkage: upon activation, the system must immediately transmit a signal or message to the appropriate authorities.
  • Standards: alarms must comply with nationally recognized standards, including those from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
  • Installation: installation must be performed only by individuals licensed to engage in the alarm business under relevant General Laws provisions.
  • Alternatives: districts may install an alternative emergency mechanism if approved by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
  • Construction considerations: districts may be required to install a panic alarm when a school is in the process of being built.
  • Section 1(e) allows DESE-approved alternatives to the panic alarm, ensuring flexibility for districts.
  • Section 1(f) indicates potential requirements for new school construction to include a panic alarm system.

Funding and implementation

  • The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) would be responsible for funding the full cost of panic alarms or any DESE-approved emergency mechanisms in affected schools.
  • Districts that already installed a panic alarm or approved alternative prior to the act’s effective date may seek reimbursement for those costs.
  • DESE would promulgate rules and regulations to establish and administer the program, including criteria for compliance and funding.

Who is affected

  • Public elementary and secondary school buildings across Massachusetts.
  • School districts, administrators, and school committees.
  • The MSBA, as the funding authority for program costs.
  • DESE, for program administration, approvals, and rulemaking.
  • Licensed alarm professionals responsible for installation.
  • Local law enforcement agencies connected to the panic alarm systems (or the state-designated authority in municipalities without police departments).

Timelines and process

  • The bill sets up a program to be funded by MSBA and administered by DESE, with standards (NFPA/UL) and installation requirements established by regulation.
  • A district with existing systems may pursue reimbursement; new constructions may be required to install under the act.
  • Specific effective dates, deadlines, and regulatory timelines would be defined in DESE rules and subsequent implementing guidance.

Notes

  • The bill was introduced in the 2025-2026 General Court session (House Docket No. 1975). The text provided outlines the foundational requirements and funding framework, along with enforcement and regulatory provisions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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