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HD 571

An Act relative to school security

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Joe McKenna and 1 co-sponsor

Requires towns to adopt a 24/7 school threat line, place school resource officers, mandate active-shooter training and building hardening, and report annually to the state.

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Bill Summary · HD 571

Summary: An Act relative to school security (House Docket No. 571)

Overview

An Act relative to school security is a proposed Massachusetts bill intended to strengthen safety protocols in public schools. The bill would authorize new reporting channels for threats, require school resource officers (SROs) in participating communities, establish district policies on active shooter response training and building security, and mandate annual reporting to state agencies. Several provisions are conditional on appropriations and local acceptance.

Key Provisions

  • Subsection addition to Clause Twenty-sixth of §7, Ch. 4:

    • Expands the scope of policy and reporting materials considered for school safety to include safety and emergency response plans for active shooter incidents.

  • New §97D½, Ch. 41:

    • Requires every city and town to establish a special 24/7 telephone exchange for reporting threats to school buildings.
    • The city or town must publicize the number and usage protocol broadly.

  • New §98B½, Ch. 41:

    • In cities/towns that accept the provisions, each school building must have a school resource officer present during all regular instructional hours.
    • An accompanying memorandum of understanding (MOA) must comply with §37P of Ch. 71.
    • DESE must assist districts in applying for grants or funds to support target hardening and physical security improvements.

  • New §2C½, Ch. 71:

    • Each school district, subject to appropriation and in coordination with the local police chief, must implement a policy for training students and staff in active-shooter responses.
    • Policy must include: (i) regular emergency training for students and staff; (ii) regular safety/building audits by the district and local police; (iii) recommendations to ensure single access points, hardened locks/windows, and video surveillance monitored by police.
    • Annual reporting: districts must submit their policy and activity reports to DESE and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security by December 31.
    • DESE must file an annual compliance summary with the Senate and House clerks by March 1, noting compliance while protecting sensitive security information from public records requests.

Who Is Affected

  • Cities and towns that adopt the provisions.
  • School districts and public schools within those municipalities.
  • Local police departments, DESE, and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.
  • Students and school staff (through training and enhanced security measures).

Implementation and Timelines

  • Some provisions are contingent on state appropriations (e.g., training policies and security enhancements).
  • Annual reporting deadlines: December 31 (policy/activity) and March 1 (state compliance summary) each year.
  • Implementation would be coordinated with local police leadership and subject to MOA requirements.

Public Records and Privacy

  • The bill allows masking or withholding information about specific plans, procedures, or buildings from public disclosure to protect security.

Context

  • Similar matter previously filed (House 611, 2023-2024), indicating ongoing legislative interest in standardized school-security measures.

Note: The status is listed as a proposed bill; passage or enacted status would depend on legislative action.

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

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