Bill
S 1012
Requires landlords to install and maintain window guards at no cost for tenants with a child age 10 or younger in applicable high windows, with notices, inspections, and penalties.
Bill ID: S.1012
Short title: An Act relative to window guards in residential rental properties
Note on documents provided: The packet included two different bills labeled “S 1012” (one from Massachusetts concerning window guards and an unrelated Idaho bill creating a Depredating Wildlife Appeals Board). The summary below focuses on the Massachusetts window-guards bill referenced by the title you gave. If you want a separate summary of the Idaho measure, tell me and I will prepare one.
Purpose
- To reduce accidental falls by young children from elevated windows in multiple-dwelling rental units by creating a tenant right to have window guards installed and maintained at no charge.
Key provisions
- Definitions: “Child” = age 10 or under; “window guard” = bar/screen/grille assembly to prevent a child from falling; “applicable window” = any window >6 feet above grade that can open enough for a 5‑inch diameter ball to pass through, and that is not connected to a fire escape.
- Installation duty: At the request of a tenant with a child, the landlord (or agent) must install and maintain window guards on all applicable windows in that tenant’s unit. At the tenant’s further request, guards must also be installed in common areas accessible to the tenant without leaving and reentering the building.
- Design and safety: Guards must be designed/installed so they cannot be removed from inside without a key or tool; keys/tools remain with landlord/agent. Exceptions: windows connected to fire escapes must have guards releasable from inside without a key or excessive force.
- Agency rulemaking and inspections: The Department of Public Safety will promulgate rules on guard design, installation, annual inspection, and maintenance. The Department will also establish yearly training for landlords and tenants and required training landlords must provide when guards are installed.
- Notice requirements: Landlords must give tenants written (paper) notice at lease start and at least annually of the right to request window guards. The notice text is prescribed and must be prominent (no less than 10‑point type). Oral notice at tenancy start is also required.
- Prohibitions and tenant protections: Landlords may not charge additional rent/fees for installation, condition installation on payment, impose deterrents, or discriminate against tenants requesting guards (including in lease renewal or provision of services).
- Tenant obligations: Occupants may not obstruct, interfere with, or remove window guards; landlord may remove guards from an unoccupied unit or with written tenant consent.
- Enforcement and penalties: The Department will investigate complaints and may impose civil penalties up to $5,000 for violations not remedied within ten business days.
- Implementation: The bill directs the Department to adopt necessary regulations (timeframes left to rulemaking).
Who is affected
- Tenants of multiple-dwelling rental properties who have children age 10 or younger (they gain a statutory right to request guards).
- Landlords and managing agents of multiple dwellings (obligated to install, maintain, provide notices and training, and prohibited from charging or discriminating).
- Department of Public Safety (charged with rulemaking, inspection framework and enforcement).
Procedural status and timeline
- Filed as Senate Docket No. 523 on 01/13/2025 (sponsored by Sen. Mark C. Montigny). The bill references prior similar matter (Senate No. 892 of 2023‑2024).
- Referred to the committee on Housing (per the provided actions).
- A hearing is scheduled for 11/19/2025, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium (per your status note).
- The bill requires Department rulemaking to implement specific technical and training requirements; civil penalties take effect after enforcement authority is in place.
If you want: I can (a) produce a one-page plain-language handout for tenants and landlords summarizing compliance steps, or (b) prepare a separate summary of the Idaho S.1012 (Idaho Depredating Wildlife Appeals Board) that also appeared among your documents.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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