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H 749

An Act requiring critical incident drills in schools

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Tom Walsh

Massachusetts bill requires every school district to create and annually update a DHS-aligned critical incident plan for each school, with police/fire input and regular drills.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 749

Summary: H.749 — An Act requiring critical incident drills in schools (Massachusetts)

Purpose and intent

H.749, introduced February 27, 2025, would require each school district to develop, implement, and annually update a comprehensive critical incident plan for every school, with input from local law enforcement and fire officials. The goal is to establish prepared, coordinated responses to serious incidents such as shootings, terrorist activities, bomb threats, and other disasters that could cause serious bodily harm, while ensuring orderly safety and communication during such events.

Key provisions

  • Pre‑year planning meeting: Before the school year begins, the superintendent must meet with the local fire chief and police chief to formulate a school-specific critical incident plan for each school.
  • Plan contents: Each plan must address:
    • A critical incident drill program aligned with best practices from the federal Department of Homeland Security.
    • Creation of a crisis response team, with clear designation of a team leader and substitutes.
    • A communication plan for stakeholders.
    • Crisis procedures for safe entrance to and exit from the school for students, parents, and employees.
    • Policies for enforcing discipline and maintaining a safe, orderly environment during incidents.
  • Annual review: Districts, with help from local police and fire departments, must review and update the plan annually.
  • Student instruction: At the start of each school year, students must be instructed about the plan.
  • Drill requirements: The police chief (or designee) must visit each school at least twice per year to conduct critical incident drills. Drills are to be conducted without advance warning to school personnel other than the person in charge at the time.
  • Legal framework: “Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary,” the bill emphasizes that these provisions take effect under this act.

Who is affected

  • Primary: School districts and individual schools (plans for each building; annual updates).
  • Collaborating entities: Local police and fire departments, school administrators, teachers, and students.
  • Stakeholders: Parents and school staff, given enhanced safety procedures and drill participation.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Legislative actions:
    • Senate concurred on February 27, 2025. Referred to Education (House) and to the Committee on Education originally.
    • Hearing scheduled (as of June 6, 2025): June 17, 2025, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM in B-2.
    • Reported favorably by committee and referred to House Ways and Means on September 25, 2025.
  • Status: Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Resource implications: Development, training, and ongoing drills may require time and funding; potential need for alignment with DHS best practices.
  • Safety and preparedness: Increased collaboration with police and fire agencies; regular drills and student awareness could improve response times during emergencies.
  • Implementation logistics: Requires building-by-building plan development and annual updates, plus two annual drills per school by the local police chief or designee.
  • Policy context: Related matter filed previously (HD 1769; cross-filed/replacement in a prior session).

Note: This summary reflects the introduced text and current legislative status; final provisions and effective dates may change during the legislative process.

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

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