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Bill

S 1700

An Act to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff on the campuses of state colleges, community colleges and state universities

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Feeney

Massachusetts bill proposes unspecified safety enhancements for state higher education campuses; specific measures and funding unclear pending committee hearing.

Hearing scheduled for 09/10/2025 from 1:00 PM-5:00 PM in A-2
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Bill Summary · S 1700

Legislative bill overview

S 1700 is a Massachusetts bill designed to enhance campus safety at state colleges, community colleges, and state universities through unspecified regulatory or procedural measures. The bill was introduced by Senator Paul Feeney and has been referred to the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee for evaluation, with a hearing scheduled for September 2025.

Why is this important

Campus safety is a significant concern for students, families, and institutions, affecting everything from emergency response protocols to mental health services and security infrastructure. The outcome of this legislation could establish new safety standards, funding mechanisms, or accountability measures across Massachusetts's public higher education system serving tens of thousands of students.

Potential points of contention

  • Lack of specific provisions: The bill's actual safety measures are not detailed in available records, making it difficult to assess whether proposed solutions address real gaps or duplicate existing efforts
  • Cost and funding questions: Enhanced campus safety typically requires significant resources; the bill's fiscal impact and funding source remain unclear
  • Balance between safety and student privacy/freedom: Depending on implementation, safety measures could involve surveillance, reporting requirements, or restrictions that raise concerns about civil liberties and the campus experience

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

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