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HD 3548

An Act to establish a window falls prevention program within the Department of Public Health and mandate window guards in residential homes AKA "Zella Ray's Law"

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Colleen Garry

Establishes a Window Falls Prevention Program and requires window guards in windows on the third floor or higher for residences with children under six.

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Bill Summary · HD 3548

Summary: An Act to establish a window falls prevention program within the Department of Public Health and mandate window guards in residential homes (Zella Ray's Law)

  • Bill number and title: HD 3548, also referred to as “An Act to establish a window falls prevention program within the Department of Public Health and mandate window guards in residential homes,” aka Zella Ray’s Law.
  • Original filing: House Docket No. 3548 (H. No. 2616), filed January 17, 2025. Introduced by Representative Colleen M. Garry (Dracut). The bill is a proposed measure; status is not specified in the provided text.
  • Context: Similar matter previously filed in the prior session (H. 2331 of 2023-24).

Purpose and intent

  • Establish a statewide program to prevent window-related falls among children and to mandate installation of window guards (bars, screens, or grilles) in residential settings where a child under six resides, particularly in windows on the third floor or higher.
  • Promote public awareness and education on the dangers of child falls from open or unprotected windows and provide information and technical assistance to homeowners and landlords.

Key provisions

Definitions

  • "Department" means the Department of Public Health.
  • "Window guard" means a barrier installed in a window intended to prevent a child from falling, installed in accordance with Department regulations.

Installation requirements

  • If a child under six lives in a residence with any window on the third floor or higher that is accessible to the child, the owner must install window guards in those windows.
  • Window guards that access fire escapes must be removable; guards may be removed only for emergency egress during fires or hazardous material situations.

Landlord and tenant obligations

  • If the owner is a landlord, window guards must be provided at no additional cost to the tenant.
  • Tenants cannot remove window guards except for emergency egress in a fire or hazardous materials scenario.
  • A landlord’s obligation to install guards does not bar a tenant from leasing the unit; unlawful discrimination related to this requirement can be punished with a civil fine between $500 and $1,000.

Window Falls Prevention Program

  • A Window Falls Prevention Program will be established within the Department of Public Health.
  • Purposes include educating the public about risks to children six and under, promoting window guard adoption, and providing information and technical assistance.
  • The Department will collaborate with existing agencies involved with children for outreach.

Enforcement and penalties

  • It is unlawful to obstruct, remove, or render ineffective window guards.
  • The Department may investigate complaints and impose civil penalties up to $10,000 for violations not remedied within ten business days.

Who is affected

  • Households with children under six who live in dwellings with windows on the third floor or higher.
  • Property owners and landlords (responsible for installing guards at no cost to tenants and ensuring guards remain in place).
  • Tenants (protected by guards and limited removal rights; potential fines for discrimination by landlords).
  • Public health and child safety agencies (through the new program and outreach efforts).

Timeline and process

  • The bill sets up a program and regulatory framework but does not specify an effective date within the text provided.
  • Department regulations will define technical standards for window guards.
  • Enforcement mechanisms include investigations and civil penalties with a 10-business-day remedy window.

Notes

  • The bill is named in honor of Zella Ray (Zella Ray’s Law).
  • The material provided references a similar bill in a prior session (H. 2331, 2023-24), indicating ongoing interest in this policy area.

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

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