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SD 1965

An Act to mandate flotation devices in police vehicles

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Homar Gomez and 1 co-sponsor

Mandates flotation devices in on-duty police vehicles and water rescue training for local/state officers; Municipal Police Training Committee to issue implementing regulations.

House concurred
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Bill Summary · SD 1965

Summary: Senate Docket No. 1965 — An Act to mandate flotation devices in police vehicles

Overview

  • Bill number: SD 1965 (Senate Docket No. 1965; Senate No. 1704 in the published docket)
  • Title: An Act to mandate flotation devices in police vehicles
  • Purpose: Require local and state police officers to be equipped with flotation devices in their on-duty vehicles and to receive water rescue training.
  • Status: House concurred
  • Introduced/Filed: January 17, 2025 (Filed), with subsequent action and introduction noted on February 27, 2025
  • Similar prior matter: Senate Bill 1530 (2023-2024 session)

Key Provisions

  • Equipment requirement: Local and state police officers must be equipped with a flotation device in their on-duty vehicles. The device must be large enough and suitable for use in a water rescue.
  • Training requirement: Officers must receive water rescue training, including instruction on how to safely and properly use flotation devices during a rescue.
  • Regulatory authority: The Municipal Police Training Committee may promulgate regulations to implement the Act.

Who is Affected

  • Local police departments and the Massachusetts state police (i.e., on-duty police vehicles)
  • Police officers assigned to on-duty roles who would need to carry flotation devices and complete water rescue training
  • The Municipal Police Training Committee (regulatory authority for implementation)

Implementation and Timeline

  • Regulatory framework: The Municipal Police Training Committee is empowered to issue regulations necessary to implement the Act.
  • Effective date: The text does not specify a concrete effective date; implementation would depend on the regulations issued by the Municipal Police Training Committee and subsequent compliance by departments.
  • Legislative process: Referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security on February 27, 2025; House concurred on February 27, 2025.

Additional Context

  • The bill adds a new requirement to Chapter 147 of the General Laws, inserting sections that codify the flotation device mandate and training in statute.
  • The proposal emphasizes preparedness for water-related incidents and aims to standardize equipment and training across police fleets.

Potential Impact

  • Public safety: Enhanced readiness for water-related rescues and potentially improved officer and civilian safety during incidents involving water.
  • Operational costs: Police departments may incur costs for purchasing flotation devices and delivering required water rescue training; exact funding details are not specified in the text.
  • Oversight and consistency: Regulatory rules from the Municipal Police Training Committee would help standardize equipment and training statewide.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with the prior Senate 1530 or draft a quick briefing for policymakers.

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

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