WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 935

Venue-Specific Emergency Action Plans - High School Football Games - Requirements

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Vanessa Atterbeary and 11 co-sponsors

HB 935 mandates Maryland high schools create detailed emergency response plans for football games with annual staff training and local emergency service coordination.

Hearing 3/27 at 1:00 p.m.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 935

Legislative bill overview

HB 935 requires Maryland high schools to develop and maintain venue-specific emergency action plans for football games, including protocols for medical emergencies, severe weather, and security threats. Schools must coordinate with local emergency services, train staff annually, and ensure plans are accessible to all personnel involved in game operations.

Why is this important

High school football games draw large crowds in contained venues, creating potential safety vulnerabilities during medical emergencies or other crises. Standardized emergency planning can reduce response times, improve coordination between school and emergency personnel, and potentially save lives during critical incidents. This reflects a broader national focus on school safety preparedness.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Developing comprehensive plans and conducting annual training requires staff time and resources that smaller school districts may struggle to afford
  • Liability and documentation: Schools may face increased legal exposure if plans exist but aren't executed perfectly during an actual emergency, creating a documentation liability concern
  • Scope creep: Bill's requirement for "venue-specific" plans for one sport could establish precedent for similar mandates across other school activities and venues, expanding administrative burden significantly

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

Sign in to ask a question.