Bill > S445

This bill amends Chapter 71 of the Massachusetts General Laws to require parental notification when local or state law enforcement is called to school grounds for specific interventions beyond the regular duties of a school resource officer (SRO). The bill first defines key terms, including "school grounds" (the school property during active school hours) and "school resource officer" (a specially trained police officer assigned to promote school safety). If law enforcement is called to a school for arrests or safety interventions, the school principal or superintendent must notify parents within 24 hours via mail, email, or phone. The notification must include the time law enforcement was called, a general reason for their presence (without identifying specific students or staff), and the time law enforcement left the school grounds. The bill explicitly states that these notification requirements do not limit law enforcement's ability to make arrests or take urgent action to prevent bodily harm, apprehend suspects, prevent evidence destruction, or address emergencies. The key intent appears to be increasing transparency for parents about significant law enforcement interactions at their children's schools while maintaining necessary safety protocols.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S445