Bill > S1746

This bill proposes to amend Chapter 143 of Massachusetts General Laws by allowing the use of temporary door-locking devices in public buildings during emergency lockdown situations. The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security will develop regulations for these devices, in consultation with the Executive Office of Education and the Massachusetts School Building Authority. The regulations will cover when and how these devices can be used, including local approval processes involving fire departments and law enforcement, integration into building safety plans, training for first responders, and annual inspection standards. A "temporary door-locking device" is specifically defined as a removable security device that can be quickly engaged and disengaged without permanently modifying the door, must not interfere with fire safety hardware, can be removed without a key from the egress side, positioned no higher than 48 inches from the floor, and only used for a limited time. The bill explicitly states that these devices cannot be prohibited by local ordinances that ban barricade devices, providing a statewide standard for their use in emergency situations like active shooter scenarios or other threats requiring sheltering in place.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1746