Bill > H741

This bill amends Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 71 to require all public schools to install and maintain a "silent panic alarm" system for emergency situations. The bill defines a silent panic alarm as a security system signal manually activated to alert law enforcement about a life-threatening emergency, such as an active shooter, lockdown, or intruder situation. Each school must possess at least one silent panic alarm that is directly linked to local law enforcement, immediately transmits a signal upon activation, and is not audible within the school building. The alarm must also be equipped with an emergency light that turns on when activated. Importantly, the bill includes a liability protection clause stating that public employers cannot be held legally responsible for injuries or damages arising from the implementation of this silent panic alarm system. The provision emphasizes that the law does not create a specific duty of care, which provides additional legal protection for schools and public employees implementing the emergency alert system.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H741