Bill > H2616

This bill establishes a Window Falls Prevention Program within the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to reduce child injuries from window falls. The law requires property owners to install window guards in residential units where children under six years old live, specifically in windows on the third floor or higher. Landlords must provide these window guards at no additional cost to tenants, and tenants are prohibited from removing them except in emergency situations like fires. The window guards must be removable if they block fire escape routes. The program's primary goals include public education about the risks of children falling from windows and providing information and technical assistance on prevention methods. The bill mandates that no person can obstruct window guard installation or remove them without justification. Violations can result in civil penalties up to $10,000 if not remedied within ten business days. The Department of Public Health will investigate complaints and work with other child-focused agencies to implement this safety measure. The bill is named "Zella Ray's Law," presumably in memory of a child who may have been injured in a window fall, highlighting the personal and preventative nature of the legislation.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2616