Bill > H753

This bill aims to enhance school safety and security by introducing several key measures. First, it amends the state law to classify school safety policies and reports as confidential, protecting sensitive information from public disclosure. The bill requires cities and towns to establish a special telephone exchange for reporting threats to school buildings, which would be available 24/7 and widely publicized. For cities and towns that opt in, the legislation mandates assigning a school resource officer (a sworn law enforcement officer) to each school building during instruction hours, with a formal memorandum of understanding defining their responsibilities. Additionally, the bill requires school districts to develop and implement comprehensive active shooter response policies, including mandatory regular training for students and staff, periodic safety and security audits by school and police officials, and recommendations for physical security enhancements like single access points, hardened locks and windows, and video surveillance systems. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is tasked with helping school districts secure grants for security improvements and must submit an annual compliance report to the state legislature, while ensuring that specific security details remain confidential. Overall, the bill represents a multi-faceted approach to improving school safety through communication, law enforcement presence, training, and infrastructure improvements.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H753