Substitute House Bill No. 7077 seeks to improve crisis response drills in schools by establishing new guidelines and requirements that will take effect on July 1, 2025. The bill mandates the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), in collaboration with the Connecticut Center for School Safety and Crisis Prevention, to develop standardized terminology, definitions, and guidance for crisis response drills. It also requires local and regional boards of education to conduct these drills in accordance with the new protocols, replacing the previous requirement for consultation with local law enforcement agencies. Key provisions include prohibiting active assailant simulations during drills, ensuring trauma-informed approaches, and mandating clear communication with parents, including providing information in the native languages of students and their families.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 10-231 of the general statutes to require school districts to evaluate each drill using a template developed by DESPP and to make parts of their school security and safety plans available to the school community, as long as they comply with the Freedom of Information Act. The bill emphasizes the importance of psychological safety and aims to minimize emotional harm during drills. It also includes a study on the impact of crisis response drills on the school community, with reports due to the General Assembly by April 1, 2026, and July 1, 2028. The estimated fiscal impact of the bill is $117,882 over the first two fiscal years, with minimal costs to local school districts.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-231
ED Joint Favorable Substitute: 10-231
File No. 598: 10-231