Substitute House Bill No. 7077 seeks to improve crisis response drills in Connecticut schools by establishing new protocols and requirements. Effective July 1, 2025, the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) will collaborate with the Connecticut Center for School Safety and Crisis Prevention to define crisis response drills, create standardized terminology, and develop guidance and evaluation templates. The bill mandates that local and regional boards of education conduct crisis response drills quarterly, replacing one fire drill each quarter, and emphasizes trauma-informed practices, clear communication with parents, and the prohibition of simulated violence during drills. Additionally, accommodations for students with disabilities and the involvement of mental health professionals in planning and execution are required.

The bill also includes provisions for transparency, requiring school boards to make their security and safety plans available to the school community, as long as they comply with the Freedom of Information Act. It mandates that each school district work with their safety and climate committees to ensure drills prioritize the physical and psychological safety of students and staff. The bill will incur costs estimated at $117,882 in FY 26 and FY 27 for hiring an Emergency Management Program Specialist to develop the necessary standards. Reports on the impact of crisis response drills will be submitted to the General Assembly by April 1, 2026, and July 1, 2028, ensuring ongoing evaluation and improvement of school safety protocols.

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