The "School Emergency Drills Act" introduces new regulations to Title 16 of the General Laws, establishing guidelines for various emergency drills in educational settings, including fire, lockdown, and evacuation drills. The bill prohibits active shooter simulations from involving students, teachers, or staff and restricts such drills to non-student days. It requires schools to notify parents or guardians of emergency drills at the start of each year and allows school administrators to modify drills without personal liability. The bill amends existing law by permitting the substitution of one fire drill with an evacuation drill and removes the mandate for two evacuation drills, while maintaining the requirement for two lockdown drills. It also outlines the necessity for fire drills in residence facilities at colleges and universities, with non-compliance resulting in a misdemeanor and a fine of up to $500. The bill mandates written reports of fire drills for fire authorities' review and allows them to require drills to be conducted in their presence.

Furthermore, the bill introduces the "Trauma-informed Schools Act," which requires the commissioner of elementary and secondary education to develop a plan for implementing trauma-informed practices in schools by July 1, 2024. These practices aim to create a supportive environment for students affected by trauma and must be integrated into emergency drills. The bill also adds new requirements for school safety plans, including consistent language and procedures for various emergencies, such as "swatting." It includes a deletion of the conjunction "and" and an insertion of a new clause in the safety plan requirements. The bill emphasizes the importance of clear evacuation policies, the creation of an emergency response team, and access to mental health services post-incident. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
8102: 23-28.12-36