H 426 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act implementing automated emergency response communications and coordination between Massachusetts schools with first responders

This bill establishes an automated emergency response program for Massachusetts schools to improve communication with first responders during crises. It allows school districts and public safety agencies to purchase interoperable systems that enable real-time video sharing, direct radio communication, and secure text messaging between schools and police. The legislation mandates strict cybersecurity measures, including end-to-end encryption and direct data transfer without third-party storage, to protect student and staff privacy. Additionally, the program requires these systems to be certified under federal anti-terrorism standards and compatible with national disaster communication networks.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action May 28, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Education
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Jim Arciero
Jim Arciero
DDemocratic
MA
2nd Middlesex