An Act to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff on the campuses of state colleges, community colleges and state universities

This bill grants the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education the authority to mandate that campus police officers carry firearms and other safety equipment deemed necessary for protecting students, faculty, and staff. A key provision ensures that this decision to equip officers remains binding even if a board of trustees votes against it in the future. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that this specific public safety mandate overrides any existing restrictions on the board's authority regarding campus safety matters.