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HB 7077 Connecticut House · 2025 Regular Session

AN ACT CONCERNING CRISIS RESPONSE DRILLS.

HB 7077 requires Connecticut public schools to replace one quarterly fire drill with a standardized crisis response drill starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The bill mandates the state Department of Emergency Services to develop a clear definition, standardized terminology, trauma-informed response protocols, and an evaluation template for these drills by April 2026. It specifically prohibits active shooter simulations with sensory elements (like fake weapons or blood) during student drills, requires age-appropriate pre-drill education, advance parent notification in their native language, and ensures accommodations for students with disabilities. The law also requires schools to prioritize psychological safety through mental health professional involvement and post-drill debriefings.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 26, 2025 Last action Apr 8, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Raised Bill → ED Joint Favorable Substitute · 6 edits
MODERATE
The bill was revised from a 'Raised Bill' to a 'Substitute Bill' with significant policy changes to crisis response drills in Connecticut schools. The most important change prohibits active assailant simulations (fake shooters, gunfire sounds, blood) during drills involving students, while allowing them only in drills for staff and volunteers outside regular school hours. The bill also adds a new requirement for a study on crisis drill impacts and clarifies communication requirements for parents and students.
Scope change
The bill's scope remains focused on school crisis response drills, but the applicability of active assailant simulations is now restricted to exclude students from such simulations.
REQUIREMENT

Added requirement for the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection to conduct a study on the impact of crisis response drills on the school community.

Modified crisis drill protocols to prohibit active assailant simulations or simulated violence with sensory elements (fake assailants, gunfire, blood) during drills that include students.

Modified notification requirements to specify that communication about drills must be provided in the native language of each student, school personnel, and parent/guardian.

Modified pre-drill education requirements to specify age-appropriate education for students and training for school personnel separately.

Modified advance notification timing to require one week notice to students, school personnel, and parents/guardians before conducting a crisis response drill.

Modified drill communication requirements to specify that students and personnel must be informed they are participating in a drill to avoid confusion during actual emergencies.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
9
Key actions
1
Committee
2
Mar 21, 2025
Lower · Passed
Joint Favorable Substitute
lower
Feb 26, 2025
Committee
REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Education
lower
0 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.