WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, reintroduced the “Securing Our Schools Act,” legislation that would clarify that states have the flexibility to utilize unused State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to be made available for school security measures.
“Every child deserves a safe and secure environment to learn and grow,” said Miller-Meeks. “The Securing Our Schools Act, will allow States to utilize unused, expiring State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to invest in security measures on campus, as well as hire and train more school resource officers. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this legislation and ensure that our children and teachers can remain focused on learning, while feeling safe each day in the classroom.”
Under this legislation, school security measures mean any of the following:
- An evidence-based strategy or program to prevent violence, which may include the use of appropriate technologies, including the placement and use of metal detectors and other deterrent measures and emergency notification and response technologies.
- Training to prevent student violence against others and self, including training for local law enforcement officers, school personnel, and students.
- The development and operation of an anonymous reporting system for threats of school violence, including a mobile telephone application, hotline, or internet website.
- The development and operation of
- a school threat assessment and intervention team that may include coordination with law enforcement agencies and school personnel; and
- specialized training for school officials in responding to mental health crises.
- Coordination with local law enforcement agencies.
- A security assessment.
- Security training of personnel and students.
- Acquisition and installation of technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency.
- Reinforcing or replacing classroom doors, locks, or window panels.
- Constructing fencing, bollards, planters, curbs, walls, or any other entry control measure to create a single point of entry to the campus.
- Clearing exterior spaces of foliage or structures to eliminate spaces that could conceal illicit activity, provide access to the building above the first floor, or otherwise aid an intruder.
- Installing a system to monitor hallways, stairwells, and utility rooms, such as physical inspection or surveillance cameras.
- Hiring and paying the salaries of qualified individuals, such as retired law enforcement officers or military veterans, to serve as armed school resource officers.
Read the bill below:
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