Bill Summary:

The bill directs each district school board to issue a request for proposal for a district-wide school safety assessment. Each district shall select and contract with a school safety expert for an evaluation of each public school in the district. The expert shall report its evaluation and recommendations to the board, and the board shall vote on each recommendation. The board shall present the approved recommendations to the state board of education, which shall vote on the recommendations and provide funding to the district to cover the costs of the approved recommendations. The state board of education shall report to the legislature's education committees on the recommendations it receives, approves, and funds. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

CEA Position Rationale: CEA is concerned about the massive fiscal note of $500 million as well as potential for corporations to attempt to "upsell" physical safety fixes are cause for concern. More importantly, CEA supports interventions focused on prevention, mental health supports, safe environments and more instead of target hardening.

Legislative Priorities: Mental Health and Socio-Emotional Health, Increase Funding and Resources to Public Education and Educators 

Tier: 3