states working together
preventing
TRAGEDY LEARNING FROM ONE
A N OT H E R , S TAT E S TA K E S T E P S TO M A K E S C H O O L S S A F E R .
It’s a standout example of bipartisan effort to effect change. While not perfect—the bill received criticism both from the right and the left—SB 7026 took meaningful action, increasing building security, raising the minimum age to buy firearms, banning bump stocks, mandating threat assessment programs and more. SB 7026 was one of many new school safety measures throughout the states. Since January 2018, 37 legislatures have enacted 160 bills and adopted eight resolutions dealing with school safety, including building security, mental health resources, expanded or restricted firearm carry, and emergency response plans, according to data from the National Conference of State Legislatures, or NCSL. In the aftermath of unspeakable tragedy, states have seized the opportunity to increase school safety, taking bipartisan measures to address a vast range of concerns. Covering a diversity of perspectives and adapted to meet unique needs in each state, these measures are a testament to the power of state governments to innovate, adapt and share ideas.
by Joel Sams
BUILDING SECURITY
ISSUE 5 2019 | CAPITOL IDEAS
“We never imagined it would happen here in Parkland,” said Ryan Petty, whose daughter, Alaina, was killed in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Feb. 14, 2018. “You don’t imagine it will happen to you or someone you love and care about.” He paused for a moment, reflecting.
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“All things being equal, I’d like to have my daughter back,” he continued. “That would be my top choice. But since that’s not possible, I want to make her senseless death at least have some kind of meaning. And if we can make a difference for other families, that’s what I want to do. That’s what she’d want me to do.” Petty, along with other parents, advocated for Florida Senate Bill 7026 following the tragedy. With far-reaching school safety implications, the bill earned bipartisan support and was signed by then-Gov. Rick Scott just 17 days after being submitted for consideration by the rules committee.
Building security is a top issue as schools work to retrofit and update school security features. According to NCSL, 121 bills or resolutions were proposed in 38 states addressing school facility security (2018-19). Of that total, 29 bills were enacted and four resolutions were adopted. States have enacted various measures, including reinforced interior and exterior doors, interior locks on classroom doors, bulletproof glass, access restrictions for building and facility entrances, secure entry systems, trauma kits, alarm systems and provision of blueprints and maps to law enforcement. The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, or BWC, has created a School Safety and Security Grant program. According to an October press release, the program has awarded schools more than $6.6 million in grants since July, matching $3 for every $1 spent toward eligible equipment, including security enhancements for school buildings and