Purpose: To provide federal support for enhancing physical security measures in schools, particularly in economically disadvantaged and high-risk areas, and to implement strategies to prevent and mitigate harm from active shooter situations.
Section 1: Findings and Purpose
1. Findings:
• The incidence of active shooter situations in schools has increased in recent years, highlighting a need for better safety measures.
• Economically disadvantaged school districts often lack the resources necessary to implement robust safety protocols, leaving students and staff at greater risk.
• Effective safety measures, such as reinforced infrastructure, emergency medical training, and accessible mental health resources, have been shown to reduce the risk and impact of school violence.
2. Purpose:
• To provide federal assistance to schools for upgrading physical security, training staff and students, and establishing emergency response protocols.
• To ensure that schools in poverty-stricken districts are prioritized for funding to achieve equitable safety standards across the nation.
Section 2: Funding Provisions
1. Federal School Safety Grant Program
• Establish the Federal School Safety Grant Program to provide funding to schools for physical security upgrades, emergency communication systems, trauma care supplies, and other safety measures.
• Priority Funding: At least 40% of the annual budget for the grant program shall be allocated specifically for schools in poverty-stricken districts, defined as schools where 50% or more of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.
• Needs-Based Assessment: Schools seeking funding will be assessed based on security risks, financial needs, and existing safety measures to ensure that funds are directed to those with the greatest need.
2. Matching Funds and Incentives for Economically Disadvantaged Schools
• The federal government will match funds for safety improvements dollar-for-dollar for schools in districts where the median income is below the federal poverty line.
• Supplemental Funding Pools: Create special funding pools to offer additional financial assistance for schools that can demonstrate a lack of state or local funds for security improvements.
3. School Safety Bonds for High-Need Areas
• Issue School Safety Bonds with low-interest rates, exclusively available for schools in economically disadvantaged districts to finance safety improvements. The bonds would be federally guaranteed to reduce borrowing costs.
• Provide a Debt Forgiveness Program for schools that cannot afford repayment due to budget constraints, allowing for partial or full forgiveness after the improvements are implemented.
4. Title IV Funding Expansion for At-Risk Schools
• Increase Title IV funding under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) specifically for districts with high levels of poverty. Allocate at least 30% of these funds to schools in such areas for safety upgrades, emergency training, and trauma-informed education.
• Allow Title IV funds to be used flexibly for comprehensive safety measures, including the hiring of additional school counselors and social workers to support at-risk students.
Section 3: Grant and Resource Allocation
1. Grant Allocation Criteria
• Schools must apply for federal safety grants by demonstrating existing security gaps and providing a plan for using funds effectively. Priority will be given to:
• Schools in High-Crime Areas: Schools located in regions with elevated crime rates will be given priority funding for physical safety measures and security personnel.
• Schools with Limited Local Funding: Schools that can demonstrate financial challenges in raising funds for safety improvements will be prioritized.
2. Community Involvement and Partnerships
• Encourage collaboration between schools and community organizations, including local law enforcement, mental health services, and nonprofits specializing in youth safety.
• Offer grants to community organizations that partner with schools to provide safety and mental health support, particularly in underserved areas.
3. Accountability and Oversight
• Establish an oversight committee under the Department of Education to monitor the use of grant funds and ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Require annual reports from grant recipients detailing how funds were used and the impact on school safety, to ensure transparency and effectiveness.
Section 4: Implementing Physical Safety Measures
1. Secure Infrastructure Upgrades:
• Use federal funds to retrofit schools with reinforced doors, bullet-resistant glass, secure entryways, and safe rooms.
• Provide funds for installing emergency alert systems, including panic buttons and mass notification systems, ensuring all classrooms have access.
2. Emergency Medical Preparedness:
• Allocate funding for trauma kits, medical training for staff, and other emergency supplies in schools.
• Train staff in high-poverty districts on first aid, including administering tourniquets and providing emergency care in active shooter situations.
3. Active Shooter Drills and Security Training:
• Require active shooter drills and lockdown training for all schools receiving federal safety grants. Drills must be age-appropriate and conducted with minimal psychological impact on students.
• Offer incentives for schools to conduct additional safety training for staff, including threat assessment and de-escalation techniques.
Section 5: Mental Health and Preventative Measures
1. Mental Health Funding for At-Risk Schools:
• Expand federal funding for school-based mental health services in poverty-stricken districts, ensuring access to counselors, social workers, and behavioral health professionals.
• Implement programs that identify students who may be at risk of violent behavior early on, and offer individualized intervention and support services.
2. Behavioral Threat Assessment Programs:
• Establish Behavioral Threat Assessment Teams in schools to assess and manage risks related to potential violence. Teams would be composed of school staff, mental health professionals, and law enforcement.
• Provide additional resources to schools in high-need areas to implement early intervention strategies for students displaying concerning behaviors.
Section 6: Funding Source
1. Federal Budget Allocation
• Allocate funds for the School Safety and Active Shooter Prevention Act from the federal education budget, Department of Homeland Security budget, and unspent military funds.
• Redirect a portion of federal firearm tax revenues to support school safety initiatives.
2. Public-Private Partnerships
• Encourage partnerships with corporations and nonprofits that can provide safety equipment and financial support.
• Offer tax credits to businesses that donate to school safety programs, particularly in underserved communities.
Section 7: Implementation and Timeline
• The Department of Education, in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security, shall implement the provisions of this bill within one year of its passage.
• Schools will be able to apply for grants and funding immediately upon enactment, with funds distributed based on an assessed priority schedule.
Conclusion
The School Safety and Active Shooter Prevention Act (SSASPA) ensures equitable protection for all students and staff across the United States, with a special emphasis on economically disadvantaged districts that need federal assistance to implement necessary safety measures. By funding both preventative and physical safety measures, this Act aims to provide comprehensive solutions to the threat of active shooter incidents, with a focus on protecting lives and fostering safer learning environments.