The proposed bill establishes the School Security Program in Alabama, aimed at enhancing safety in public K-12 schools through periodic inspections by certified school security inspectors. The State Board of Education, in collaboration with the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and the State Fire Marshal, will develop rules and evaluation criteria for school security. Additionally, the bill introduces the School Security and Fire Safety Fund to provide grants to local boards of education for meeting security and fire safety standards. It also establishes the School Mapping Data Program, requiring ALEA to create detailed maps of each school for emergency response, emphasizing collaboration with local boards of education to ensure accuracy and accessibility.

Moreover, the bill mandates that each local board of education appoint a district safety coordinator with crisis response experience, responsible for training, conducting safety drills, and coordinating with local public safety officials. It ensures that school mapping data is compatible with public safety software and available in both printable and digital formats, while prohibiting fees for access. The bill also maintains the confidentiality of school security rubric ratings and mapping data, clarifying that it does not create a private right of action against local boards of education or their employees. Key insertions include the requirements for the district safety coordinator's training and responsibilities, while deletions involve any conflicting previous provisions. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 36-19-3, 41-4-80
Engrossed: 36-19-3, 41-4-80
Enrolled: 16-1-44, 36-19-3, 41-4-80