The School Security Act, as introduced in SB98, aims to bolster the safety of public K-12 schools in Alabama by establishing the School Security Program. This program mandates that school security inspectors conduct inspections every five years to evaluate compliance with security criteria set by the State Board of Education, ALEA, and the State Fire Marshal. These criteria cover various security measures such as cameras, alarms, and communication equipment. Schools will receive a security rubric rating—green, yellow, or red—to indicate their level of compliance and will be given recommendations for improvements. The bill also sets up the School Security and Fire Safety Fund to provide grants for local boards of education to meet security and fire safety standards and introduces the School Mapping Data Program within ALEA to maintain updated emergency maps of schools.

SB98 requires that school mapping data be compatible with software platforms used by public safety agencies and be available in both printable and digital formats. It also mandates the appointment of a district safety coordinator by each local board of education, who will be responsible for overseeing safety measures, coordinating with public safety agencies, and ensuring the annual review of school emergency operation plans. The bill includes confidentiality provisions for security ratings and mapping data and clarifies that it does not create a private right of action against local boards or their personnel. The bill is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2024. There are no specific insertions or deletions from current law mentioned in the summary provided.

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