Substitute Senate Bill No. 1216, also known as Public Act No. 25-102, establishes a competitive grant program aimed at enhancing school security infrastructure, administered by the Departments of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Administrative Services, and Education. The program allows various educational entities, including towns, regional educational service centers, state charter schools, and licensed child care centers, to apply for reimbursement for expenses incurred since January 1, 2013. Eligible expenses include the development or improvement of security infrastructure based on security assessments, such as the installation of surveillance systems and emergency communication devices, as well as training for school personnel. Notably, the bill introduces new legal language to include hardware associated with emergency response communications systems and personal emergency communication devices as reimbursable expenses, while clarifying that family child care providers are not eligible for reimbursement. The bill outlines a ranking system based on town wealth to determine the percentage of grant funding available, ranging from twenty to eighty percent, with the Department of Education eligible for a grant covering one hundred percent of its expenses. Nonpublic schools and licensed child care centers may receive grants up to fifty percent, capped at fifty thousand dollars. The program prioritizes funding for schools with the greatest need, particularly those lacking existing security measures, and mandates that applicants collaborate with local first responders to develop and practice emergency plans. Additionally, schools must conduct uniform assessments of their security infrastructure using a specified checklist, ensuring that the most vulnerable institutions receive assistance first, especially during fiscal years with limited funds.