Substitute Senate Bill No. 1382 aims to improve school safety by establishing a grant program administered by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) for local and regional boards of education to create school mapping data services. Effective July 1, 2025, eligible boards can apply for grants to develop mapping data that meets specific criteria, including compatibility with public safety software and accuracy verification through walk-throughs. The bill ensures that this mapping data is provided at no additional cost to school boards and public safety agencies. Additionally, it amends the existing School Security Infrastructure Competitive Grant Program (SSICG) to include school mapping data services as an eligible expense, replacing the previous focus solely on security infrastructure development and personnel training.

The bill also introduces a framework for determining grant amounts based on town wealth and population, with a minimum of 20% and a maximum of 80% of eligible expenses covered. It reserves 10% of available funds for nonpublic schools and licensed child care centers and establishes a priority system for grant distribution, focusing on schools with the greatest security needs. Furthermore, the bill mandates that mapping data must be printable, usable on mobile platforms, and confirmed accurate through walk-throughs, while also requiring the DESPP to develop eligibility criteria and report annually on the program's implementation starting January 1, 2027. Overall, the bill enhances school safety infrastructure by expanding funding opportunities and ensuring that essential mapping data is accessible to emergency service agencies.