This bill aims to enhance school safety by establishing grant programs, setting attendance center standards, and implementing emergency planning measures. It introduces a grant program specifically for attendance center doors, funded by appropriations from the general assembly, to help various educational institutions purchase compliant door systems. The state board of education will develop rules for administering this program. Additionally, schools must adhere to new safety standards, which include the use of electronic threat reporting platforms, access control plans, visitor entry plans, secure door systems, and video surveillance. The bill also mandates that all doors and windows be shatter-resistant or intrusion-resistant and requires the development of secure vestibule systems for new constructions.

Moreover, the bill amends current law regarding funding-related requirements for school districts under Code section 257.16, ensuring that political subdivisions comply with state mandates included in the bill. It clarifies that this specification fulfills state compliance with funding-related requirements outlined in Code section 25B.2, reinforcing the accountability of political subdivisions in meeting necessary funding requirements. The Department of Education is tasked with reviewing existing emergency operations plans and providing recommendations to the general assembly by December 31, 2025, while ensuring that costs associated with state mandates will be covered by state school foundation aid.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 280.37, 280.36