The bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to enhance safety and security measures in Pennsylvania's public and private educational institutions. It introduces updated definitions for "chief school administrator," now specifying the role as the superintendent or chief administrator of various school types, and establishes an Office of School Safety and Security. A key component of the bill is the formation of a School Safety and Security Committee tasked with assessing safety protocols and ensuring compliance with training requirements for security personnel. Additionally, it mandates that school entities develop procedures for responding to reports made through the Safe2Say Something Program, which facilitates communication regarding threats to school safety.
The legislation also establishes a grant program to fund school safety initiatives, with allocations for mental health and cyber safety measures, and emphasizes the importance of training for school safety coordinators and security personnel. It requires school entities to provide a final disposition of reports received within 30 days, or within 48 hours for life safety events, with non-compliant entities being publicly listed and reported to the School Safety and Security Committee. Furthermore, the bill clarifies definitions related to school administration and the Safe2Say Something Program, establishes requirements for threat assessment teams, and emphasizes timely consultation with law enforcement when threats are identified. Overall, the bill aims to create a more robust framework for ensuring the safety and security of students and staff in educational settings.
Statutes/Laws affected: Printer's No. 1047 (Jul 10, 2025): P.L.30, No.14, P.L.474, No.94