Alabama 2023 Regular Session

Alabama House Bill HB42

Introduced
2/23/23  

Caption

Relating to public K-12 education; to amend Section 16-1-44, Code of Alabama 1975, providing for comprehensive school emergency operations plans; to require the participation of school resource officers and law enforcement agencies in regularly scheduled lockdown drills; and to designate the days on which lockdown drills are conducted as school safety and awareness days.

Impact

The impact of HB 42 on state laws is significant as it amends existing education safety protocols, specifically Section 16-1-44 of the Code of Alabama 1975. By introducing requirements for regular involvement of law enforcement and structured drills, the bill aims to develop a more vigilant and prepared school environment. The enforcement of these measures will ideally result in better preparedness for possible emergencies within schools, potentially reducing response times and improving outcomes during critical incidents.

Summary

House Bill 42 mandates the establishment of comprehensive school emergency operations plans within local school boards in Alabama. The legislation specifically requires that these plans include protocols for a variety of potential threats, including security-related incidents, severe weather, and fires. Additionally, it obligates the participation of school resource officers and law enforcement in regularly scheduled lockdown drills. This bill emphasizes the importance of coordinated efforts between educational institutions and local law enforcement to enhance overall school safety.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 42 stem from concerns about the implications of increased law enforcement presence in schools. Critics argue that the presence of police during drills and in educational settings could lead to heightened anxiety among students and staff, particularly in the wake of conversations about police conduct during school activities. Conversely, proponents contend that such measures are essential for ensuring the safety of students and staff, framing the discussion around the necessity for schools to prepare adequately for emergencies and threats.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL SB98

Public K-12 school security; School Security Program, established to require school security inspections and grading; School Security and Fire Safety Fund, established to provide grants; School Mapping Data Program, established to provide criteria for school maps; Department of Education and ALEA, authorized to adopt rules

AL HB166

Public K-12 schools, cell phone policy and Internet/social media safety

AL SB92

Public K-12 schools, cell phone policy and Internet/social media safety

AL SB7

School safety; authorized sheriffs and chiefs of police to contract to provide school resource officers for nonpublic K-12 schools

AL HB234

Public K-12 schools; mobile emergency rapid response systems required, State Board of Education required to adopt rules, funding sources provided for

AL HB278

Career and technical education in public K-12 schools; home school student participation, authorized; State Board of Education, required to adopt rules

AL HB290

Public and nonpublic schools, sudden cardiac arrest, required to develop and implement cardiac emergency response plan

AL SB166

Ten Commandments, required to be displayed in common area of public K-12 schools and public institutions of higher education

AL HB266

Restoring Educational Advancement of Completing High School (REACH) Act, providing for a nontraditional high school diploma option for students 17 years of age and older who withdraw from school through the Adult Education Division of the Alabama Community College System; to provide for the sharing of data on students who drop out of high school; and to provide that participating students are eligible for driver's licenses

AL HB178

Ten Commandments; required to be displayed in the common area of public K-12 schools

Similar Bills

CA SB541

School safety: lockdown drills and multioption response drills: report.

IL HB4443

SCH SAFETY-LOCKDOWN DRILLS

IL HB3680

SCH CD-IEP EMERGENCY

ME LD477

Resolve, Directing the Department of Education, Maine School Safety Center to Convene a Stakeholder Group to Develop Best Practices for Lockdown Drills and Active Shooter Drills and Allowing Parents to Opt Out of Active Shooter Drills for Their Children

LA HR1

Directs the House Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice to evaluate the use of solitary confinement in La.

NC S883

Increased Security - Nonpublics & Day Cares

US HB3872

School Safety Drill Research Act of 2023

IL SB2692

SCH CD/SCH SAFETY-DOOR LOCKING