Alabama 2024 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Bill SB98

Introduced
2/14/24  
Introduced
2/14/24  
Report Pass
2/21/24  
Refer
2/14/24  
Refer
4/3/24  
Report Pass
2/21/24  
Refer
4/3/24  
Report Pass
5/1/24  
Engrossed
4/3/24  
Enrolled
5/8/24  
Report Pass
5/1/24  
Passed
5/17/24  
Enrolled
5/8/24  
Passed
5/17/24  

Caption

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

Impact

The implementation of SB98 is expected to significantly impact state laws concerning school safety and security. By mandating inspections and creating a structured grading system for school security, the bill aims to elevate the overall safety standard across the school system. The provision of grants through the School Security and Fire Safety Fund will assist schools in implementing necessary upgrades and improvements to their infrastructure, thereby directly benefiting the learning environment and the safety of students and staff.

Summary

SB98 establishes the School Security Program aimed at enhancing the security measures within public K-12 schools. By implementing required security inspections and grading, the bill seeks to ensure that all schools meet specific safety standards. Additionally, the legislation creates a School Security and Fire Safety Fund, which will provide grants to support the funding of safety measures and facilities improvements in schools. Another key aspect of this bill is the introduction of a School Mapping Data Program, which mandates specific criteria for mapping school premises, aiding in emergency responses and safety audits.

Sentiment

Feedback regarding SB98 has generally been positive, with many stakeholders praising the proactive approach to ensure student safety. Supporters believe that enhancing security in schools is vital and necessary, especially in light of increasing concerns about safety threats in educational institutions. However, while there is overall support, some dissenting voices express concerns about the costs associated with implementing these new standards and whether the allocated funding will suffice to meet all schools' needs.

Contention

Notable points of contention around SB98 include debates on the effectiveness and extent of the inspections and grading systems proposed. Critics question how these measures will be enforced and the criteria used for grading. Additionally, concerns arise regarding the equitable distribution of the School Security and Fire Safety Fund and whether all schools, particularly those with limited resources, can access the necessary funds to comply with the new requirements. Overall, while the importance of school security is widely recognized, the means of achieving it through SB98, including potential bureaucratic challenges, has sparked discussion among legislators and educational professionals.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL HB4582

Relating to the establishment of a grant program to assist certain public schools in providing salaries to school security personnel.

AL A4977

Establishes School Safety and Security Task Force.

AL S344

Establishes School Safety and Security Task Force.

AL S3079

Establishes School Safety and Security Task Force.

AL SB540

Education - School Mapping Data Program - Established

AL HB472

Education - School Mapping Data Program - Established

AL HSB675

A bill for an act relating to school security, including by requiring certain school districts to employ or retain school security personnel, establishing the school security personnel grant program within the department of education, and authorizing school employees to be issued professional permits to carry weapons.(See HF 2586.)

AL HB1908

In school safety and security, further providing for school safety and security coordinator; and, in school security, further providing for duties of commission and providing for school security personnel.

AL SB930

In student supports, further providing for definitions; in school safety and security, further providing for definitions, for School Safety and Security Committee, for school safety and security assessment providers, for School Safety and Security Grant Program, for school safety and security coordinator, for school safety and security training and for reporting and memorandum of understanding; in school security, further providing for training, for school resource officers, for school security guards and for duties of commission; in Safe2Say Program, further providing for intent, for definitions, for Safe2Say Program and for annual report; in threat assessment, further providing for definitions, for threat assessment teams and for threat assessment guidelines, training and information materials; and making editorial changes.

AL HSB692

A bill for an act relating to school security, including by modifying provisions related to the issuance of school bonds, requiring schools to conduct school safety reviews and have access to the statewide interoperable communications system, establishing the school emergency radio access grant program and the firearm detection software grant program within the department of homeland security and emergency management, requiring the department of public safety to convene a task force related to the safety and security standards of schools and school infrastructure, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 2652.)

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