School safety: crisis intervention and targeted violence prevention program.
Impact
If enacted, AB99 requires school districts to form multidisciplinary threat assessment and resource teams. These teams will consist of school personnel, mental health professionals, and potentially law enforcement representatives. Their goal will be to create a structured approach to evaluating threats and directing students to appropriate services. The implications of the bill extend into local and state law by adding layers of responsibility and procedural guidelines for managing safety threats within educational settings, potentially setting a precedent for similar legislative measures in other states.
Summary
Assembly Bill 99 (AB99), introduced by Assembly Member Irwin, focuses on enhancing school safety through the establishment of crisis intervention and targeted violence prevention programs in California's schools. The bill mandates that every school district's comprehensive school safety plan includes policies for identifying and assessing students whose behavior may indicate potential threats. This initiative stems from a necessity to bolster student safety, as existing surveys indicate that a significant number of pupils feel unsafe in their educational environments, which can affect their overall academic performance and well-being.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment surrounding AB99 is largely supportive, as it is seen as a proactive measure to address growing concerns about school violence and student safety. However, there are voices of contention, particularly around the involvement of law enforcement in school settings which some critics argue could lead to criminalization of students and a breach of trust between students and school officials. The balance of ensuring safety while respecting students’ rights is a critical point of discussion.
Contention
Notably, the bill provides immunity to school districts and their employees from civil liability when acting in compliance with the established protocols, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct. The establishment of threat assessment teams may also raise concerns regarding the definition of threats, the training of team members, and how these assessments might impact students, particularly those with disabilities or mental health issues. Ensuring procedural fairness and clarity in the identification process of potential threats is essential to prevent unnecessary stigmatization and legal repercussions for students.