Connecticut Senate Bill SB00456

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/19
• Refer: 1/24/19

Caption

An Act Concerning The Establishment Of Threat Assessment Teams At Schools.

Impact

The proposed legislation is designed to proactively address safety concerns by enabling schools to better identify and manage potential risks. By creating structured teams that evaluate threats, the bill seeks to establish a more secure educational environment. This can lead to improvements in the protocols used by schools in handling crises, fostering collaboration between educational entities and public safety organizations to ensure a comprehensive approach to safeguarding students and staff.

Summary

SB00456 aims to enhance safety within schools by mandating the establishment of threat assessment teams at all local and regional educational institutions in Connecticut. The bill involves the modification of section 10-222m of the general statutes, ensuring that each school board is responsible for setting up these teams. Such teams will play a critical role in evaluating and responding to potential threats to student and staff safety. One of the significant aspects of the bill allows for increased collaboration by authorizing law enforcement officials and healthcare professionals to share confidential information pertinent to their roles in the threat assessment process.

Contention

While the bill generally strives for improved school safety, discussions surrounding it may indicate points of contention regarding privacy concerns related to sharing confidential information. Critics could argue about the potential for overreach into student privacy and the implications of involving law enforcement in school safety assessments. Moreover, there may be differing opinions on the adequacy of funding and resources needed for the effective implementation of these threat assessment teams, raising questions about whether schools will receive adequate support to fulfill these new responsibilities.