Kansas Senate Bill SB263

Kansas 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/11/25
• Refer: 2/13/25
• Report Pass: 3/18/25

Caption

Establishing standards and requirements for active shooter drills conducted by public and accredited nonpublic elementary and secondary schools.

Impact

This bill introduces significant amendments to existing laws regarding school safety and emergency preparedness. It compels schools to conduct a minimum number of crisis drills each school year and provides guidelines on how these drills should be conducted. Moreover, it mandates schools to notify parents in advance of active shooter drills, allowing for parental choice and ensuring that any student who opts out has access to alternative safety education without penalty. Furthermore, mental health resources are to be made available to students participating in these drills, underscoring the importance of psychological well-being in emergency training.

Summary

Senate Bill 263 aims to enhance the safety of students in the state of Kansas by establishing standards and requirements for conducting active shooter drills in public and accredited nonpublic elementary and secondary schools. The bill emphasizes the need for drills to be developmentally and age-appropriate, accessible, trauma-informed, and culturally aware, ensuring that all students, including those with special needs, are catered to effectively during these exercises. Additionally, it delineates what constitutes active shooter drills versus simulations, with the former focusing on instruction without mimicking real-life violence, while the latter may involve realistic scenarios.

Contention

Notably, SB263 also requires schools to provide students in grades six through 12 with annual evidence-based violence prevention training, addressing critical issues such as recognizing warning signs of potential threats and understanding the importance of reporting such concerns. While supporters argue that this bill is a proactive measure to ensure student safety amid rising fears of school violence, opponents may express concerns about the psychological impact of regular drills and the effectiveness of such training. The emphasis on inclusivity and mental health support attempts to mitigate potential negative effects of these preparedness strategies, though debate may continue on the appropriateness and execution of such emergency protocols.