Louisiana House Bill HR218

Louisiana 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/31/22
• Passed: 6/6/22

Caption

Requests that the state Department of Education study school safety issues and submit a written report to the House Committee on Education

Impact

If passed, HR218 would require local school boards and charter schools to fully cooperate with the state's study on school safety. The study is expected to evaluate current safety measures and compliance with state laws that mandate each school to prepare crisis management plans, conduct safety drills, and cooperate with local law enforcement agencies. The results of this study could lead to further legislative recommendations and potentially new laws aimed at improving school safety protocols across Louisiana.

Summary

HR218 encourages the Louisiana Department of Education to conduct a comprehensive study on school safety issues, aiming to gather detailed insights from local public school systems and charter schools. The resolution emphasizes the importance of school safety in light of recent violent incidents and mandates that the Department of Education report findings and recommendations back to the House Committee on Education by a specific deadline ahead of the 2023 Regular Session. The bill reinforces existing laws surrounding the preparation and review of school crisis management and response plans.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding HR218 appears supportive, as it aims to enhance school safety which is a significant concern for both legislators and communities. Supporters of the bill generally view it as a proactive measure to ensure that safety standards are evaluated and upgraded in response to growing violence in schools. However, potential criticism could arise from concerns regarding the additional burdens placed on local school boards and the efficacy of the proposed measures.

Contention

While HR218 seeks to unify safety efforts, it could also provoke conversations about local autonomy in managing school safety. Depending on how the study's findings are received and the recommendations that follow, there might be pushback from local authorities who prefer to maintain operational control over their safety measures without state intervention. As the bill calls for cooperative compliance, it could lead to disparities in how different communities implement the findings, highlighting the tension between state oversight and local governance.