Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

Tennessee House Bill HB1627

Introduced

12/21/23

Refer

1/10/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to school safety.

Impact

If enacted, HB1627 would fundamentally alter aspects of school safety protocols in Tennessee. The bill mandates the devices to include GPS for location tracking, audio and video recording capabilities, and emergency buttons that facilitate immediate alerts for various situations, including medical emergencies, discipline issues, and active threats. By institutionalizing the use of these advanced wearable devices in classrooms, the bill aims to improve response times from authorities during critical incidents, which proponents argue is necessary for safeguarding students and staff alike.

Summary

House Bill 1627 aims to improve school safety by providing grants for the purchase of wearable emergency alert systems for teachers and substitute teachers in Tennessee. These systems are intended to enhance the safety and security of school environments by allowing for quick communication during emergencies. The bill specifies that grants can be awarded to local education agencies (LEAs), public charter schools, private schools, and church-related schools, covering up to $300 for each emergency device purchased by schools and capping the total grant amount at $50,000 per institution or public school under a managed system.

Contention

Notably, while HB1627 seeks to enhance school safety, it may also lead to discussions concerning the adequacy of funding and the implications of such technology in classroom settings. There could be concerns about privacy, particularly regarding the recording capabilities of the devices, and whether such measures may inadvertently contribute to a climate of surveillance rather than safety. Moreover, raising funds for these improvements could strain educational budgets, leading to debates on the appropriateness of allocating resources to such technological implementations instead of traditional safety measures or personnel recruitment.