Relative to safer schools
The bill proposes substantial changes to current state laws regarding the presence and roles of law enforcement within educational environments. It seeks to establish holistic safety practices that prioritize positive relationships between students and staff, avoid reliance on disciplinary measures that lead to exclusion, and foster an affirming school culture. The implementation of these practices will be financially supported through grants made available by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to public schools, allowing them to transition away from law enforcement dependencies in favor of counseling and restorative justice approaches.
House Bill H517, titled "An Act Relative to Safer Schools," was sponsored by Representatives Kay Khan and Samantha Montaño. The bill aims to enhance school safety through the promotion of holistic health and safety practices while restructuring the role of school resource officers (SROs). One of the key provisions of the bill is to explicitly prohibit SROs and other appointed officers from acting as school disciplinarians or enforcing school regulations, thereby ensuring that law enforcement does not handle traditional disciplinary issues unless they meet specific criminal criteria. This change emphasizes de-escalation techniques and anti-bias training for school resource officers, reinforcing a focus on non-criminal behavior management.
While proponents of H517 argue that it will create safer and more nurturing environments for students, there are concerns regarding the feasibility of implementing these holistic practices across diverse school districts. Critics may worry about the potential for rising incidents in schools if the presence of police officers is reduced. Balancing school safety with the need for supportive, community-based approaches remains a point of contention in legislative discussions surrounding this bill.