Provide and change powers and duties for the State Department of Education, Commissioner of Education, State Board of Education, and the state school security director, provide grants to school districts for security-related infrastructure projects, and provide grants to educational service units and local public health departments to hire school psychologists and licensed mental health practitioners as prescribed
Impact
If enacted, LB516 is set to significantly impact state laws regarding school safety and mental health provisions in educational institutions. By allocating grants and redefining responsibilities, the bill aims to ensure that schools have the necessary resources to enhance security and psychological support for students. This reallocation of funds could lead to improved infrastructure and potentially better mental health outcomes for students, aligning state policies with the contemporary needs of education and youth welfare.
Summary
LB516 focuses on providing and changing the powers and duties of the State Department of Education, the Commissioner of Education, the State Board of Education, and the state school security director. The bill aims to enhance school security and mental health support by introducing grants specifically for security-related infrastructure projects in school districts. Additionally, it proposes funding for educational service units and local public health departments to employ school psychologists and licensed mental health practitioners. This initiative emphasizes a proactive approach to ensuring a safe and supportive environment for students across the state.
Contention
The bill has sparked some discussions regarding the appropriate balance between security measures and the provision of mental health resources in schools. Advocates for increased funding in school security argue that such measures are essential in response to rising concerns about school safety. However, some critics express concerns that without sufficient oversight, the emphasis on security might overshadow the equally important need for mental health resources and support. This debate highlights the ongoing conversation about how best to create a safe and supportive environment in schools without compromising the holistic needs of students.
Provide grants to schools that adopt a policy to provide emergency response mapping data to law enforcement agencies and provide powers and duties for the State Department of Education and State Board of Education
Require schools to install a secure master key box as prescribed, provide powers and duties to the state school security director, change provisions relating to a grant program for security-related infrastructure projects and the School Safety and Security Fund, and provide for a transfer from the Cash Reserve Fund
Change provisions relating to the Nebraska Juvenile Code and education programs in state institutions that house juveniles, provide powers and duties to the State Department of Education and the State Board of education to establish an educational division responsible for the education of certain juveniles, and provide a termination date for the superintendent of institutional schools
Create the Holocaust and Genocide Education Training Grant Program and provide duties for the State Department of Education, State Board of Education, and Commissioner of Education