Requires that in-service training for school employees on safety and security include component on behavioral threat assessment.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would amend existing regulations pertinent to education safety by requiring boards of education to implement these threat assessment teams. The Department of Education, along with State law enforcement and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, will develop guidelines and provide support for the establishment and training of these teams. This initiative is expected to enhance school safety protocols significantly by promoting proactive measures in identifying potential threats.
Summary
Assembly Bill A3229, introduced by Assemblywoman Pamela R. Lampitt, mandates that in-service training for school employees encompass a component focused on behavioral threat assessments. The bill aims to establish multidisciplinary behavioral threat assessment teams within school districts to identify students posing potential safety risks and prevent targeted violence. The training will equip school personnel to recognize and respond effectively to safety and security concerns related to students.
Contention
The introduction of A3229 reflects an ongoing discussion about the balance between school security and student rights. Proponents argue that establishing behavioral threat assessment teams is essential for preventing school violence, whereas detractors may express concerns regarding the implications for student privacy and the potential for misinterpretation of behaviors. The effectiveness and implementation of these teams will likely be closely monitored and debated as districts roll out the mandated training.
In student supports, further providing for definitions; in school safety and security, further providing for definitions, for School Safety and Security Committee, for school safety and security assessment providers, for School Safety and Security Grant Program, for school safety and security coordinator, for school safety and security training and for reporting and memorandum of understanding; in school security, further providing for training, for school resource officers, for school security guards and for duties of commission; in Safe2Say Program, further providing for intent, for definitions, for Safe2Say Program and for annual report; in threat assessment, further providing for definitions, for threat assessment teams and for threat assessment guidelines, training and information materials; and making editorial changes.
Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to the health and safety of public school students and active shooter training for certain peace officers.
Education: other; behavioral threat assessment and management teams; require schools to create. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1308e.
Relating to the establishment of school-based behavioral health centers by public schools and a grant program administered by the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission for the operation of those centers.
Relating to the establishment of school-based behavioral health centers by school districts and a grant program administered by the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission for the operation of those centers.