School security; making appropriation for Oklahoma School Security Grant Program; specifying use of funds. Effective date. Emergency.
Impact
The bill amends existing statutes related to the Oklahoma School Security Grant Program, allowing the Department of Emergency Management to solicit proposals from educational institutions for security enhancements. The yearly report requirement ensures accountability and transparency regarding the use of allocated funds. Through this act, schools can utilize grants for hiring security personnel, risk assessments, updating security technology, and developing emergency response plans in collaboration with local law enforcement, thereby potentially elevating safety standards across Oklahoma’s educational facilities.
Summary
Senate Bill 523, known as the Oklahoma School Security Grant Program Act, is a legislative proposal that aims to improve school security across the state. The bill appropriates $50 million to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management for the purpose of enhancing campus security in both public and private educational institutions serving students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. This funding is intended to support various security measures and programs, addressing an area of growing concern in light of recent events impacting schools nationwide.
Contention
While the bill emphasizes safety, there may be points of contention regarding the allocation of state funds and how effectively they will be utilized for actual security improvements. Critics may raise concerns about the adequacy of such measures in addressing deeper systemic issues within schools, and the extent to which security investments will translate into improved student safety. Various stakeholders, including educators and parents, might also have differing opinions on how security funding should be prioritized and administered.
School security; creating the School Resource Officer Grant Program; directing State Department of Education to administer; qualifications; law enforcement training. Effective date. Emergency.
Oklahoma Uniform Securities Act; clarifying membership of Oklahoma Securities Commission; modifying qualifications for certain member of Commission. Effective date. Emergency.
School security; creating a pilot program known as the School Resource Officer Program; Directing State Board of Education to administer; training; creating the School Security Revolving Fund; expenditures; effective date; emergency.
Classification of felony offenses; creating the Oklahoma Crime Reclassification Act of 2024; requiring persons who commit criminal offenses to be classified in accordance with certain structure; codification; effective date.