Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB634

Introduced

2/20/25

Refer

2/20/25

Caption

In school safety and security, further providing for school safety and security coordinator.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would affect school district operations throughout Pennsylvania by formalizing the role of safety and security coordinators in emergency preparedness strategies. The addition of panic alarm systems to their duties could lead to more robust and immediate responses to life-threatening situations in schools. This aligns with national trends emphasizing the importance of proactive safety measures in educational settings amidst concerns over school violence and emergencies.

Summary

House Bill 634 aims to enhance school safety measures by amending the Public School Code of 1949 to include new responsibilities for school safety and security coordinators. The bill specifically mandates that these coordinators consider implementing panic alarm systems as part of their assessment of school policies and procedures. This measure responds to growing concerns regarding school safety and aims to streamline emergency response protocols through the establishment of a system that signals immediate threats to local law enforcement agencies.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding HB 634 appears to be supportive, focused on addressing safety concerns in schools. Proponents believe that the implementation of panic alarm systems would significantly improve the ability of school personnel to quickly alert law enforcement in emergencies, enhancing student and staff safety. However, potential critics may raise concerns about funding and the effectiveness of such systems in truly mitigating threats in complex situations.

Contention

The main contention surrounding the bill is likely to center around the feasibility and funding of implementing such panic alarm systems in various schools, especially in underfunded districts. There could also be discussions regarding the effectiveness of a panic alarm system in emergencies compared to more comprehensive safety training and protocols. Stakeholders may debate the balance between ensuring safety and managing resource allocation for such equipment in light of other pressing educational needs.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1974

In school safety and security, further providing for school safety and security coordinator.

PA HB1908

In school safety and security, further providing for school safety and security coordinator; and, in school security, further providing for duties of commission and providing for school security personnel.

PA SB907

In school safety and security, further providing for school

PA HB2613

In school safety and security, further providing for school safety and security training.

PA SB1206

In school safety and security, providing for panic alerts.

PA HB1553

In duties and powers of boards of school directors, providing for suicide prevention hotline telephone number on student identification card; and, in school safety and security, further providing for school safety and security coordinator.

PA SB632

In school security, providing for school safety form.

PA HB1526

In intermediate units, further providing for powers and duties of the intermediate unit board of directors, for capital subsidy and for school safety and security enhancements; and, in school safety and security, further providing for Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools and School Entities Program.

PA HB2026

In school safety and security, providing for purchase of firearm detection technology.

PA HB227

In school security, providing for school armed guards.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.