BILL REQ. #:  S-1278.1 

READ FIRST TIME 02/08/13.   

     AN ACT Relating to safe school buildings; amending RCW 28A.335.010; adding a new section to chapter 28A.320 RCW; and adding a new section to chapter 28A.300 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 28A.320 RCW to read as follows:
     By December 1, 2014, a school district shall either:
     (1) Work with its local law enforcement agency to develop and implement a panic alarm system using technology to expedite law enforcement's arrival and effective response in the event of a threat at a school; or
     (2) Implement a model policy developed by the superintendent of public instruction that the school district may use to implement a panic alarm system that uses technology to expedite law enforcement's arrival and effective response in the event of a threat at a school.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 28A.300 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The superintendent of public instruction shall collaborate with law enforcement and the school safety advisory committee to develop a model policy that school districts may use to implement a panic alarm system that uses technology to expedite law enforcement's arrival and effective response in the event of a threat at a school.
     (2) The superintendent of public instruction shall develop and make the model policy available to school districts by June 1, 2014.

Sec. 3   RCW 28A.335.010 and 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28A.58.102 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Every board of directors, unless otherwise specifically provided by law, shall:
     (((1))) (a) Cause all school buildings to be properly heated, lighted, and ventilated and maintained in a clean and sanitary condition; ((and
     (2))) (b) Maintain and repair, furnish, and insure such school buildings;
     (c) Strongly consider installing a perimeter security control mechanism or system on all school campuses, as is appropriate to the design of each campus; and
     (d) Give preference to all school building plans and designs for new school construction or remodeling of more than forty percent of an existing school building that promote:
     (i) An optimal level of security for the specific school site that incorporates evolving technology and best practices to protect students and staff in the event of a threat during school hours;
     (ii) Direct control and observation of the public entering school grounds; and
     (iii) The public entering school grounds through as few entrances as possible, such as through the main entrance of a school's administrative offices.
     (2) Specific school designs and construction started before the effective date of this section are not subject to subsection (1)(c) and (d) of this section.