Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Education Committee |
HB 1974
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Creating a pilot program to implement regional school safety and security centers.
Sponsors: Representatives Stambaugh, Sells, Muri, Klippert, Senn, Robinson and Tarleton.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/16/15
Staff: Robin Hammond (786-7291).
Background:
Educational Service Districts (ESDs) provide cooperative, administrative, and informational services to and on behalf of school districts. The nine regional ESDs in Washington also assist the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education in the performance of their duties.
The ESD 105 created a School Safety and Security program that helps schools with prevention, protection, mitigation of harm, effective response, and recovery. The program provides schools with technical assistance, resource networking, and collaboration to develop comprehensive plans, including the capabilities necessary to:
avoid, deter, or stop an imminent crime or mass casualty incident;
secure schools against acts of violence and man-made or natural disasters;
eliminate or reduce the loss of life and property damage;
stabilize an emergency;
establish a safe and secure environment;
facilitate the transition to recovery; and
assist schools affected by an event or emergency in restoring the learning environment.
Summary of Bill:
A pilot program is established that creates regional School Safety and Security Centers in three Educational Service Districts (ESDs).
The pilot program expires December 31, 2017 and must:
establish of a network of school safety coordinators;
collaborate with the ESD that developed the model;
create a technology-based system that enables more efficient and effective communication between schools and emergency response entities;
provide technology support to improve communication and data management between schools and emergency response entities;
provide ongoing training of school personnel and emergency responders to establish a system for preventative identification, intervention strategies, and management of risk behaviors;
provide for professional development to train school personnel as first responders; and
build a collaborative relationship between participating ESDs and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to expand regional School Safety and Security Centers to all ESDs.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.