Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas House Bill HB2278

Introduced
2/2/23  
Refer
2/2/23  

Caption

Requiring audits of safe and secure schools plans for all school districts including staggered on-site inspections.

Impact

Under HB2278, the state department of education is directed to carry out an on-site inspection of at least 10 varied school districts each year to determine compliance with safety protocols. This annual examination is designed to create a standard of accountability among districts and promote an environment of continuous improvement in safety measures. By implementing these audits and inspections, the bill seeks to identify gaps in safety procedures that could potentially endanger students.

Summary

House Bill 2278 aims to enhance the safety and security of school buildings across the state by mandating regular audits of school districts' operations in relation to their safety protocols. Specifically, the bill requires the state department of education to perform a comprehensive audit of each district's policies and procedures for maintaining secure facilities during the 2023-2024 school year. The intention is to ensure adherence to the Kansas safe and secure schools standards set forth by the state board of education. This initiative reflects a proactive approach to safeguard students and staff in educational environments.

Contention

While the bill aims to strengthen school safety, concerns have been raised regarding the feasibility of conducting such audits and inspections uniformly across diverse districts. Some stakeholders worry about the potential strain on resources, particularly for smaller districts that may lack the necessary infrastructure to comply with heightened safety and audit requirements. Additionally, discussions around the bill may highlight the balance between ensuring safety and maintaining the autonomy of local school districts in determining their unique security needs.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS H7731

Strengthens school security measures, including the establishment of a RI school emergency response committee to develop additional recommendations for school security measures and requiring an annual school safety assessment by all school districts.

KS SB586

(New Title) requiring chartered public schools, school administrative units, and cities or school districts not audited under RSA 671:5 to be audited by an independent public accountant after the end of the fiscal year and requiring the results of such audits to be made available to the public.

KS HB2320

Authorizing children in the custody of the secretary of the department for children and families to attend school in any school district, requiring records for such students to be timely transferred between school districts and requiring a transportation plan if the child remains in the school of origin.

KS HB1010

Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to certain student records and conduct.

KS HB121

Relating to measures for ensuring public school safety, including the commissioning of peace officers by the Texas Education Agency, the composition of the board of directors of the Texas School Safety Center, and public school safety and security requirements and resources.

KS HB2534

Requiring school districts to provide fentanyl abuse education programs and maintain a supply of naloxone in all schools, requiring the department of education to establish guidelines for active shooter drills conducted by public and accredited nonpublic elementary and secondary schools, regulating active shooter simulations in such schools and modifying the requirements for student cohorts and achievement goals in school district at-risk student accountability plans.

KS SB936

Relating to authorizing the Texas School Safety Center to conduct random safety and security audits of public schools; authorizing a civil penalty.

KS HB4193

Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including certain training for school district personnel and parents of certain students.

KS SB1262

Relating to measures for ensuring public school safety, including the commissioning of peace officers by the Texas Education Agency, the composition of the board of directors of the Texas School Safety Center, and public school safety and security requirements and resources.

KS HB2138

Authorizing school districts to levy an annual tax levy of up to two mills for the purposes of school building safety, security and compliance with the Americans with disabilities act and including such levy in the capital outlay state aid determination for such school districts.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.