AN ACT TO CREATE "THE STUDENTS SAFE AT SCHOOL ACT"; TO DEFINE TERMS UNDER THE ACT; TO OUTLINE STANDARDS; TO PROVIDE FOR STUDENT HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROTOCOLS; TO SET FORTH NOTICE REQUIREMENTS; TO ADDRESS STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN SHOOTER DRILLS; TO ADDRESS STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN ACTIVE SHOOTER SIMULATIONS; TO REQUIRE VIOLENCE PREVENTION TRAINING; TO PROVIDE FOR STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN SAFETY PLANNING; TO PROVIDE FOR PUBLICATION OF VENDORS; TO CREATE GUIDELINES TO MEASURE EFFECTIVENESS OF DRILLS; TO CREATE THE SCHOOL EMERGENCY RESPONSE MAPPING DATA GRANT PROGRAM WITHIN THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL; TO AUTHORIZE EACH SCHOOL DISTRICT, CHARTER SCHOOL GOVERNING BOARD AND PRIVATE SCHOOL GOVERNING BOARD, IN CONSULTATION WITH LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, TO PROVIDE SCHOOL MAPPING DATA FOR EACH SCHOOL IN THE AREA OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY'S JURISDICTION; TO REQUIRE THE ENTITY PRODUCING THE DATA TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING DATA TO THE SCHOOLS AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY AGENCIES FOR USE IN RESPONSE TO EMERGENCIES; TO PRESCRIBE THE REQUIRED COMPONENTS OF WHAT SCHOOL MAPPING DATA SHOULD ENTAIL; TO REQUIRE THAT UPDATES TO THE SCHOOL MAPPING DATA BE ACCESSIBLE IN SOFTWARE PLATFORMS; TO ESTABLISH THE SCHOOL EMERGENCY RESPONSE MAPPING DATA GRANT PROGRAM IN THE STATE TREASURY; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 37-11-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, FOR THE PURPOSE OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Impact
If enacted, HB 1491 would amend existing school safety regulations and will require every K-12 school to conduct regularly scheduled active shooter drills within specific guidelines. These drills must be designed to be developmentally appropriate, culturally aware, and trauma-informed. Additionally, the bill mandates annual violence prevention training for students in grades 6-12, promoting a well-rounded approach to addressing potential threats. The State Department of Education is tasked with developing a list of evidence-based training programs to assist schools in fulfilling these requirements.
Summary
House Bill 1491, known as the 'Students Safe at School Act,' is aimed at enhancing safety and emergency preparedness in Mississippi schools. The bill establishes comprehensive protocols for active shooter drills, outlines student health and wellness procedures, and mandates violence prevention training. It defines clear terms regarding what constitutes an active shooter drill versus an active shooter simulation, ensuring that simulations should not occur during school hours without proper permissions from parents for high school students. The bill seeks to foster a safer school environment by promoting engagement and feedback from students regarding their safety and preparedness measures.
Contention
One of the notable points of contention surrounding HB 1491 is the provision allowing parents to opt their children out of participation in practice active shooter drills. Critics argue that opting out could limit the effectiveness of safety protocols if not all students participate. Moreover, concerns have been raised about the mental health implications of participating in active shooter simulations or drills, particularly for younger students. Another contentious aspect is the level of detail and frequency with which schools must conduct drills, as some educators may feel that these requirements are burdensome and may detract from instructional time.