STATEHOUSE (Feb. 26, 2023) – Legislation authored by State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) prioritizing student safety by making additional investments into a successful state grant program schools use to beef up security is on its way to the Senate. McNamara’s legislation continues Indiana’s efforts to keep students and educators safe by increasing investments in Secured School Safety Grants. Under her proposal, the state would invest $26 million into matching local school safety grants, and ensure safety plans for public, private and public charter schools meet standards. The bill expands what the grants can be used for, including digital mapping of floor plans that can be shared with first responders, multi-disciplinary threat assessments, and technology to detect fire, chemical, visual and audible threats.“School administrators need to have the flexibility and means to enact quality safety plans for students and staff,” McNamara said. “The safety concerns in schools is always shifting, but this bill will go a long way in ensuring that they have the resources and plans in place that suits their unique needs.” McNamara said the bill would also create a school safety team in every school corporation in Indiana, comprised of safety specialists like law enforcement, school resource officers, counselors and social workers. The group would be tasked with providing guidance to students, staff and teachers along with the updated and individualized plans for their school corporation. The Indiana School Boards Association, the Indiana School Resource Officers Association and the Indiana State Teachers Association support the bill, which passed unanimously.House Bill 1492 now heads to the Senate for further consideration. To learn more or watch legislative proceedings live, visit iga.in.gov.
State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) represents House District 76, which includes all of Posey County and a portion of Vanderburgh County.Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
