STATEHOUSE (May 7, 2023) – State Rep. Wendy McNamara’s (R-Evansville) legislation significantly expanding a program that’s helped increase security at over 3,000 schools across the state, including in southwest Indiana, is now law.
Currently, public, accredited non-public schools and charter schools can apply for matching grants through Indiana’sSecured School Safety Grant Program to help cover the costs of employing a school resource officer and increasing building security among other items. House Enrolled Act 1492, authored by McNamara this session, significantly expands the list of eligible projects to include digital mapping of school floor plans to help first responders, multi-disciplinary threat assessments, and technology to detect fire, chemical, visual and audible threats.
“The safety of students, teachers and staff continues to be a top priority,” said McNamara, who also serves as a local school administrator. “By significantly expanding this successful grant program, more schools are expected to apply and receive help covering the costs of much-needed technology upgrades. Our newly passed state budget will also boost investments in this program, which will be a game changer for schools both big and small as they address safety concerns.”
Thanks to McNamara’s new law, each of Indiana’s 92 counties will establish a County School Safety Commission, which includes local government officials. The commission will help coordinate efforts and make policy recommendations regarding a variety of school safety topics.
Each public school will also establish a Safe School Committee, which will be responsible for developing and implementing the school safety plan in conjunction with the school safety specialist and local first responders.Â
“We need everyone to be in sync when it comes to responding to an emergency, so quick and appropriate action can be taken,” said McNamara. “This bill ensures we have coordination at every level and we’re regularly updating our plans as needs change.”
Indiana has awarded about $133 million to Hoosier schools since lawmakers first created the Secured School Safety Grant Program in 2013. McNamara said the newly passed state budget increases the annual investment into the fund from $19 million to $24.6 million for the next two years.
In 2023, schools in Vanderburgh County received over $554,000 and Posey County received over $190,000 in school safety grants. For more information about the program and other efforts to increase resources for schools, visit the Indiana School Safety Hub at in.gov/school safety.
