Governor Scott Walker signed a school safety bill early Monday that includes $100 million for grants to improve school doors, locks, alarm systems, intercoms and other infrastructure.
Private schools are included, thanks to advocacy by WCRIS, which worked with the governor’s office to shape the legislation.
The law includes the creation of the Office of School Safety within the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ). The new office will require schools to submit blueprints of their buildings to the office for law enforcement use.
The Schools Safety Plan also includes new mandatory reporting requirements. The law includes provisions to change current mandated reporters of child abuse to include the mandatory reporting of school violence threats. Included in the provision is an exemption to the confidentiality laws for mental health professionals.
Under the new law, schools have new requirements when creating their safety plans. These new requirements include the consultation of local law enforcement when creating a safety plan and to conduct on-site assessments. New safety plans must also include emergency plans for after school events and activities.
WCRIS will continue to monitor the execution of the new law, work with the DOJ, and will keep school principals updated about the grant process. Watch Current Events for details in the coming months.
You can find more information here.
