Senators unanimously passed two bills being tracked by ASBSD.

 

Senate Bill 89 would require school districts to develop safety plans and conduct lockdown drills.

 

The bill’s main sponsor, Sen. Larry Tidemann, said schools have fire and tornado drills, but this legislation would require them to have a plan in place should a school shooting or similar emergency occur. He referred to the bill as “the best insurance plan” for schools.

 

The bill would make schools subject to cyclical reviews of their safety plans every few years.

 

ASBSD supports SB 89.

 

Senate Bill 70, which requires the person or persons who witnessed the first disclosure or evidence of child abuse are available when the initial report of the abuse is made to authorities, had zero “nay” votes, as well.

 

Sen. Deb Soholt, the bill’s main sponsor, said having the original witness to assist when the initial report of alleged child abuse is recorded assists with the direct accuracy of the information. ASBSD is monitoring the bill.

 

Both bills move across the aisle to the House chamber for review.

 

For updates on SB 89 and 70, check the ASBSD Blog and Bill Tracker page.