Priority school safety bill discussed before legislature reconvenes in February

On Tuesday, the Senate Education Committee met to hear discussion on Senate Bill 1, school safety legislation.

The legislation, sponsored by Senate Education Chair Max Wise, is the result of the work of the legislature’s School Safety Working Group, which has been meeting over the last year. Leaders from both the House and the Senate have expressed the school safety measure is a key priority of both legislative bodies.

According to Wise, the bill’s intent is to establish safer learning environments in schools across Kentucky. Among other things, SB 1 sets a goal of adding more school resource officers and mental health professionals in schools, requires active shooter training for certain school employees, and requires that districts appoint a school safety coordinator.

The committee meeting was informational and no vote was taken. The Senate is expected to move on the bill when the legislature reconvenes for part two of this year’s session next week. The House has also prioritized school safety by making House Bill 1 a companion bill to Senate Bill 1.