U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) Wednesday voted for bipartisan legislation to provide schools with resources for training, technology, and coordination with law enforcement to help identify warning signs, prevent violence, and keep students safe.
“Young Hoosiers are the future of our country, and their schools should be safe places where they can learn, grow, and prepare for bright futures,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “Giving students, teachers, and law enforcement the tools to improve school security, identify warning signs, and stop violence before it occurs is a critical step toward keeping young Americans safe. The STOP School Violence Act will help make our schools safer so our students can focus on what matters most.”
BACKGROUND
The Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing (STOP) School Violence Act (H.R. 4909) creates a grant program to improve school safety and security. It passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 407 to 10.
H.R. 4909 authorizes $50 million annually to train students, school personnel, and law enforcement to identify warning signs and intervene early to prevent violence. The funding would also support school security improvements, threat assessment and crisis intervention efforts, and coordination between schools and local law enforcement.
Student Violence Prevention Training: The bill supports violence prevention training to help local law enforcement, school personnel, and students identify and respond to warning signs.
Technology to Improve School Security: The bill provides funding for school security improvements, including anonymous reporting systems, metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other technology and equipment.
School Threat Assessment and Crisis Intervention Teams: The bill funds school threat assessment and crisis intervention teams to respond to threats before they materialize.
More Coordination with Law Enforcement: The bill provides resources to improve law enforcement coordination efforts, particularly officers who already staff schools.
Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.
