Skip to main content
Image
Front view of the Capitol

Miller-Meeks Introduces Bill to Redirect Unused COVID Funds to Make Schools Safer

June 8, 2022

 

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, June 8th, 2022, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02), a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, introduced H.R. 7979, the Securing Our Schools Act. This legislation would clarify that states have the flexibility to utilize unused State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to be made available for school security measures.

“We need to give schools more resources to keep our students safe. There are currently billions of dollars sitting unused in states around the country,” said Miller-Meeks. “Clarifying states have the flexibility to use relief money to increase security is a commonsense step that would see immediate results. I hope that Congress can act to keep our students safe and responsibly use taxpayer dollars.”

To read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.

Background:

Under this legislation, school security measures mean any of the following:

  • An evidence-based strategy or program to prevent violence, which may include the use of appropriate technologies, including the placement and use of metal detectors and other deterrent measures and emergency notification and response technologies.
  • Training to prevent student violence against others and self, including training for local law enforcement officers, school personnel, and students.
  • The development and operation of an anonymous reporting system for threats of school violence, including a mobile telephone application, hotline, or internet website.
  • The development and operation of
    • a school threat assessment and intervention team that may include coordination with law enforcement agencies and school personnel; and
    • specialized training for school officials in responding to mental health crises.
  • Coordination with local law enforcement agencies.
  • A security assessment.
  • Security training of personnel and students.
  • Acquisition and installation of technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency.
  • Reinforcing or replacing classroom doors, locks, or window panels.
  • Constructing fencing, bollards, planters, curbs, walls, or any other entry control measure to create a single point of entry to the campus.
  • Clearing exterior spaces of foliage or structures to eliminate spaces that could conceal illicit activity, provide access to the building above the first floor, or otherwise aid an intruder.
  • Installing a system to monitor hallways, stairwells, and utility rooms, such as physical inspection or surveillance cameras.
  • Hiring and paying the salaries of qualified individuals, such as retired law enforcement officers or military veterans, to serve as armed school resource officers.

###